CARA Issues Directive for Secure Preservation of Adoption Records
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued a crucial directive to all states and Union Territories, mandating the secure preservation and transfer of adoption records. This move comes in response to significant difficulties faced by adult adoptees who are attempting to trace their origins through the "root search" process established under the Adoption Regulations of 2022.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Record Availability
In an official memorandum, CARA has highlighted that numerous issues have emerged when older adoptees approach relevant authorities for root searches as outlined in Regulation 47(2) of the Adoption Regulations, 2022. The authority has noted with concern that in many instances, the necessary records are simply unavailable with the concerned institutions.
The problem has become particularly acute in cases where Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) or Child Care Institutions (CCIs) have been closed, de-registered, merged, or had their functions transferred to other organizations. Such institutional changes have frequently led to the loss or misplacement of vital adoption records, creating substantial obstacles for adoptees seeking information about their biological origins.
Mandatory Record Preservation Requirements
CARA Member Secretary and CEO Bhavna Saxena has emphasized in the memorandum that the obligation to maintain, preserve, and safeguard records of children and adoptees must continue regardless of the operational status of the SAA or CCI. This represents a significant policy clarification regarding the safekeeping, maintenance, and transfer of records for future reference and root search purposes.
The authority has specifically instructed states and Union Territories to ensure that all physical and digital records are securely preserved and transferred to designated authorities or institutions. Furthermore, appropriate arrangements must be made for the long-term safekeeping of these records to facilitate root searches by older adoptees in the future.
Ensuring Uniform Implementation Across India
To guarantee consistency in implementation nationwide, CARA has outlined specific requirements:
- Secure preservation of both physical and digital adoption records
- Proper transfer of records to designated authorities when institutions change status
- Establishment of long-term safekeeping arrangements
- Prevention of denial or obstruction of root search access to older adoptees
- Protection of access rights for all lawful stakeholders
The memorandum explicitly states that "safekeeping, maintenance, or lawful transfer of such records, to prevent denial or obstruction of root search or access to records by older adoptees or other lawful stakeholders should be strictly ensured." This directive represents a significant step toward protecting the rights of adult adoptees who wish to understand their personal histories and biological backgrounds.
This policy clarification comes at a critical time when more adult adoptees are seeking information about their origins, and institutional changes have created gaps in record availability. By establishing clear guidelines for record preservation and transfer, CARA aims to create a more reliable system that respects the rights and needs of adoptees throughout their lives.
