These directions are given to State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (amended 2021) and in line with Adoption Regulations, 2022.

Key Directions given to SARAs:

• Reinforce psychosocial support framework for all key stakeholders prospective adoptive parents (PAPs), adopted children, and biological parents.
• SARAs instructed to designate/ empanel qualified counsellors at District and State Levels.
• Provisions for psychosocial intervention in any other circumstances as assessed by the Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) or District Child Protection Units (DCPUs).

Child adoption In India

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development
• Primary legislation: Adoption in India is governed by the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2000.
• Nodal Central Agency: Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), established under the JJ Act, regulates domestic and intercountry adoptions.
• Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (1993) ensures ethical, legal, and transparent international adoptions while preventing child trafficking.
• Responsibility of States/UTs: states and UTs implement the JJ Act through institutions like 
  • State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA) 
  • local Child Welfare Committees 
  • District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)