CARA is a statutory body under Ministry of Women and Child Development. It was established in 2015 under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
It functions as a nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoption (as per the provisions of the Hague Convention 1993 or Inter-country adoptions 1993 ratified by India in 2003).
It interacts with State Governments and UT Administrations through regular training and orientation programmes as well as meetings, consultations and visits to the States/UTs.
It ensures adoption of children as per Adoption Regulations, 2017.
