Record Number of Child Adoptions in India in FY 2024-25

India registered a record 4,515 child adoptions in the fiscal year 2024–25—the highest in the past 12 years. This notable increase reflects a shifting mindset in society towards legal adoption and highlights the impact of policy reforms and institutional initiatives that have made the adoption process more streamlined and accessible.

Rise in Adoption Numbers

According to data from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, 4,155 of the total adoptions were domestic, showcasing a growing acceptance of adoption within Indian families. This marks a considerable jump from previous years, indicating enhanced awareness and a change in societal attitudes toward providing homes for orphaned or abandoned children.

Key Role of CARA

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which operates under the Ministry, was instrumental in achieving this milestone. Through an extensive child identification drive, CARA added 8,598 new children to the adoption pool. Moreover, in collaboration with various state governments, it helped set up 245 additional adoption agencies, strengthening the infrastructure needed to support the growing number of adoptions and ensure timely placements.

Training and Outreach Efforts

To support this expansion, CARA launched widespread training and awareness campaigns. These included in-person orientation sessions across 12 states and Union Territories, alongside 45 virtual training modules. The programs were designed to educate stakeholders—ranging from Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members to prospective adoptive parents—on legal procedures, counseling techniques, foster care systems, and overall adoption timelines. These initiatives have contributed to a better-informed and more responsive adoption ecosystem.

Digital Innovations for Efficiency

In a bid to modernize and increase transparency, CARA rolled out several digital solutions. Chief among them was the enhancement of the CARINGS portal, which now facilitates child registration in five distinct categories and automates the matching and referral process multiple times a week. These upgrades have significantly reduced waiting periods and improved the user experience for adoptive families and institutions alike.

Tackling the Demand-Supply Gap

Despite this progress, challenges persist. Current statistics show that approximately 35,549 prospective adoptive parents remain on CARA’s waiting list. This stark disparity between the number of children adopted and the number of willing parents highlights the need for continued focus on identifying more children eligible for adoption and simplifying legal formalities to ensure that no child is left behind.

India’s record-breaking adoption figures in FY 2024–25 underscore the nation’s deepening commitment to child welfare. With sustained support from governmental bodies like CARA and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, India is gradually transforming its adoption landscape. However, to truly bridge the existing gaps, ongoing efforts are crucial—not only to streamline procedures but also to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, loving, and permanent home.

This achievement serves both as a cause for celebration and a reminder of the work still needed to ensure that the rights and futures of vulnerable children are secured through timely and ethical adoption practices.