New Delhi
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has clarified that adoptive parents do not need hard copies of adoption orders, as digitally certified copies sent via email are legally valid under current adoption rules. This clarification was issued to all states, Union Territories, Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs), and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) to address confusion regarding Regulation 13(8) of the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
The regulation outlines how adoption orders should be delivered to adoptive families. Some agencies were reportedly unsure whether emailed orders were acceptable, causing delays and confusion in finalising adoptions.
According to the rules, a certified adoption order, approved by the District Magistrate's office, must be collected by the SAA through the DCPU. This order must then be emailed to the adoptive parents within 10 days and uploaded on the designated government portal.
CARA explained that the term certified copy refers to a digitally verified version bearing official authentication, not a printed or physical copy. Such digitally sent and authenticated documents fully meet the requirements of the regulation.
In its advisory, CARA also urged agencies and protection units to work together at the district level to solve any issues they face in processing or forwarding certified digital copies. The aim is to maintain consistency in adoption procedures across the country and to ensure smooth, timely transitions for adoptive families without unnecessary delays or paperwork.