The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has launched the theme for Adoption Awareness 2026 with the slogan 'Legal Adoption. Safe Childhood. Secure Future. Say No to Illegal Adoption!' The theme was formally launched by Smt. Bhavna Saxena, CEO of CARA, during a Live Morning Show on DD National on September 1, 2026, marking the beginning of a sustained nationwide awareness initiative to promote legal adoption and prevent illegal adoption practices.
During the program, Smt. Bhavna Saxena emphasized that "adoption is not a shortcut—it is a sacred responsibility" and stressed that through CARA and legally prescribed channels, they safeguard the dignity, rights and future of every orphaned, abandoned or surrendered child. CARA has been undertaking several measures to strengthen awareness, coordination and enforcement against illegal adoption practices, including enhanced coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The awareness campaign will involve year-round outreach activities moving beyond the earlier approach of limiting adoption awareness to the month of November. State/UT-level Adoption Awareness Workshops are being organized from September 2026 onwards, providing a platform for stakeholders to understand the statutory adoption process, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, identify and address illegal adoption practices, and reinforce the principle of the best interest of the child.
The campaign involves a wide range of stakeholders including Women and Child Development Departments, Child Welfare Committees, District Child Protection Units, Specialised Adoption Agencies, Child Care Institutions, Police, Health Departments, Judiciary, Legal Services Authorities, hospitals and nursing homes, medical professionals, ASHA and ANM workers, civil society organizations, media and digital platforms.
As part of this initiative, CARA will organize an Adoption Awareness Workshop in Delhi on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at the Delhi Secretariat, New Delhi in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, Govt. of Delhi and concerned authorities. The workshop will focus on strengthening awareness regarding the legal adoption framework, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, timely reporting of children found separated from guardians, lawful surrender procedures, declaration of children as legally free for adoption, and adherence to prescribed adoption procedures.
The campaign seeks to ensure that prospective adoptive parents and the general public understand that adoption is a legal and child-centric process—not a private arrangement between individuals. Citizens are encouraged to follow only the legally prescribed adoption process through CARA and designated authorities/agencies and to report suspected instances of illegal adoption to competent authorities.