The process for adoption in India is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Eligibility: To adopt a child in India, you must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child being adopted. You must also be physically, mentally, and emotionally stable to provide a good home for the child.In addition to the basic eligibility criteria mentioned earlier, prospective adoptive parents must also be financially stable and have no serious criminal record. They should not have any life-threatening medical conditions that can affect their ability to parent the child.
- Application: You need to apply for adoption through a registered adoption agency recognized by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). You will need to fill out an application form, provide necessary documents and undergo a home study by a social worker. Prospective adoptive parents must apply for adoption through a recognized adoption agency, which can be either a government or a private agency. The application form must be submitted along with all required documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, income proof, police clearance certificate, and a medical fitness certificate.
- Home Study: Once the application is received, the adoption agency will conduct a home study to assess the prospective adoptive parents’ suitability for adoption. The social worker will visit the home of the adoptive parents to evaluate their living conditions, financial stability, emotional stability, and ability to provide a safe and loving environment for the child.
- Child Referral: After the home study is completed, the adoption agency will match the prospective adoptive parents with a child who is legally free for adoption. The agency will provide information about the child’s medical and social history, and the adoptive parents may have the opportunity to meet the child before accepting the referral.
- Legal Process: Once the adoptive parents accept the referral, the adoption agency will file a petition for adoption in the court. The biological parents of the child will be notified, and their consent will be sought if the child is being given up voluntarily. The court will conduct an inquiry and determine whether the adoption is in the best interest of the child. If the court approves the adoption, the adoptive parents will be issued an adoption order, and they will become the legal parents of the child.
- Follow-Up: After the adoption is finalized, the adoption agency will conduct follow-up visits to ensure that the child is settling well into their new family. The adoptive parents will also need to obtain a new birth certificate for the child with their names listed as the parents.
- It is important to note that the adoption process can take several months or even years to complete, and it can be emotionally and financially challenging for prospective adoptive parents. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with adoption experts and support groups to gain a better understanding of the process and to seek guidance and support throughout the adoption journey.
It is important to note that adoption procedures may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The adoption process can take several months or even years to complete, and it can be emotionally and financially challenging for prospective adoptive parents. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with adoption experts and support groups to gain a better understanding of the process and to seek guidance and support throughout the adoption journey.
