If you are considering adoption, this article helps you answer five most frequently asked and basic questions around adoption in India.
There have been many changes in the legalities involved in adoption in India, most of them applaud-worthy, and some still under debate. One of the most noteworthy changes is that adoption has become a “democratic” process, in the sense that the whole system is now online and a “waiting list” is put in place. Now parents are no longer at the mercy of individual adoption agencies. Rather, the whole process has become much more transparent.
The downside, however, is that the adoption agencies are no longer the “match-makers” between the child and the parents. They have become mere care givers. While this has its benefits, it works against adoption of kids who have disabilities, older kids and siblings. Activists fear that the new laws do nothing to assure or safeguard these kids’ adoption. (Read more about adopting a special child here: Adopting a Special Child – Mental, Financial and Social Challenges)
Another noteworthy change in the law is that marital status is not a criteria any more, that is, single parents can also adopt (however, a single male cannot adopt a girl child).
However, a male is not allowed to adopt a girl child, and the age difference between the adoptive parents and the adopted child should not be less than 25 years.
For more details, refer to When Adoption Is A Good Option For You and Legalities Related to Adoption and Your Preferences
A child needs to be “legally free” to be adopted. When any agency receives an abandoned child, the District Child Protection Unit puts up an alert with the child’s photograph and particulars in a state-wide newspaper. They also need to get the local police to trace this child’s parents. Only if the police gives a report that states that the parents of the child are “non-traceable”, will the Child Welfare Committee declares the child is legally free and can be adopted.
Adoption in India is taken care by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). If you decide to adopt a child (Check Your Readiness For Adoption):
The entire process will take few months to complete.
While parents cannot ask for a specific child, they can very well give their preferences, such as:
However, keep in mind that more specifics you give, more difficult it will be to match a child for you as the conditions brings down the pool of kids available for adoption.
Adoption is a big step for you and for your family. Apart from the information above, we hope the following resources also help you in taking a call.
K
kj
Jun 25, 2017
how long does it take for adoption.thanks
K
kj
Jun 25, 2017
how long does it take for adoption.thanks
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