Adopting a child in India sounds like an easy task in the first instance but in reality, it isn’t. There are a lot of rules and regulations which govern the adoption of a child to make sure that the children get the right treatment and aren’t abused in any way. Most parents who plan on adopting a kid have no idea about these complexities. That’s why we have decided to help!
In this blog, Helplocal will tell you everything you need to know before adopting a child in India. From eligibility criteria to the step-by-step process, we have covered all the major aspects involved in child adoption in India. We have also prepared a list of the best non-profit NGOs for child adoption.
Let us first get a clear understanding of eligibility criteria for child adoption in India:
Eligibility of child adoption in India
The child adoption process in India is monitored by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). According to them, adoption means the process through which the adopted child becomes the lawful child of his adoptive parents with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities that are attached to a biological child.
CARA has established a set of eligibility rules for child adoption in India. The following are those rules:
- A child in India can be adopted by an Indian citizen, NRI, or a foreign citizen. The procedure of adoption is different for all three.
- Any person is eligible to adopt irrespective of their gender or marital status.
- In case a couple is adopting a child, they should have completed at least two years of stable marriage and should have a joint consensus for the adoption of the child.
- The age difference between the child and the adoptive parents should not be less than 25 years.
- No child shall be given in adoption to a couple unless they have at least two years of a stable marital relationship.
- A single female is eligible to adopt a child of any gender.
- A single male person shall not be eligible to adopt a girl child.
Options in child adoption
Apart from the parents, a child also has to meet a set of requirements in order to complete the adoption process in India. The Central Government of India has prepared some adoption guidelines for a child. Here are those guidelines:
- Any orphan, abandoned, or surrendered child is legally eligible for adoption.
- A child without a legal parent or a guardian or the parents not capable of taking care of him anymore is declared an orphan.
- A child is considered abandoned on being deserted or unaccompanied by parents or a guardian.
- A child is considered legally free for adoption only after the police have given a report stating that the parents of the child are non-traceable.
Conditions for foster parents
The following are the conditions to be fulfilled by the parents who plan to adopt in India:
- The prospective adoptive parents need to be physically, emotionally, and mentally stable.
- They should be financially stable.
- The prospective parents should not be suffering from any life-threatening diseases.
- Couples with three or more kids are not considered for adoption except in the case of special-needs children.
- A single female can adopt a child of any gender. However, a single male is not eligible to adopt a girl child.
- A single parent cannot adopt a child over 55 years of age.
- A couple cannot have a combined age of more than 110 years.
- The age of the parents as on the date of registration should be as per CARA guidelines in order to be eligible for adoption.
DIY Steps to adopting a child in India
As we said earlier, the adoption process in India isn’t really quick, especially for NRIs. But for most couples adopting domestically, the process is not nearly as daunting or expensive, or time-consuming as they expect. They just have to complete a process to get a legal authority for the adopted child in India.
Since many of you are new to this adopting procedure, we have decided to break it down into the step-by-step process. Here are the steps for adopting a child in India:
#1 Registration
The first step for prospective adoptive parents is to register with an authorized agency in India. You can either go with Recognised Indian Placement Agencies (RIPA) or Special Adoption Agency (SPA) to make a registration for child adoption in India.
Visit one of these adoption agencies and ask them about the child adoption process. Their social worker will explain the process and take you through the formalities, paperwork, and general preparation required for the registration.
#2 Home counseling
A social worker from the agency will visit the home of parents in order to do a home study. He will also ask you to attend counseling sessions to understand the motivation, preparation, strengths, and weaknesses of you and your other half.
According to CARA guidelines, this process has to be completed within three months before the date of registration. The conclusion from the home study and counseling concourses is then reported to the honorable court.
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#3 Referral of the child
The agency will intimate you whenever there is a child ready for adoption. It will share the medical reports, physical examination, and other relevant information. You and your partner being parents will also be given some time to spend with the child in order to make him comfortable.
#4 Acceptance of the child
Once you and your partner are comfortable with the child, both of you have to sign documents pertaining to the acceptance of the child. This step is important for the organization as it lets them know that the prospective adoptive parents are willing and happy to adopt a child in India with no problem.
#5 Filing of petition
Once you are done with the paperwork, all the necessary documents are submitted to the lawyer in order to prepare a petition to represent in the court. When the petition gets ready, you and your partner have to visit the court in order to sign the appeal in front of a court officer.
#6 Pre-adoption foster care
Once you and your spouse sign the petition in court, both of you are supposed to take the child to a pre-adoption foster care center. There, you will understand the behavior and habits of your adopted child from the nursing staff. Learning about them will help you and your spouse get a better understanding of your child.
#7 Court hearing
This step asks you and your partner to attend the court with your child. The hearing will be held in a closed room with the judge. He will ask you some questions regarding parenting and the child (of course). He will also mention the amount which needs to be invested in the name of the child.
#8 Court order
Once the receipt of investment made is shown, the judge shall pass the adoption orders. We consider this process to be important in the child adoption process as it shows the couple is financially strong and can invest for the better welfare of the child.
#9 Follow up
Post completion of the adoption, the agency needs to submit follow-up reports to the court on the child’s well-being. This process will proceed for 1-2 years. Follow up will let the court know that the adopted kid is mentally and physically happy with his/her new parents.
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Above are the steps involved in the adoption of a child in India. By following these rules, you can legally adopt a kid and officially become a parent. Remember, the rules for adoption are the same all across India but a few rules might differ from state to state.
Best NGOs for child adoption India
In case you are looking forward to adopting a child from the non-profit organizations in India, we have listed the best ones for you! Here are the names of the best child-welfare NGOs for adopting child legally in India:
#1 Children of the World India Trust
One of the best non-profit NGOs known for child welfare and adoption not only in India but also the entire world. Children of the World India Trust has been active since 1982. Located in Mumbai, this trusted adoption organization has helped hundreds of abandoned and poor children reach their parents to date.
Address: 401, Arun Chambers, 4th Floor, Tardeo, Mumbai – 400034,
Maharashtra, India.
Contact: 91-022-23520249
Email: cwb@bom5.vsnl.net.in
#2 Vathsalya Charitable Trust
Another non-profit child adaptive center that is popular for its good deeds in India. Vathsalya Charitable Trust was established in 1988 and is located in the heart of Bangalore, India. This NGO has aided the adoption of over 800 children in families since its establishment.
Address: No 717, 5th Cross HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore, Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, 560043
Email: vathsalya1988@gmail.com
Contact: + 91 80 2545 7360
#3 Asansol Burdwan Seva Kendra(ABSK)
When it comes to helping children find their parents, Asansol Burdwan Seva Kendra (ABSK) is perceived no less than the aforementioned NGOs of India. Founded in 1998, this non-profit organization has helped a lot of children find their reliable houses in our country. Located in West Bengal, India, Asansol Burdwan Seva Kendra is also registered under J.J Amendment Act 2006.
Address: B.B. Ghosh Road, Tentultola, Burdwan- 713101 (W.B)
Contact: 09434391404
Email: director@absk.org.in
Child adoption in western countries
Child adoption is more streamlined in developing countries like the United States and the United Kingdom in comparison to India. Most adoptions are either because the parents are unable to have their own child or because they want to support and give a new life to children living without the support system of real parents.
Have a look at this couple that adopted 38 children!
Child adoption and support in India
Adoption allows couples and single adults to share their life with a child and enjoy the unique experience of parenthood. It also builds rewarding, meaning relationships between adoptive families and abandoned children.
In case you wish to support underprivileged children without adopting them, then, we highly recommend connecting with NGOs near you that are working to eradicate problems that children most struggle with:
Indian NGOs working on child education
Indian NGOs working on malnutrition
Browse more local NGOs of India to connect with non profits working near you.
Got any queries to ask regarding adopting a child in India? Send them at hello@helplocal.in and have them answered by our social activists.
