Steps and Guidelines

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If you want to adopt a baby in India, here are the steps and guidelines to follow:

1. Eligibility Criteria for Adoption

  • For Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs):

Age:

  • For a child under 4 years: Combined age of married couple should not exceed 90 years; neither parent should be older than 45 years.
  • For a child between 4-8 years: Combined age should not exceed 100 years; neither parent should be older than 50 years.
  • For a child above 8 years: Combined age should not exceed 110 years; neither parent should be older than 55 years.
  • For single parents: Age limit is 25-55 years (maximum).

Marital Status:

  • A single female can adopt a child of any gender.
  • A single male can only adopt a male child.

Health and Financial Stability:

  • PAPs must be physically, mentally, and financially stable to care for the child.

Other Criteria:

  • A minimum of two years of stable marital life for couples.
  • Must not have more than three children unless adopting a special-needs child.

2. Registration with CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority)

  • Visit the CARA website (www.cara.nic.in) and register as a prospective adoptive parent.
  • Submit the required documents, including ID proofs, address proof, income statements, medical certificates, and photographs.

3. Home Study Report (HSR)

  • After registration, an authorized social worker will visit your home to assess your living conditions, motivation, and preparedness for adoption.
  • The HSR is valid for three years.

4. Matching and Referral Process

  • Based on your preferences (age, gender, etc.), CARA will match you with a child.
  • You will receive a child referral, including medical and background information about the child.
  • You must accept or reject the referral within 48 hours.

5. Pre-Adoption Foster Care

  • Once you accept the referral, you can take the child into pre-adoption foster care after filing an application with the district court.

6. Legal Procedures

  • File an adoption petition in the competent court.
  • Attend the court hearing to ensure legal formalities are completed.
  • Obtain the adoption order from the court.

7. Post-Adoption Follow-Up

  • Agencies conduct follow-ups to ensure the child’s well-being. These follow-ups typically occur for two years after adoption.

Documents Required

  • Proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
  • Proof of residence (utility bills, rent agreement, etc.)
  • Income statements (salary slips, bank statements, etc.)
  • Marriage certificate (for couples)
  • Medical fitness certificate
  • Passport-sized photographs

Points to Remember

  • Adopt only through authorized adoption agencies registered with CARA.
  • Illegal adoptions or private agreements are punishable under Indian law.
  • Be patient, as the adoption process can take time due to thorough checks and legal formalities.
  • For more details, consult the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the CARA guidelines.
  • Fast-tracking an adoption application in India is possible by ensuring compliance with legal procedures, timely submission of documents, and maintaining proactive communication. Here are steps to expedite the process:

1. Choose the Right Adoption Agency

  • Register with a Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA) approved by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
  • Avoid unregistered agencies, as they can cause delays or legal complications.

2. Ensure All Documents Are Complete and Accurate

  • Submit all required documents promptly and accurately during registration. These include:

Proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, passport)

Address proof (utility bills, rent agreement, etc.)

Income proof (salary slips, tax returns)

Medical certificates

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Passport-sized photos

  • Incomplete or incorrect documents can delay the process.

3. Promptly Complete the Home Study Report (HSR)

  • Cooperate with the social worker assigned to conduct the Home Study Report.
  • Ensure your home environment meets adoption readiness standards.
  • Respond quickly to requests for additional information or clarifications.

4. Specify Clear Preferences

  • Clearly state your preferences (age, gender, health condition of the child) while registering on the CARA portal.
  • Flexible preferences, such as willingness to adopt an older child or a child with special needs, can reduce waiting time.

5. Monitor Your CARA Account Regularly

  • Log in to your CARA account frequently to check updates and respond to referrals promptly.
  • Accept or reject a child referral within the stipulated 48 hours to avoid delays.

6. Follow Up with the Adoption Agency and Authorities

  • Maintain regular communication with your SAA to stay updated on your application status.
  • Politely but consistently follow up on any pending tasks or documents.

7. Engage a Legal Professional

  • Hire a lawyer experienced in adoption cases to streamline the court process and ensure timely filing of the adoption petition.

8. File Court Proceedings Quickly

  • After accepting the referral, promptly file the adoption petition in the district court.
  • Attend court hearings and submit required documents without delay.

9. Consider Special Needs Adoption

  • Children with special needs or older children often face fewer applications, leading to shorter waiting times.

10. Utilize the Grievance Redressal Mechanism

  • If you face unnecessary delays or lack of updates, use CARA’s grievance redressal system by contacting:

Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-1311

Email: carahdesk.wcd@nic.in

File a grievance on the CARA portal.

Final Note

While it is important to streamline the process, adoption involves thorough checks to ensure the child’s welfare. Patience and adherence to legal processes are crucial for a smooth and ethical adoption.