India’s adoption system by law is quite complex and long-drawn. It is never easy to go through legal channels in India and adoption is always tricky. You are embarking on a complex emotional ride when you think of adopting a child.

Most NGOs running adoption centers are not as transparent, asking for huge sums of money in name of donation and they are not afraid to ask it upfront.

How it works?

1. Adoption rules vary from state to state. Check with your state unit called State Adoption Resource Authority (SARA). They come under CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) a statutory body of the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. It functions as the nodal body for the adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions.)
2. Adoption is a lengthy process and is taxing with the minimum wait time being 2 yrs.

3) Once you are done with the registration, there are background checks and home study. In-home study, you and your spouse fill up personal forms which are details about your education, family details, and the reason why you are wanting to adopt. Based on where you are placed, the study will take place within 2 months of your registration.

4) Documents required for adoption process –

• Current family photograph/ photograph of the couple or person adopting a child
• PAN Card of the prospective adoptive parents
• Birth certificate/Proof of date of birth of the prospective adoptive parents
• Proof of residence (aadhar card/ voter card/ passport/current electricity bill/telephone bill)
• Proof of income of last year (salary slip/income certificate issued by Govt. department/income tax return)
• Certificate from a medical practitioner certifying that the prospective adoptive parents do not suffer from any chronic, contagious or fatal disease and they are fit to adopt (In case of married couple, upload Medical Certificate of both the applicants)
• Medical tests needed –

You could visit a medical practioner or get a medical certificate online. Medical certificates in both cases would be valid unless specified by the adoption agency. Understanding the validity of medical certificates and getting a medical certificate is a lengthy process. Ideally get a medical certificate online as it saves you time and effort.

• Marriage Certificate

• Two reference letters from acquaintances or relatives in support of adoption

5. With all the details shared and the home study done, you wait for the child.
6. The adoption authorities diligently match your child based on your preferences (gender, age, health). Note – Only once child will be shown to you and if you agree, the legal proceedings will be kickstarted, If you pass on the same, a new child will be shown across after a gap of 90 days.

Yes, this will be a taxing process but you can always reach out to your SARA/CARA volunteer and they are helpful to guide you with most of your queries.