Adoption is a one of the biggest decision of life. It is a
life-changing event for the adoptive parents, the child and for the entire
family. Today, many couples have been considering adoption. With the
ever-evolving process and procedures, adopting a child these days have been far
easy and approachable, unlike past years. With the laws and policies, will
intact, Adoption process and procedures followed in India are set out by the
Central Adoption Resources Agency (CARA) and has a fixed fee rates.
Here is a step-wise guideline about the adoption process and the procedures involved in India.
1. Contacting the
registered adoption placement agencies of the state
Adoptive parents have to contact a Central Adoption Resource Agency
(CRCA) or an Adoption Coordinating Agency (ACA) of the state they reside or in
their home state. Physical and mental fitness, emotional stability and
financial capability are the prerequisites for the prospective adoptive
parents. They have to fill in a detailed form mentioning the
specification of the gender if any, along with submission of the other
necessary supporting documents. The concerned authority does the first
round of counseling to understand the mindsets of the couple.
2. The Home Study
A detailed assessment of the capability of the prospective parents to
take charge of an adopted child follows by way of a home study by a social
worker. The adoption agency prepares a report about the details of the
home study and saves it for future references. It has a validity time.
3. The search for
the right match
The adoption agency finds a suitable child for the family keeping in
view the detailed information and the specification mentioned by the
prospective adoptive parents. The process of matching may take a long
time most of the times.
4. The first meet
of the child and the adoptive parents
The adoption agency then informs the prospective adoptive parents about
the child and shows the child. The agency also furnishes the medical
examination details of the child. The parents have the rights to take the
child for a general health check-up.
5. Placement of the
child into foster care
The prospective parents and the agency sign a foster care agreement and
then the agency hand over the child to the parents. The parents are now
in-charge of the child.
6. Filing of the
petition for adoption
The agency lawyer files an adoption petition in the court on behalf of
the couple, depending on the law under which the adoption will take place.
7. The Adoption
Proceedings
The agency representative and the parents register the adoption deed at
the Registrars as a proof of completion of the adoption.
Besides the above, following the approved legal route, and the
formalities are the only right way. Hence approaching a registered adoption
agency is important. Approaching the unlicensed orphanages or hospitals
or doctors or social workers is illegal and can land the adoptive parents into
a great trouble. A legal declaration of a child for adoption is a
requisite.
But before proceeding, be sure about your
decision on adoption. Also, arm yourself with the information about
the uncertainties that come with adoption.
My book, Over the Rainbow can give you a
glimpse of an adoption journey.
