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Lot of people have reached out about the process for adopting children. Several have reached out for clarifications. Hence, the thread about basic facts, legal position and the process.
1. Who Can Be Adopted?
1. Who Can Be Adopted?
-Any child (<18y) who is orphan i.e. is without parents or guardians unwilling to take care, a surrendered child i.e. who has been relinquished by parent or guardian because of their circumstances, & an abandoned child i.e. who has been deserted by his/her parents or guardians
2. Who Can Adopt A Child?
--
a. Anyone who is physically, financially, and mentally fit whether related or unrelated to child
b. In the case of couple, consent of both the spouses is mandatory
c. A single or divorced person can adopt
Note: Single male cannot adopt girl child
--
a. Anyone who is physically, financially, and mentally fit whether related or unrelated to child
b. In the case of couple, consent of both the spouses is mandatory
c. A single or divorced person can adopt
Note: Single male cannot adopt girl child
3. What to do if you are interested in adoption?
Register online on the CARINGS portal of Central Adoption Resource Authority ( @CARAWCD : http://cara.nic.in/ )
You may call their Toll Free Help Line No: 1800-11-1311
or email at carahdesk[dot]wcd[at]nic[dot]in
Register online on the CARINGS portal of Central Adoption Resource Authority ( @CARAWCD : http://cara.nic.in/ )
You may call their Toll Free Help Line No: 1800-11-1311
or email at carahdesk[dot]wcd[at]nic[dot]in
4. Can the Children Be Adopted By Step-Parent or Relatives?
Yes
Child of spouse from earlier marriage can be adopted by step-parent if biological parent surrenders/dies
One can also adopt a child of relative (paternal/maternal uncle or aunt, paternal/maternal grandparents)
Yes
Child of spouse from earlier marriage can be adopted by step-parent if biological parent surrenders/dies
One can also adopt a child of relative (paternal/maternal uncle or aunt, paternal/maternal grandparents)
5. What is the process followed for adoption?
When authorities receive information of child's parental loss, surrender or abandonment, he/she is produced before Child Welfare Committee (CWCs), the statutory bodies of the Government. You can produce the child before them too
When authorities receive information of child's parental loss, surrender or abandonment, he/she is produced before Child Welfare Committee (CWCs), the statutory bodies of the Government. You can produce the child before them too
Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) then provides two months’ time to parent(s)/guardian(s) for reconsideration. When parents are unknown, every effort is made to trace them
During these 2 months, the CWC may allow the child to be with the parent(s)/ guardian(s) or in Children Home
During these 2 months, the CWC may allow the child to be with the parent(s)/ guardian(s) or in Children Home
Thereafter, depending upon circumstances, the Child Welfare Committee may declare the child 'legally
free for adoption'.
Remember, no child can be adopted unless a child has been declared “legally free” for adoption by the district Child Welfare Committees.
free for adoption'.
Remember, no child can be adopted unless a child has been declared “legally free” for adoption by the district Child Welfare Committees.
Source: A resource book created by Haq: Center for Child Rights, an NGO working in this field.
