Understanding the adoption process, key organizations, and important terminology to navigate your adoption journey with confidence.
NOTE: The following is a simplified guide to the adoption process. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of information. Please visit www.cara.nic.in for the latest detailed adoption guidelines.
CARA Information: CARA is designated the central authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Adoption Convention, which was ratified by India in 2003.
Understanding the roles of various organizations helps you navigate the adoption process smoothly. These entities work together to ensure the adoption process is smooth and the child's welfare is protected.
The adoption committee consists of:
These organizations handle specific aspects of the adoption process, particularly for passport, visa, and inter-country adoption matters.
Based on application with required documents and court adoption order, the RPO must issue a passport to an adopted child within 10 days of receipt of application. This is in accordance with circulars issued by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding issuing of passports to inter-country adopted children.
Can exempt the issue of exit visa to the adopted child traveling out of the country. This requires a No-Objection Certificate and Conformity Certificate (required only for Hague Convention-ratified countries) and adoption order from competent court.
In inter-country adoption, they facilitate adoptions by liaising with concerned authorities to safeguard children of Indian origin adopted by Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizens of India or foreign parents against neglect, maltreatment, exploitation or abuse.
The local registrar must issue a birth certificate within 5 working days in favor of an adopted child on application filed by the SAA or adoptive parents. Names of adoptive parents and child's date of birth as per court adoption order are incorporated.
Understanding key terms helps you navigate the adoption process with confidence. Here are definitions of important adoption-related terminology:
The fee as prescribed by the authority to be received from prospective adoptive parents directly (if living in India) or through authorized foreign adoption agency in inter-country adoptions.
A child is deemed legally free for adoption when declared as such by the Child Welfare Committee as per the format provided in the guidelines.
Contains details about the child, including date of birth and social background as per the format provided in the guidelines.
Refers to the child not being able to adjust with the adoptive family after placement but prior to the completion of the legal process of adoption.
Refers to the legal annulment of the adoption on account of the child not being able to adjust in the adoptive family after obtaining the court decree for adoption.
The 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Inter-Country Adoption. Provides framework for international adoptions.
Contains details of prospective adoptive parents including social and economic status, family background, home description and atmosphere, and health status as per guidelines.
Refers to adoption of a child by a citizen of India living in the country. Follows domestic adoption procedures and regulations.
An account of the health condition of a child prepared by a duly licensed physician in the format provided in the guidelines.
Issued by the authority permitting the child to be placed for adoption with foreign or overseas citizen of India or non-resident Indian prospective adoptive parents.
Refers to adoptions where prospective adoptive parents are already registered or have accepted child referral before expiry, suspension or withdrawal of recognition of the SAA or child care institution.
The stage when prospective adoptive parents are given temporary custody of a child, till the competent court grants the adoption order.
Refers to a child who is mentally ill or physically challenged or both as specified in the guidelines. Such children may require medical care, external resources, or extra parental care.
For Non-Resident Indians, Overseas Citizens of India, and foreign parents, the adoption process follows specific international guidelines under the Hague Adoption Convention. The process involves coordination between Indian authorities and the prospective parents' home country authorities to ensure the child's welfare and legal protection.
For comprehensive and latest details about the adoption process, visit CARA's official website or contact our adoption experts.
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