How to Adopt a Baby From India

Those wishing to adopt a baby from India must follow guidelines of the Central Adoption Resource Authority.

You can adopt a baby from India through the programs and guidelines of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The adoption process varies based on whether or not the adoptive parent(s) are in India, foreigners or a non-resident Indian (NRI). International adoptions from India are made possible by the Hague Adoption Convention, and though the matches are made in India, the adoption is completed based on the laws of the locality in which you start the adoption. Total costs for intercountry adoptions are approximately $25,000 and could take up to three years.

Instructions

1. Register with an Enlisted Foreign Adoption Agency (EFAA), Regional Indian Placement Agency (RIPA) or approved adoption coordinating agency. Fill out all required paperwork, including what preferences you have for a child. Some preferences include gender, skin color, age and religion.

2. Establish eligibility to adopt through the agency's application process. Eligibility is determined by religion, age, medical health, marital status and financial stability. You can qualify under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 or the Guardian and Wards Act of 1890. For full details of each, see the link provided.

3. Accept a referral for a child. The referral will come from CARA based on the preferences you specified upon registration.

4. Apply for the child to become eligibility for immigration. Once the application is provisionally approved, you can proceed with and finalize the adoption process in India. Upon approval, a visa will be issued for the child.

5. Fly to India to finalize paperwork. You should allow approximately one week after arriving in India for all the papers to be processed.

6. Bring the child home with you. Work with the agency you selected earlier or hire a lawyer to finalize the adoption process in your home country.

References

• Central Adoption Resource Authority: Procedure For Inter-Country Adoption
• U.S. Department of State: Office of Children's Issues: Intercountry Adoption: Hague Adoption Process

Resources

• Journeys of the Heart: India Adoption
• Ministry of Women & Child Development: Guardians and Wards Act of 1890
• Government of Punjab: Department of Revenue
• Dillion International: Non-Resident Indian Adoption Program