Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Adoption still a long wait for special children


Express News Service

November 2009

(Source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/48/20091110/804/tnl-adoption-still-a-long-wait-for-speci.html )

To sensitise people to the issue of adopting children with special needs, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Cycle Pratishthan will conduct a bicycle rally in the city on November 8.

The numbers have been increasing over the years of people wanting to adopt children, but there are very few who want to take care of a child with special needs. While the Society of Friends of Sassoon Hospital (SOFOSH) has planned a series of events to highlight the problem during the Adoption week (November 14-21), Madhuri Abhyankar, Director at SOFOSH admits that there are 28 children who are mentally challenged and with special needs who have not been placed for adoption yet. On the other hand, over the past year there has been an increase in the number of people who have adopted children from their centre.

Seventy one children were adopted in 2004, 76 in 2005, 97 in 2006, 81 in 2007 and 69 in 2008. This year nine NRI couples have adopted children and five are foreigners.

It is also not infertility that is among the primary reason for adoption of children. Says B V Sivaramakrishna, ''My daughter who stays in USA has adopted a 13-month-old baby girl from SOFOSH. She is only 33 but decided to first adopt a child before planning her own,''says the Sivaramakrishna.

For Dr Sonali Pingale, adopting her 'first' child never really posed a problem. ''There was a lot of paper work and several questions that were asked about the financial and emotional well being of the adopted child.

But two years after she adopted a girl child, Pingale even went ahead and had a biological child so that the children can grow up as siblings and 'we can be a large family', she smiles. A child who has been adopted told The Indian Express on the condition of anonymity that it does take a while to accept that he or she has been adopted. ''Our lives are complicated but parents assure us of their love and trust,''says an 18-year-old girl who has been adopted.

Pingale will be among several parents who have adopted children with special needs and will narrate their experiences at a function to be conducted by SOFOSH at the IMA hall at Tilak Road.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

To be a part of our group.......!

Hi,

If you would like to be part of P.G.C.A.I, then you are most welcome to join our e-group http://groups.google.com/group/child-adoption-in-india
You can view the previous discussions here at: http://groups.google.com/group/child-adoption-in-india/topics?hl=en. You can find here common queries related to Adoption, discussion on issues related to Adoption, Articles and News items related to Adoption etc.

We have around 270 members in the e-group and we are looking for participation from more people.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Adoption - Alternative Parenthood

Parenthood is parenthood, no matter by what mode it is achieved. Becoming parents biologically or by adoption are two unique experiences. The process of adoption might take one through a gamut of emotions ranging from intense hurt and grief to inexpressible joy. Coping with these feelings is a difficult task and a challenge that must be met. A successful adoption needs open communication, acceptance, and a supportive environment in which one can discuss adopting a child as a viable alternative means of achieving parenthood. The decision to adopt is fraught with many apprehensions. As a 'childless' couple, it may be extremely hard to decide to accept an unrelated child into your family.

At the same time, you might be experiencing a craving for parenthood to fill what you perceive as a void in your lives. A common reason that might lead a couple to consider adoption is their involuntary childlessness - a condition that gives rise to a complex of emotions for the two individuals involved. These emotions have their roots in the fundamental human need and desire for parenthood. Other motivation to adopt could be a desire to give a home to a child who needs one, wanting a child of the other sex, advanced age and the possibility of genetic problems in one's biological child.

Infertility is most often seen only as a medical problem, but such a viewpoint overlooks the emotional and psychosocial aspects, which are probably more important to the couple. Most couples simply assume that conceiving, childbearing and giving birth are matters of choice and an inevitable outcome of a marriage. Hence, an inability to conceive or to take a pregnancy to full term is an unexpected and traumatic shock.

Parenthood is thought of as an integral stage in life that goes hand in hand with being married. When you cannot have biological children, and when you think you might miss out on the experience of parenting, you may experience a void in your life.

The hardest part of being infertile is coming to terms with the fact that there is some physical problem which is coming in the way of childbearing and that no amount of medical intervention can successfully change this. This realisation may lead to feelings of loss, inadequacy and low self esteem in some parents. One might experience denial, guilt, depression, frustration and a sense of helplessness. In the Indian context, infertility has negative connotations. Particularly among traditional society and lower socio-economic groups, a woman who does not produce biological children faces social ostracism; threats of divorce, and the husband are pressured to remarry. Infertility shows that in 40% of the cases the man is the cause, in another 40% it is the woman, and the couple share the problem in the remaining 20%. Still ignorance leads society to most often hold the woman responsible for childlessness.

When a couple resolves their crisis of infertility only then can they channel their energy into deciding to adopt a child. A way to resolve this crisis is for one to view and accept childlessness or infertility as a shared loss. Doing so will let you look ahead and explore your alternatives constructively. Articulating your feelings and discussing the issues facilitates the process of acceptance. Before one decides to adopt, you must resolve satisfactorily all the issues relating to your infertility as a couple. If not, there is the risk that your adopted child will be a constant reminder of your own inability to have biological children. But by reframing or redefining the problem one can find an alternative mode of achieving parenthood - namely ADOPTION.

Source: http://www.indiadoption.com/

Deciding the child

"Adoption is when a child grew in its mommy's heart instead of her tummy."

The process of deciding which child to adopt is termed as "choosing". This does not mean that the couple chooses one child & rejects the other. An adoptive parent should always think that even the biological child is not exactly of anybody's expectation. The choosing process may turn out to be emotionally traumatic for a child. An adoptive parent may select a child who is fairly normal, healthy, with remedial & treatable medical problems.

Looking at the Indian Socio-cultural context, the adoptive agencies try to provide as much support as they can for the sake of the adopted child's acceptance & integration into the family.

During the Home Study process, an adoptive parent may discuss with the social worker a profile of the child that they have in mind. The social worker tries her best to locate a baby that matches the expectations.

Adoptive parents should always keep in mind that children in adoption centers may not be the bouncing, bonny babies. They may have born underweight as a result of poor pre-natal care, malnutrition & undernourishment of the biological mother. With proper care & love, the child soon blossoms into good health.

Agencies normally do a complete medical screening of the baby before refering to the parents. The adoptive parents are recommended to visit their own pediatrician to reassure themselves that the baby has no congenital or medical problems.

source: http://www.indiadoption.com/

Some FAQs About Adoption

1. How do children come to the Placement Agencies?

Many children are abandoned in the hospitals or in the street corners for various reasons. These children are referred to as "abandoned children", whereas in certain cases, the mother surrenders her child due to various reasons. In these cases, the child is referred to as "surrendered child". Any placement agency will have both the abandoned or surrendered children. In the case of surrender of a child, the parents willing to surrender should execute a document as Free Will under no compulsion to surrender the child. The surrendered document is executed on a stamped paper in the presence of two responsible witnesses. In the case of a destitute and abandoned child, special courts called Juvenile Welfare Board or Child
Welfare Committee have to give its clearance that the child is legally free for adoption. Only after getting the clearance from the Juvenile Welfare Board, destitute and abandoned children could be adopted.

2. Can I as a foreigner, adopt an Indian child?

Yes. But you have to follow procedures laid down in Guidelines for Adoption from India 2006.

3. Who may be adopted?

Any child, who has not been already adopted, can be adopted.

4. What is NOC?

NOC is a “No Objection Certificate" issued by Central Adoption Resource Agency for a child to be placed in Inter-country adoption with a particular parent / parents.

5. How long does it take for a NOC to be issued? Is there any fee for it?

If all papers are in order and complete, it will not take more than 10 – 15 days to issue a NOC. There are no fees chargeable for it.

6. Where can I know the status of my child’s NOC?

You can approach the Indian Placement Agency from where you have accepted the Child.

7. How much do I have to pay for adopting a child?

No fee is charged for giving a child in adoption. However, you may have to pay a nominal sum, which the licensed agency might have incurred, for keeping the child in their institution. However, this fee also will be fixed by the Court of Law.

8. How much time will it take for me to adopt a baby?

In order to have a full-fledged legal adoption, there are certain procedures to be followed that have been detailed under the heading "The Procedures". These procedures may take up at least 3 months till you finally bring your baby home.

source: http://www.indiadoption.com/

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Objectives of our group (P.G.C.A.I)

Objectives of the group:

1) To promote Child Adoption in India to ensure that every child gets a home, who has no one to look after, with focus on domestic adoptions.

2) To build a people based platform at national level to bring together parents who have adopted a child, people who are willing to adopt a child, and anyone who is willing to spread awareness regarding Child Adoption in India.

3) To act as an interface between the common man and government bodies, adoption agencies, NGOs related to child adoption and media with reference to Child Adoption.

4) To work in close association with adoption agencies to ensure making the whole process of adoption more transparent.

5) To work on modifying the laws related to adoption to help more orphan children become legally eligible for adoption.

6) To enable a database of the prospective adoptive parents across India and to help them in the process of adoption, especially with regard to adoption procedures and pre-adoption counseling.

7) To enable implementation of adoption leave across different companies in the private sector in India.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Adoption Agencies in India

MAHARASHTRA

1. Asha Sadan
Asha Sadan Marg
Umarkhadi
Chinch Bandar
Mumbai - 400 009.
Tel.: 2371 54 77 / 2374 0397

2. Bal Vikas
Valentine Complex
Off General ArunKumar Vaidya Marg
Malad (East), Mumbai - 400 097.
Tel.: 2838 5527

3. Bal Asha Trust
Anand Niketan, E. Moses Road
Mahalaxmi, Mumbai - 400 011
Tel.: 2492 6526

4. Bal Anand World Children Welfare Trust
Sai Krupa
93, Ghatla Village
Chembur, Mumbai - 400 071
Tel.: 2556 8395 / 2556 6362

5. Children of the World Trust (India)
401, Arun Chambers
5th Floor, Tardeo, Mumbai - 400 034
Tel.: 2352 0249

6. Family Service Centre
Eucharistic Congress Building
No.3, No.5 Convent Street
Mumbai - 400 001
Tel.: 2202 14 32 / 2282 88 62

7. Indian Association for Promotion of Adoption and Child Welfare
Kanara House
Room No.7 Ground Floor, Mogal Lane
Matunga (West), Mumbai - 400 016
Tel.: 2430 70 76 / 2437 49 38

8. Janani Ashish Charitable Trust
P-37, MIDC Residential Zone
Opp. Dombivali Gymkhana
Dombivali (East), Dist. Thane
Tel.: 95251-455 879/437037

9. Missionaries of Charity
Church Road
Vile Parle (West)
Mumbai - 400 056. Tel.: 2618 40 68

10. Shejar Chhaya Deodal
Post Kaman, Taluka Vasai
Dist. Thane - 401 202
Tel.: 91-0250-2210212
shejar@bom7.vsnl.net.in

11. St. Catherine's Home
Veera Desai Road
Andheri (West), Mumbai - 400 058
Tel. : 26762312, 26241109
stcath@bol.net.in

12. Shraddhanand Mahila Ashram
Shraddhanand Road
Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019
Tel.: 401 25 52 / 401 07 15

13. Shri Manav Seva Sangh
225/227 Sion Road
Sion (West), Mumbai - 400 029
Tel.: 407 15 53 /409 22 66

14. Vatsalya Trust
C-32, Vijay Kunj Society
Near State Bank of India, Behind Ankur Hospital
Kanjur Marg (East), Mumbai - 400 042
Tel.: 25782958

15. Vivekanand Bal Sadan
Seth Doga Dharamshala, Opposite railway station
Kampptee
Nagpur: 441002, Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-07109-88632

16. Hindu Women's Society
Shraddhanand Mahila Ashram
Shraddhanand Road, King's Circle
Matunga, Mumbai: 400019
Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-022-24012552 , 24031207

17. Bhartiya Samaj Seva Kendra
5 Koregaon Road
Pune: 411001
Maharashtra 91 20 26128002
bssk@wmi.co.in

18. Bal Vikas Mahila Mandal
Sambhaji Nagar
Khadgao Road, Latur
Maharashtra
91-02382-27620
bvmm_latur@yahoo.com

19. Renuka Mahajan Trust
Plot no. 38, Vidya Nagar
Tingrenagar
Pune: 411032
Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-020-6684402

20. Holy Cross Home for Babies
C/O Holy Cross Convent
Amaravati (Camp): 444602
Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-0721-2663114/ 2663861

21. Bal Asha Trust
401, Charli Ville, A Road
Churchgate
Mumbai: 400020
Maharashtra 91-022-24926526
adoption@vsnl.com

22. Convent of St. Mary
St. John's Home for Women
5 Guwar Peth
Pune: 411042
Maharashtra
Tel: 91-0212-4471736, 411042

23. Bal Vikas Shishu Bhawan
102 Valentine Complex
Off Gen. Arun Kumar Vaidya Marg
Pimplipada, Malad (East)
Mumbai: 400097
Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-022-28422802
balvikas@vsnl.com

24. Maharashtra State Women's Council
Asha Sadan, Asha Sadan Marg
Umerkhadi
Mumbai: 400009
Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-022-2376 1895/ 2376 1477/ 2374 0397/ 2376 1386

25. Matru Sewa Sangh
Foundling home
Government Medical College
2 Hospital, Ward no. 22
Nagpur: 440001
Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-0712-523596/ 522393

26. Balwant Kartar Anand Foundation
Preet Mandir, Anand Corner
18, Dr. Koyaji Road
Pune: 411001
Maharashtra
Tel.: 91-20-26341167
preet@pn2.vsnl.net.in


ANDHRA PRADESH


1. Guild of Service (Seva Samajam)
Balika Bilayam
10.3.561/3, Vijay Nagar Colony
Hyderabad: 500457, Andhra Pradesh
Tel.: 91-040-3344418

2. Indian Council of Social Welfare
Inside Cancer Hospital compound
Red Hills, Hyderabad: 560004, Andhra Pradesh
Tel.: 91-040-23001887

3. Missions to the Nations
D. No. 3-19-6, Plot no. 18
Kannyyakapu Nagar
Kakkinada: 533003, Andhra Pradesh
Tel.: 91-884-74409

4. St. Theresa's Tender Loving Care Home
St. Theresa's Hospital
Sanatha Nagar
Hyderabad: 500018, Andhra Pradesh
Tel.: 91-040-3817127
tmaria@hd2.dot.net.in


NEW DELHI


1. Children of the World (Delhi) Society
A 5/5 Vasant Vihar
New Delhi: 110057
Tel.: 91-011-6147546

2. Delhi Council for Child Welfare
Civil Lines Qudasia Garden
Yamuna Marg
New Delhi: 110054
Tel.: 91-011-23968907
palna@bol.net.in

3. Church of North India
Shishu Sangopan Graha
St. Michael's Church compound, Hospital Road
Jangpura, New Delhi: 110014
Tel.: 91-011-4311665
chissg@chissg.org

4. Welfare Home for Children
68, Raja Garden, New Delhi: 110027
Tel.: 91-011-25435694

5. Sewa Bharti (Matri Chhaya)
100196/A
Sewa Kunj, Jhandewalan
New Delhi: 110056
Tel.: 91-011-23675014

6. S.O.S. Children's Villages of India
A-7, Nizamuddin (West)
New Delhi: 110013
Tel.: 91-011-24355835
email: sofosh@satyam.net.in

7. Missionaries of Charity
Nirmala Shishu Bhawan
12, Commissioner Lane, Alipur
New Delhi: 110054
Tel.: 91-011-23950181

8. Holy Cross Social Services
No. 34, Mukherjee Nagar (West)
New Delhi: 110009
Tel.: 91-011-27418765
email: hcssc@vsnl.com


GUJARAT


1. Kasturba Stri Vikas Griha
Kasturba Gandhi Marg
Jamnagar: 361008, Gujarat
Tel.: 91-288-275 1728, 275 3000

2. Kathiawar Nirashrit Balashram
Malviya Road
Rajkot: 360002, Gujarat
Tel.: 91-0281-2222071/2231340

3. Shishumangal Trust
Opposite Collector's Bungalow
Junagarh: 362001, Gujarat
Tel.:-02285-2650033

4. Mahipatram Rupram Ashram
Outside Raipur Gate
Ahmedabad: 380022, Gujarat
Tel.: 91-079-25453761


GOA

Matruchhaya Dhavali Kavle
Ponda: 403401
Goa
Tel.: 91-0832-312152


KERALA

1. Foundling Home (Shishu Bhavan)
Padupuram P.O., Via Karukutty
Ernakulam: 451540, Kerala
Tel.: 91-0484-683582

2. Dinasevanasabha Snehanikatan
Pattuvann
Cannanore District
Cannanore, Kerala
Tel.: 91-0498-202346
greets@md2.vsnl.net.in

3. St. Joseph's Children's Home
Kummannoor
Cherpunkal, P.O. 686584
Kottayam, Kerala
Tel.: 91-0482-255087

4. Holy Infant Mary's Girl Home
Vayithiri
South Wayanad District, Kerala: 673570
Tel.: 91-0493-655236


KARNATAKA

1. Child Foundation
No. 8 O' Shaughnessy Road, Langford Gardens
Bangalore: 560025, Karnataka
Tel.: 91-080-2210701

2. Society of Sisters of Charity
Holy Angels Convent, C/O Stella Mories Convent
Malleswaram, Bangalore: 560003
Karnataka

3. Society of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes
Promenade Road, Fraser Town
Bangalore: 560005, Karnataka
Tel.: 080-25564842

4. Shishu Mandir
17/11, Cambridge Road
Ulsoor
Bangalore: 560008, Karnataka
Tel.: 91-080-2530 0084

5. Reach Out
22, Chinnaswamy Road
Tasker Town
Bangalore: 560051, Karnataka
Tel.: 91-080-5471311

6. St. Michael's Home
St. Michael's Convent
80 Feet Road, Indira Nagar
Bangalore: 560038, Karnataka
Tel.: 91-080-2527 3944
srmeera@bgl.vsnl.com

7. Vathsalya Charitable Trust
310, 9th D Main
Banasawadi
Bangalore: 560043, Karnataka
Tel.: 91-080-2545 7360/ 2545 2671/2545 2749/ 2545 9366
vathsalya23@hotmail.com

8. Canara Bank Relief and Welfare Society
27th cross, Banashankari II Stage
Bangalore: 560070, Karnataka
Tel.: 91-080-6634080/ 6430194

9. Ashraya
Jawan's Quarter, BDA Park
Double Road, Indra Nagar Stage-1
Bangalore: 560038, Karnataka
Tel.: 91-080-2528 6195/ 2525 1929


ORISSA


Basundhara
Basundhara Nagar
Bidanasi
Cuttack: 753014
Orissa
Tel.: 91-671-603178, 604892
E-mail-basundhara@satyam.net.in


PONDICHERRY

1. The Immaculate Heart of Mary's Convent Society
No. 3, Joy Home
Ariyankuppaun
Pondicherry: 605001
Tel.: 91-0413-358794

2. Cluny Children's Home (Cluny Shishu Illam)
Pouponnler St. Joseph
No. 8 Romain Rolland Street
Pondicherry: 605001
Tel.: 91-0413-334813


TAMILNADU

1. Families for Children
'Sunshine House'
98, Mettur Main Road, Podamur
Coimbatore: 641023
Tamil Nadu
Tel.: 91-0422-874235/ 872397,
ffcindia@eth.net

2. Guild of Service -- Central (Sevasamajam)
28 Casa Major Road, Egmore
Chennai: 600008
Tamil Nadu 91-044-8268565/ 6201849
mssw@satyam.net.in

3. Grace Kenett Foundation
34, Kennette Road
Madurai: 625010
Tamil Nadu
Tel.: 91-0452-601767

4. Karna Prayag Trust
Welfare Center for Women and Children
No.7, Raja Krishna Rao Road
Alwarpet, Chennai: 600007
Tamil Nadu
Tel.: 91-044-4355182

5. Concord House of Jesus
C-23 Anna Nagar (East)
Chennai: 600102
Tamil Nadu

6. Congregation of the Sisters on the Cross of Chavan
P.O. box no. 395, Old Good Shed Road
Tiruchirapalli: 620002
Tamil Nadu
Tel.: 91-0431-700923/ 432372


WEST BENGAL

1. International Mission of Hope Society
2, Nnimak Mahal Road
Calcutta: 700043
West Bengal
Tel.: 91-033-4392519

2. Society for Indian Children's Welfare
No. 20&22
Col. Biswas Road
Backbagan, Calcutta: 700019
West Bengal
Tel.: 91-033-2299136/ 2807176
icwind@cal.vsnl.net.in

3. Missionaries of Charity (Nirmala Shishu Bhavan)
78 A.J.C. Bose Road
Calcutta: 700014
West Bengal
Tel.: 91-033-24497115/ 22175267

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Steps Involved In Adoption.

1. First, the prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) should register with the local licensed adoption agency or adoption coordinating agency and their interest in adoption is ascertained at this stage.

2. A home study of the PAPs is conducted by the social worker of the agency. To ease the fears and apprehensions of PAPs, pre-adoptive counseling sessions are undertaken by the social worker. For the social worker, assessing the ability of the couple to parent a child not born to them is of crucial importance. Therefore, the couple’s suitability to care for an unrelated child is ensured through this home study.

3. After the initial survey, PAPs should submit documents related to their financial and health status to the agency.

4. A child is then shown to the parents. If desired by the parents, the agency takes care to match a child meeting the desired description.

5. The agency files a petition for obtaining the necessary orders under relevant act once a successful matching has been done. In some cases, the child may also be placed in pre-adoption foster care with adoptive parents.

6. Fees, as prescribed by the government, will be charged by the licensed adoption agency for maintenance and legal cost.

The above process is normally completed in 6-8 weeks once the child has been matched with the parents. There are regular follow-up visits and post-adoption counseling by the social worker till the child adjusts in his/her new environment.

Please check http://www.adoptionindia.nic.in/ for more details.

Difference between an Orphanage and an Adoption Agency

Sometime back, Ruby had posted and article about the difference between an Orphanage and an Adoption Agency in one of his posts. This difference is very important for us to understand. Here's the article for you...

It is the child who has no family of any sort (an orphan) is to be placed in adoption but till such adoption takes place, dwelling of an orphan is called "Orphanage". So it is logical to think that people should go to orphanage to adopt a child. Well…. it is a huge misconception that many people believe in. Read on to understand the difference between an orphanage and an adoption agency.

Orphanages and adoption agencies are two distinct places working with two different objectives. Orphanages (now under a new law in India called "Juvenile & Justice Act" or JJ Act they are to be called as "Children's Homes") are places where they provide care and protection to a child who needs them. These could be taking care of orphans but not necessarily those that have no family of any sort. For example, a child may have lost his/ her parents but may have extended family who is unable/ unwilling to provide the needed care and protection to the child. As long as the child has a family of some sort (although they are unable to care), they are not free for adoption. Orphanages cannot house a child who has no family of any sort

Adoption agencies or placement agencies are places that exclusively deal with placing an orphan child in adoption. For example, if a child is found abandoned in a railway station, once the government makes a determination that the child is abandoned, they are not sent to an orphanage but to an adoption agency. Adoption agency will take the child through several legal steps to declare free for adoption before they actually place them in a home through adoption. The state government normally licenses adoption agencies after they meet certain guidelines.

In Tamilnadu, any new adoption agency is licensed only after they maintain a children's home (or orphanage) for minimum of three years. In this case, you might see an adoption agency and an orphanage working together in one location or in two different locations. This is required because once the efforts to place a child in adoption are exhausted, the child can be sent to an orphanage for continued care and protection.

Remember: If you or anyone that you know of looking to adopt, the place to visit is not an orphanage but an adoption agency or a placement agency.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Eligibility criteria for prospective adoptive parents

Here are some of the criteria for PAPs (Prospective Adoptive Parents)

1. Prospective adoptive parents having composite age of 90 years and less and where neither
parent has crossed 45 years can be considered for adoption of Indian children. The age criterion
may be suitably relaxed in exceptional cases for reasons clearly stated in the Home Study Report. However, in no case should the age of the prospective adoptive parent(s) exceed 55 years.

2. In case of special needs children with medical problems, the age limit of adoptive parent(s)
may be relaxed by concerned state government.

3. The prospective parent(s) should have a regular source of income with a minimum average
monthly income of at least Rs.3000/- per month. However, lower income will be considered taking into account other assets and support system i.e. own house etc.

For more details, check http://www.adoptionindia.nic.in/

Myths & Realities for Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) in INDIA

Heare are some common myths related child adoption

MYTH 1: Single parent can not adopt.

REALITY: A single parent has equal legal status to adopt a child and to deny him/her on the ground of his/her single status is not only a violation of his/her legal right but also her constitutional right guaranteed under Art.14 and 15. Whosoever is deprived of the right to adopt only on the ground of single status may bring the matter to the attention of CARA in writing.

MYTH 2: A PAP (Prospective Adoptive Parent) cannot get a medical check-up done on the child if the agency has already got a medical check-up done.

REALITY: PAPs may if so desire can get a medical check up done to their satisfaction even if the child has had one done by the agency earlier.

MYTH 3: Only childless couples can adopt.

REALITY: PAPs can adopt even if they have a biological child / children. There is no bar.

For more details, check http://www.adoptionindia.nic.in