India has a long history of adoption to the United States. The children are usually well cared for in the orphanages, enjoying frequent interaction with their caregivers who often hold them during bottle-feedings, cuddle them, and play with them.
The Indian government deals with adoptions through an agency that was specifically established to regulate adoptions in the country. It is important to make sure that an adoption agency has been approved by the governing agency before working with them. When considering an adoption agency, select one that has a history of coordinating adoptions from India, and works with a well-run and respectable orphanage.
While this is an overview of the general adoption requirements for India, each adoption agency may have its own set of criteria, so it is wise to check with each adoption agency that is being considered for its own specific guidelines.
Adoptive Parent Requirements
- It is a common misconception that only childless couples can adopt from India. Not true, India will allow families to adopt even if they already have children in the home. It is important to note, however, that an adoption agency may set its own limit in respect to family size.
- A home study, specific to international adoption, needs to be conducted.
- The minimum age for adopting from India is 30, with a maximum age of 55.
- Couples must have been married for five years or more, with a stable relationship. The couple may have up to two divorces between them to still be considered eligible to adopt.
- Single persons, on a case-by-case basis, between 30-45 years of age, may adopt.
- Adoptive parents need to prove that they have a stable income, adequate to support the family, including the adopted child.
- India will not allow a gay or lesbian person to adopt.
Travel Requirements
India requires the parents to travel with an average stay in-country of seven to twelve days. Occasionally, an escort is allowed, so check with the adoption agency for more information about using an escort if an extenuating circumstance arises. It is important to be prepared for delays and changes in the process, as this happens with some frequency when working with the Indian government.
About the Children
Poverty and the stigma of unwed motherhood often force young women to abandon their children at birth. Typically, the children available for adoption are infants to age five. Most of the children have medium to dark complexions, beautiful big brown eyes, and Caucasian features. Commonly, there is little or no medical history, or background information, known about the child or their birth family.
Twins and sibling groups are always placed together. There is a need for families who are willing to take boys and children with special needs. India does allow the adoptive parents to choose the gender of the child they wish to adopt; however, this may delay the referral process.
Adoption Costs
Adopting a child from India will cost anywhere between $ 12,000 to $25,000, or more, so be sure to ask for the agency to provide a break-down of their fees. Also, don’t forget to factor in additional expenses, including: application fees, travel expenses, dossier fees, fees for finalization, and post-placement costs.
Always research the adoption agency thoroughly before signing on the dotted line and making a sizable deposit. Ask if all or part of the deposit and other fees are refundable if the adoption doesn’t go through. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and make sure that everything promised, or agreed upon, is put in writing.
By taking the time to do some research and careful planning, adopting from India can be a wonderfully rewarding and life-changing experience.
References:
Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
Children of India (COI)
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