Today CNN-IBN was flashing a 'news' item about baby Shiv being given for adoption to a family after a court battle - read Court gives abandoned baby to millionaire family.
In my youth, after reading 'inspirational stories' in Reader's Digest, in a bout of idealism, I too had often harboured visions of having adopted children. I remember that some friends of ours, a childless couple by choice, had adopted a boy and a girl. I used to be surprised that they had decided to have only adopted children, because I think it requires mental maturity and strength to be able to do it. Today, if I ask myself whether I am mentally prepared to adopt a child, my response would be no. I think I dont possess the mental reserve to take up such a commitment.
From what they said, I gathered that the legal adoption process in India, was a rigorous and often times a time-consuming process. And not without reason - they check the background of the prospective parents, their marital stability, financial stability, mental preparedness and various other parameters.
Recently in Indian Mommies, in a debate on whether one should have the second baby or not, some mommies had expressed the desire to adopt a second child.
I thought it might be useful to share some information regarding the adoption process in India. (Courtesy: Google) :)
To start with one can see the FAQ section of indianngos.com - which gives a brief outline of the process through its FAQ.
ICHILD - India Adoption Resources - is a website and mailing list, that gives support to persons who are thinking of adoption. I quote from their web-site:
The purpose of the ICHILD WEB SITE & MAILING LISTS would hopefully be to offer a source of inspiration, information, support & resources for those interested in adoption from India and the subcontinent. And of course, to help bring together prospective adoptive parents and children in India who wait for their families.
This link takes you to the adoption process page from their site.
Alliance for Children is an adoption agency that places children with adoptive parents.
The Alliance for Children, Inc. is a non-profit international adoption agency based in Massachusetts, serving families throughout the USA.
We have placed thousands of children from around the world in permanent adoptive homes.
They are currently not accepting applications for adoption of children from India.
Catalysts for Social Action (CSA) - This site also provides some info on in-country adoption process, costs etc.
Catalysts for Social Action (CSA) is a Social Welfare Organization promoted by Kale Consultants Ltd., India, a reputed IT Consulting Company with global presence. CSA commenced operations in September 2002. We work on Child Welfare which includes Adoption, Foster Care, and Institutionalised Rehabilitation. Our specific focus is on Adoption. A key role for us is to work as Catalysts / Change Agents. Our aim is to enhance the total number of adoptions in the country. Also, to work towards better child care while the child is institutionalized.
CARA - Central Adoption Resource Agency - this site provides information on adoption in/from India. One can download relevant forms too from here.
Central Adoption Resource Agency is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, which functions as the Central Authority of the Government of India in matters related to adoptions.
Read their FAQ.
Here is a review in The Hindu of , "Adoption in India - Policies and Experiences", a book by Vinita Bhargava.
I have obtained all the above information from the web. The information is neither comprehensive nor definitive.
7 comments:
Do you know
- only hindus can adopt in India?
- you visit more mommy blogs than anyone I've ever known?;-)
commitment to a adopted child is questionable and that could be the reason for the process being rigourous..whether the parents to be are 'patient enough' at the first place!
@Deepa -
Yes only hindus can legally adopt under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA). But people of other faiths and foreigners can 'adopt' under the Guardians And Wards Act (GAWA).
One can also 'illegally adopt' children, when adoption takes place unofficially between the biological parents and the adoptive parents. The adopted child does not/may not get legal rights as heirs of the adoptive parents.
Mommy bloggers are the most passionate about their writing, so obviously one gets to read the best stuff there. :P
@A Little Light - True.
Apart from the commitment, there have been instances of exploitation of the adopted child by the 'adoptive parents'.
I've also heard that there is a big racket going on in the adoption 'business' - partly owing to the rigorous nature of the process.
Thanks a ton for this info, Visitor. I hope to adopt (maybe as a single woman) in the near future, so this is very handy!
i agree with you.one should not go for adoption unless one is sure of being able to cope with the stress and strain that come with it.if one's own child fails to rise to our expectation we say that it was fate.but shud it be an adopyed child we blame it on 'bad blood'
We just returned from India in March with our 6yr old son from Delhi. For as long and stressful as the process is, its so rewarding and worth it. I would highly encourage anyone considering adopting from India to find a reputable agency and just DO it.
Jo
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