How do I adopt a child through CARA in Chennai for inter-country adoption?

Detailed Legal Analysis

To adopt a child through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) in Chennai for inter-country adoption, prospective parents must follow a structured process as outlined by CARA and governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The process for inter-country adoption through CARA involves several key steps and requirements:

• Eligibility Criteria: Prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) must meet specific eligibility requirements, which include:
  • Age: The minimum age of the adoptive parents should be 25 years, and there should be an age gap of at least 21 years between the child and the parents.
  • Marital Status: Married couples, single men, and single women are eligible to adopt, with certain conditions applicable to single applicants.
  • Financial Stability: PAPs must demonstrate financial capability to support the child.
• Application Process: The adoption process involves the following steps:
  • Registration: PAPs must register with CARA through their online portal and fill out the necessary application forms.
  • Home Study: A home study report is conducted by a recognized adoption agency to assess the suitability of the PAPs.
  • Referral: Once approved, CARA will provide a referral of a child available for adoption.
• Legal Procedures: After receiving a referral, the following legal steps must be taken:
  • Obtain No Objection Certificate (NOC): CARA issues an NOC, which is essential for the legal proceedings.
  • File Adoption Petition: PAPs must file an adoption petition in the competent court under the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption, if applicable.
  • Final Adoption Order: Upon approval from the court, a final adoption order is issued, which grants legal rights to the PAPs.
• Post-Adoption Requirements: After the adoption is finalized, the following must be adhered to:
  • Post-Adoption Reporting: PAPs are required to submit post-adoption reports to CARA periodically.
  • National and International Compliance: Ensure adherence to both Indian laws and the laws of the adoptive parents’ country.

For more detailed information, prospective adoptive parents can refer to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the guidelines issued by CARA, which provide comprehensive details on the adoption process.