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

Detailed Legal Analysis

To adopt a child through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) for inter-country adoption in Hyderabad, you must follow a structured process outlined by Indian law and CARA guidelines.

The inter-country adoption process involves several steps and requirements that ensure the adoption is legal and in the best interest of the child. Below are the key steps and requirements:

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) must be at least 25 years old and not more than 55 years old.
  • They should have a stable income and be physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of taking care of a child.
  • Couples must be married for at least two years, while single applicants can also apply.
• Registration with CARA:
  • PAPs need to register themselves with CARA through their official website.
  • During registration, they must submit necessary documents such as identity proof, marriage certificate (if applicable), income proof, and medical certificates.
• Home Study Report:
  • A licensed adoption agency will conduct a home study to assess the suitability of the PAPs as adoptive parents.
  • The home study report should include detailed information about the family's background, lifestyle, and preparedness for adoption.
• Referral of a Child:
  • Once approved, CARA will provide a referral of a child who is legally free for adoption.
  • PAPs will be given a profile of the child, including medical and social history.
• Acceptance of Referral:
  • PAPs must accept or decline the referral within the stipulated time frame. Acceptance requires a formal acknowledgment.
• Legal Process:
  • After accepting the referral, PAPs need to initiate the legal process for adoption, which includes filing an application in the relevant Indian court under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
  • The court will conduct hearings and verify all documents before granting the adoption order.
• Post-Adoption:
  • After the adoption is finalized, CARA will issue a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) for inter-country adoption.
  • PAPs must adhere to post-adoption follow-ups as mandated by CARA.

For further details, you may also refer to the Adoption Regulations 2017 and the Inter-country Adoption Guidelines provided by CARA.