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

Detailed Legal Analysis

To adopt a child through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) in Kharagpur for inter-country adoption, you must follow a structured process outlined by Indian law, specifically the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations established by CARA.

Here are the steps and requirements for inter-country adoption through CARA:

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child they wish to adopt.
  • Couples must be married for at least two years, while single individuals can adopt but must be at least 30 years old.
  • Adoptive parents should have a stable financial background and a healthy lifestyle.
• Registration:
  • Register online on the CARA website by creating a profile as an adoptive parent.
  • Submit required documents including identity proof, address proof, marriage certificate (if applicable), and income proof.
• Home Study Report:
  • Once registered, a Home Study Report (HSR) will be conducted by a recognized adoption agency to assess the home environment.
  • The HSR evaluates the suitability of the prospective adoptive parents.
• Referral of Child:
  • Upon approval, CARA will provide a referral of a child available for adoption.
  • Parents will receive detailed information about the child’s background and health.
• Acceptance of Referral:
  • Parents must formally accept the referral within a stipulated time frame.
  • Post-acceptance, a legal process will be initiated for the adoption.
• Legal Adoption:
  • File a petition for adoption in the relevant court as per the guidelines of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.
  • The court will issue an adoption order after verifying all documents and the HSR.
• Post-Adoption:
  • Complete necessary formalities for visa and immigration processes to bring the child home.
  • Follow-up reports may be required as per CARA guidelines for a specific duration post-adoption.

It is advisable to consult a legal expert or an authorized adoption agency for guidance throughout the adoption process to ensure compliance with all requirements and regulations.