My friend in Aizawl wants to adopt a child, which state adoption agency should she approach?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Your friend in Aizawl should approach the Social Welfare Department of Mizoram or the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) for adopting a child.

In India, adoption is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, 2017. Here are the steps and requirements your friend should follow to initiate the adoption process:

• Determine Eligibility: According to Section 56 of the Juvenile Justice Act, the following criteria must be met:
  • The prospective adoptive parents should be at least 25 years old.
  • They must be married for at least two years, or a single person can adopt if they are above 30 years.
  • There should be no more than two living biological children unless the child being adopted is a special needs child.
• Register with a State Adoption Agency: Your friend should register her interest in adoption with the Mizoram State Adoption Agency. This involves:
  • Filling out the application form for adoption.
  • Submitting necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, marriage certificate, and income proof.
• Home Study Report: Upon registration, a social worker from the agency will conduct a home study to assess the suitability of the prospective adoptive parents.
• Matching with a Child: After approval, the agency will provide a list of available children for adoption. Your friend can select a child from this list.
• Legal Proceedings: Once a child is matched, legal proceedings must be initiated. This includes:
  • Filing a petition for adoption in the family court.
  • Obtaining a court order for the adoption.
• Post-Adoption Requirements: After the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents must comply with post-adoption follow-ups as mandated by CARA.

It is advisable for your friend to consult with legal experts or child welfare lawyers to navigate the process smoothly and ensure compliance with all legal requirements under the Juvenile Justice Act and relevant regulations.