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

Detailed Legal Analysis

Your friend in Firozabad should approach the Uttar Pradesh State Adoption Resource Agency (UPSARA) for child adoption, as it is the designated state authority for adoption processes in Uttar Pradesh.

In India, adoption is governed by various laws, primarily the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, depending on the religion of the adopting parents. Here are the steps and requirements for adoption through the UPSARA:

• Registration: Your friend needs to register with the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) online. The registration can be done through the CARA website and involves filling out an application form.
• Eligibility Criteria: The following are the eligibility criteria for prospective adoptive parents (PAPs):
  • Age: The prospective parents must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child they wish to adopt.
  • Marital Status: Individuals or couples can adopt, but married couples must have been married for at least two years.
  • Financial Stability: PAPs must demonstrate financial capacity to support the child.
• Home Study Report: After registration, a social worker will conduct a home study to assess the suitability of the PAPs as adoptive parents. This report will evaluate their living conditions, emotional stability, and readiness to adopt.
• Matching Process: Once the home study is approved, the agency will match the PAPs with a child based on their preferences and the best interests of the child.
• Legal Procedures: After a match is made, legal procedures need to be followed, which include:
  • Obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the adoption agency.
  • Filing a petition in the relevant court for adoption. This process is governed by the Juvenile Justice Act and the applicable personal laws.
• Post-Adoption: After the adoption is finalized, there will be a post-adoption follow-up by the agency to ensure the well-being of the child.

It is essential for your friend to stay informed about the requirements and procedures as they may vary slightly based on individual circumstances and the specific agency involved. For further details, they can visit the CARA website or contact UPSARA directly.