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

Detailed Legal Analysis

Your friend in Kanpur should approach the Uttar Pradesh State Adoption Agency for adopting a child. The process of adoption in India is regulated under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and relevant guidelines issued by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

Here are the steps and requirements for adoption in Kanpur:

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old.
  • There is no upper age limit; however, the age difference between the child and the adoptive parent must be at least 21 years.
  • Couples must be legally married for at least two years.
  • Single individuals can also adopt but must be at least 30 years old.
• Registration Process:
  • Your friend must register with the CARA through the online adoption portal (https://cara.nic.in/).
  • She needs to fill out the application form and submit required documents, including identity proof, address proof, marriage certificate (if applicable), and income proof.
• Home Study:
  • Once the application is submitted, a home study will be conducted by a trained social worker to assess the suitability of the adoptive parents.
  • This includes interviews and home visits to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for the child.
• Matching Process:
  • After the home study is approved, the agency will match the prospective parents with a child based on their preferences and the child's needs.
  • Parents will be given the opportunity to meet the child before finalizing the adoption.
• Legal Adoption:
  • Once matched, the adoptive parents must file a petition for adoption in the relevant Family Court under Section 61 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
  • The court will conduct a hearing and, upon satisfaction, grant the adoption order.

It is essential to comply with all legal requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth adoption process. For further assistance, she may also contact local NGOs or child welfare organizations that specialize in adoption.