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

Detailed Legal Analysis

Your friend in Nashik can approach the Maharashtra State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) for adopting a child, which operates under the guidelines of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

Here are the steps and requirements for adoption in Maharashtra:

• Eligibility Criteria: According to the Adoption Regulations, 2017, the following criteria must be met:
  • Prospective parents must be at least 25 years old.
  • Single individuals can adopt, but they must be at least 30 years old.
  • Married couples must be together for at least two years.
  • Income criteria: The family must have a stable source of income to support the child.
• Application Process: The following steps should be followed:
  • Register online at the CARA website to create a profile.
  • Fill in the application form and submit necessary documents, including identity proof, income proof, and marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Attend a home study conducted by a social worker to assess the suitability of the environment for the child.
  • Receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the SARA once the application is approved.
• Matching with a Child: After approval:
  • The agency will present profiles of children available for adoption.
  • Prospective parents can choose a child based on the provided profiles.
• Legal Formalities: Upon selecting a child:
  • Complete all legal paperwork as required under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
  • Obtain the adoption order from the competent court.
  • Post-adoption, the family should submit periodic reports to the agency for a few years to show the well-being of the child.

It is important to ensure that all processes comply with the provisions laid out in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, 2017, to ensure a smooth adoption process. For more details, your friend may visit the official CARA website or contact the Maharashtra SARA office directly.