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

Detailed Legal Analysis

Your friend in Panipat should approach the Haryana State Adoption Resource Authority (SARAI) for adopting a child, as it is the designated state adoption agency in Haryana.

According to the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, 2017, the process of adoption in India is regulated under these laws to ensure the welfare of children and to streamline the adoption process.

Here are the steps and key points your friend should consider while pursuing adoption in Haryana:

• Registration: Your friend must register with the Haryana State Adoption Resource Authority. This can often be done online through the CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) website.
• Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that she meets the eligibility criteria as per the Juvenile Justice Act, which generally includes:
  • Age: The prospective adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child to be adopted.
  • Marital Status: Single individuals and married couples can adopt, but there are specific requirements for married couples regarding their marriage duration.
  • Health: Psychological and physical fitness is mandatory, and a medical certificate may be required.
• Home Study Report: A social worker will conduct a home study to evaluate the suitability of the adoptive parents. This includes assessing the living conditions, financial stability, and emotional readiness.
• Matching Process: After approval, the agency will match her with a child based on the preferences stated during registration. This process aims to find the best fit for both the child and the adoptive parents.
• Legal Procedures: Once a match is made, your friend will need to complete legal procedures which include:
  • Filing adoption application in the court.
  • Obtaining a court order for adoption.
  • Finalizing the adoption by registering the adoption deed.
• Post-Adoption Support: The agency usually provides post-adoption support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for both the child and the adoptive parents.

Your friend should also familiarize herself with the rights of the child and the responsibilities of adoptive parents under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, as well as the Adoption Regulations, 2017, to ensure compliance and a successful adoption process.