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

Detailed Legal Analysis

Your friend in Purnia should approach the Bihar State Child Protection Society (BSCPS) for adopting a child, as it is the designated state adoption agency in Bihar.

In India, the adoption process is primarily governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, 2017, which outline procedures and requirements for prospective adoptive parents. Here are the steps and requirements she should consider:

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 21 years old.
  • There is no upper age limit, but the adopting couple should ideally be within 10-15 years of the child's age.
  • Single individuals can also adopt, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
• Registration Process:
  • Your friend needs to register with the BSCPS through the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS) portal.
  • She will need to provide necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, income proof, and medical certificates.
• Home Study Report:
  • After registration, a social worker will conduct a home study to evaluate the suitability of her home environment for the child.
  • This report will be a key part of the adoption application process.
• Matching the Child:
  • Once the home study report is approved, she will be eligible to be matched with a child based on her preferences.
  • She can adopt a child from the list of children available for adoption through the agency.
• Legal Adoption:
  • Following the matching, the adoption will be legally finalized through a court process.
  • The final adoption decree will be issued under Section 61 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

It is advisable for your friend to consult the official website of the Bihar State Child Protection Society for specific guidelines and updates regarding the adoption process in Purnia.