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

Detailed Legal Analysis

Your friend in Saket should approach the Delhi Adoption Resource Authority (DARA) for adopting a child, as it is the designated state adoption agency for the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

In India, the adoption process is governed primarily by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, 2017. These laws outline the procedures and requirements for adoption, ensuring that the process is transparent and child-centric.

Here are the steps and requirements your friend needs to follow to initiate the adoption process:

• Registration with DARA:
  • Your friend must register as an adoptive parent with DARA. This can be done online through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) website.
  • Documents required for registration typically include proof of identity, proof of residence, income statements, and medical certificates.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The prospective adoptive parents should be at least 25 years old, and there should be an age difference of at least 21 years between the adoptive parent and the child.
  • Couples must have been married for at least two years, while single individuals can also adopt.
• Home Study Report:
  • A social worker will conduct a home study to assess the suitability of the adoptive parents and their home environment.
  • This report will play a crucial role in the adoption process.
• Matching with a Child:
  • Once registered and assessed, the agency will present your friend with profiles of children available for adoption.
  • Your friend can choose a child based on the profiles shared.
• Legal Procedures:
  • Once a child is matched, a formal adoption process will be initiated, which includes obtaining a legal adoption order from a competent court as per Section 61 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
  • The adoption must be registered with the relevant authorities to make it legally binding.

It is also advisable for your friend to consult with legal experts or child welfare organizations to understand the full scope of rights and responsibilities involved in adoption.