However, times have changed to quite an extent. Discussing adoption or planning to have a child through Adoption is not so much of a taboo any more as it used to be.

But at the same time we find that there is a lot of information available regarding adoption. Some information helps in the adoption process however; some information is unwanted and just confuses the couple. This situation is worse for people who get this information from word of mouth. I am sure most of us have gone through the stories like oh! My aunt’s son’s friend’s sister has an adopted child and she had a difficult time in adopting a child!! I call it the via-via information which does not help at all.

We have tried to list down the adoption procedure for the couples who are interested in getting the information on Adoption.

I start from steps which the couple should start taking once they have decided to Adopt.


Step 1 (Visit to the Adoption Agency)

Visit your nearest Adoption Agency. The Central & State Governments have recognized adoption agencies in most of the states. A list or adoption agencies is available on our site. The couple can also visit Adoption Coordinating Agency (ACA) in their area.

The social worker of the agency will talk to you in general about the process, documentations, legalities etc; and access your general preparation regarding Adoption.

You may ask all your questions and queries to the social worker about adoption before you begin with the actual procedures.


STEP 2 (Documentation & Registration)

Prepare the documentation as advised by the social worker

For your convenience we have listed the general paper work required for the adoption process.  We although do advice that the documentation should be done only after consultation with the agency social worker of the area.

Once the documentation is ready submit the same to the agency and get registered.  

Most of the agencies follow single registration norm (you can only register with one agency).


Step 3 (Home Study & Counseling)

The social worker of the agency will then conduct a Home Study at the couple’s residence. Some agencies do ask the family to come for additional counseling sessions. Agencies also need to understand the complete preparation of the couple about the Pre-Adoption and Post-Adoption issues.
 
The social worker will try to assess the couple’s parenting abilities. The social worker will look into applicant’s motivations, preparations, strengths and weaknesses on the issue of Adoption.

The couples should use this opportunity to discuss their plan in detail with the social worker. The couple should understand/clarify any doubts they may have before seeing the child.

This step is formulated into a report and is submitted to the honorable court.


Step 4 (Referral of the child)

As and when there is a child the agency will call the couple to the agency. The agency will show medical file, Physical Examination Report and other relevant information of the child.

Once the couple is comfortable about the details given about the child, the agency will show the child physically. The couple can spend time with the child. Once they are comfortable enough to make a discussion they can discuss the future formalities as the rules of the agency.


Step 5 (Acceptance of the child)

Once you have identified the child, you have to sign few documents which pertain to the acceptance of the child.


Step 6 (Filing of Petition)

The documentation which the couple had submitted to the agency at the earlier step and the child’s documents are sent to the lawyer for preparation of the petition. Once the petition is ready the couple will be called at the court and sign the same in presence of the court officer.


Step 7 (Pre Adoption Foster care)

Once the couple has signed the petition they can take the child in Pre-Adoption foster care.

When you take the child home do understand from the agency nursing staff that what are the feeding schedules of the child, eating, playing, sleeping, medicines (if any) & potty habits.


Step 8 (Court hearing)

You have to attend the court hearing along with the child. This is in front of a judge (generally it’s in chamber and not an open court). The judge may ask you simple questions.

Once the judge is satisfied, he will pass the order and will also mention the amount you need to invest in the child’s name.


Step 9 (Court order)

Once you have invested the amount and the receipt is shown to the judge the order will be issued.

If the adoption is under HAMA, then a Deed of Adoption is prepared and the same needs to be registered with the local registrar’s office.

There is no such requirement in adoptions done under GWA & J. J. Acts.


Step 10 (Follow up)

After the final adoption the agency needs to submit follow up reports to the court about the child’s well being. This can be for 1-2 yrs.

Here is a list of the documentation which is generally required by the Adoption Agency for registration of the couple.  The listed documents are for information purpose only, actual formats or requirements may differ.

Documents to be prepared for adoption

• Application for Adoption   
• 4 X 6 size photographs - 4 copies (Husband & Wife together)
• Marriage certificate. 
• Proofs of age     
• Medical certificate from M.B.B.S. doctor / Some agencies give their own format
• Reason for Adoption (Gynecologist certificate or Motivation letter)
• Latest HIV and Hep. B reports of both Husband and wife.
• Income certificate – Salary Slip / Tax Returns
• Bank Letter
• Proof of Residence
• Investment Details
• Reference letters from 3 people
• Undertaking from the relative.