Marital Status
Both, married couples and a single parent may adopt subject to fulfilling other stipulated conditions. A single parent, in addition to meeting stipulated conditions must be able to demonstrate additional family support system. A single male parent cannot adopt a female child. Couples of the same sex cannot adopt.
Age
The composite age of the prospective adoptive parents should be 90 years and less; neither parent should have crossed the age of 45.
The age of a prospective single adoptive parent should not exceed 45 or, be below 30 years. The age difference between the adoptive single parent and adoptive child should be at least 21 years.
Relaxation : These provisions may be suitably relaxed in exceptional cases for reasons clearly stated in the Home Study Report. However, in no case should the age of the prospective adoptive parent(s) exceed 55 years. In case of Special Needs children with medical problems, the age limit of adoptive parent(s) may be relaxed by the concerned State Government.
Financial Status
The prospective parent(s) should have a regular source of income with a minimum average monthly income of at least Rs.3000/- per month.
Relaxation : A lower income may be considered taking into account other assets and support system .eg. own house etc.
Criteria for eligible children:
- The child should be legally free for adoption.
- Siblings/twins/ triplets should not be separated unless there are compelling reasons.
- The consent (both, written and oral)of children above 6 years should be taken for the adoption.
