In-Country Adoptions - An Introduction

In-Country Adoptions are adoptions by prospective parents who are Indians resident in India . The definition precludes Non Resident Indians (NRI) i.e. those Indians who are Indian citizens but have not stayed in the country for a continuous period of 2 years, immediately prior to the registration for adoption.

Adoptions are regulated by the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) . CARA sets out the eligibility conditions, processing steps, documentation, costs , court process, foster care conditions, issuance of Birth certificate and post-adoption follow-up. It is mandatory on adoption agencies placing children in adoption to follow the CARA Guidelines.

Children placed in adoption are either relinquished or if abandoned, have been traced by/ through the police and the Child Welfare Committee/ Juvenile Justice Board. An adopting parent must ensure that:

  - The child is legally free for adoption.

  - Her health status has been assessed.

  - In the case of children above 6 years – special clearance from State Government has been obtained.