From India with Love: A Step-by-Step Guide to Adopting in India with International Adoption Net

From India with Love:  A Step-by-Step Guide to Indian Adoptions with International Adoption Net

Adopting a child is one of the most meaningful journeys a family can undertake, and India is home to thousands of children in need of loving families. As a Hague-accredited adoption agency with nearly 25 years of experience, International Adoption Net (IAN) is a leader in Indian adoptions, providing expert guidance to families throughout this life-changing process. Below, we outline the key steps to adopting from India and how IAN supports and guides you every step of the way along the journey to your child.

Understanding the Need of the Children

Age: Children in need of families range from 1-15years old. Sibling groups are available and waiting, occasionally twins.

Gender: While gender preference can be indicated, parents are strongly encouraged to be open to a child of either gender. Families open to the referral of a boy could potentially have a significantly shorter referral process.

Health: Many children available for adoption from India are often considered to have some level of special needs, even if very mild. These needs may be medical, physical, behavioral, and/or developmental. They vary from minor/correctable to more severe. Parents may indicate the type and level of special need they are open to considering.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

India’s adoption process is governed by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which sets specific eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive parents. These criteria include:

• Age:     The combined age of a married couple must not exceed 90 years for adopting a child under four, with individual maximums also outlined.
• Marital Status: Both single and married individuals can adopt, but specific guidelines apply to each. A married couple must be married for a minimum of two years to be found eligible to adopt. A single man can only adopt a male child. India does not accept common-law marriages or live-in partners.
• Income:     Families must meet minimum income requirements as outlined by USCIS.  The home study of the family must show the financial stability of the family and resources available to provide care for a child.
• Health:     Adoptive parents should have good health and should not have any mental or physical condition which may prevent them from taking care of the child or any condition that may not allow for a normal life expectancy.
• Privilege of Indian Heritage: Adoptive parents of Indian heritage can apply for the adoption of a child who is considered "healthy", but children who are considered healthy may still have minor needs, such as low birth weight, malnourishment, developmental delays, anemia, past medical issues, etc. The waiting time for children considered healthy may vary based on age and other factors.

US citizen families and families with 2 or more children may only adopt a child with special needs, even if minor/correctable. Adult children or children living outside of the home are included in your total for consideration. Adoptive  parents cannot have been convicted of a crime.

How IAN Helps: From the beginning of our engagement, our team ensures that prospective parents meet CARA’s requirements. Although requirements can and do change, you will be given the most current information available from CARA at the time you inquire and apply with IAN.

Step 2: Complete a Home Study

A home study is an essential part of the adoption process.It evaluates your readiness and ability to provide a safe, stable environmentfor a child. This involves interviews, background checks, medical and financialforms, and home safety visits conducted by a licensed social worker.  IAN will ensure the completed home studymeets USCIS and CARA requirements.

How IAN Helps: IAN offers home study services forColorado residents and coordinates with trusted partners across the U.S. forfamilies residing in other states.

Step 3: Register with CARA

Once your home study is completed and approved, your nextstep is to register with CARA through their online system. This registration allows you to begin matching with a child.

How IAN Helps: We assist you with the registration process, ensuring your documentation meets CARA’s requirements.

Step 4: Wait for a Referral

After CARA approves you to adopt, CARA’s system will match you with a child based on your preferences and suitability as outlined in your home study. You will receive a referral with information about the child, including their medical and social history, photographs, and other details.  Information contained within the children’s referral documents will meet Hague requirements. All child referrals received from CARA are also evaluated and approved by IAN’s child placement supervisor.

How IAN Helps: IAN provides education and trainingspecific to the child/ren you are referred so you will be prepared to meet theneeds of your future child. During these meetings we guide you throughreviewing the referral, answering questions, and provide resources for medicaland therapeutic professionals to further evaluate the child’s records.

Step 5: Accept the Referral and Submit Documents

If you decide to proceed with the referral, you will submit your acceptance to CARA and complete additional paperwork, including submitting your dossier. The dossier contains detailed personal, financial, and background information and must comply with CARA’s requirements.

How IAN Helps: Our experienced team helps you compile, organize, and submit your dossier to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Step 6: Obtain Court Approval in India

Once CARA receives your written acceptance, the US Embassy issues Article 5. This is confirmation to India that the US has determined that the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suited to adopt,  have ensured that the prospective adoptive parents have been counselled as may be necessary, and have determined that the child is or will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in that State.

At that point the adoption process CARA issues No Objection Certificate, and the case moves to the Indian courts. This step involves filing the necessary legal documents and may involve (but not always) attending a court hearing to complete the adoption. The Indian District Magistrate approves the adoption.

How IAN Helps: We collaborate closely with trusted professionals, known as foreign supervised providers (FSP’s) in India to coordinate your case in India with CARA, the orphanages, US Embassy and the court process.  While you are in India they will keep you informed of progress and assist as needed with your case.

Step 7: Complete Visa and Travel Arrangements

After the court grants approval, its time to secure the child’s Indian passport and U.S. visa with the help of our FSP.  You’ll travel to India to take custody of the child in their resident state, go through a medical appointment in Delhi, and complete the process in India through a Visa appointment at U.S. Embassy in Delhi. Then it’s time to return home with your child!

How IAN Helps: From visa applications to travel recommendations, we provide step-by-step support to ensure your journey to India is smooth and you are supported while in country.

Step 8: Post-Adoption Services

Adopting from India requires post-placement reports given to CARA, typically for two years following the adoption. These reports ensure that the child is adjusting well to their new home.

How IAN Helps: We help with coordinating post-adoption services between the adoptive family, agency conducting the visits and writing the reports, and CARA, to ensure you meet reporting requirements and providing resources to support your family’s transition.

Why Choose International Adoption Net?

• Stability: With nearly 25 years as a licensed agency specializing in intercountry adoption, we know a thing or two about how to help clients successfully adopt in India.
• Expertise in India: IAN is a trusted leader in Indian adoptions. In 2023, IAN families accounted for 28.5% of all adoptions between India and the  U.S.
• Reputation & Stability: IAN has been doing adoptions from India for 13 years and was recently reaccredited by India's Central Authority to continue working in India for another four years and by IAAME for another four years. Both reaccreditations attest to our reputation and excellence.
• Personalized Support: We love to meet families in person or virtually when possible, and are always in touch by phone or email. During our time together we will guide you through every step of the process, providing tailored advice, accurate guidance on US and India processes, and compassionate support.
• Commitment to Ethics: As a Hague-accredited agency, we adhere to the highest standards of ethical adoption practices.
• Comprehensive Services: From home studies to post-adoption support, IAN is your partner throughout the entire journey to your child, and beyond.

Adopting a child is a profound actof love and commitment. With International Adoption Net by your side, you cannavigate the process with confidence and clarity, trusting in our knowledge,experience and care. If you’re ready to start your adoption journey, contact ustoday to learn more about how we can help you build your family.

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