Parenthood is the greatest blessing in one’s life. In olden days there was a belief that if one is not blessed with a ‘Puthra’ he is not free from the NARAKA named “PUM”. We see the practices of performing "’Puthrakameshti’ to have a biological child. Like parenthood the family is the dream of every child. We have several stories of adoption in our mythologies. Sita or Janaki in Ramayana was an adopted child of King Janaka. According the ancient belief, ‘Kanyadan’ is also to be performed by every parent to attain heavenly bliss.
Due to many reasons beyond ones control, there are couples who cannot have their own child. But if they have a will, they can enjoy parenthood by adopting a child. The child gets a family life and the parents enjoy the heavenly bliss in such cases. There are several legally authorised homes in our country, which take care of children who are devoid of parents. To hold the hand of one such child and make him a member of the family, is a most beautiful feeling and a service. The sad part is that this is not welcomed by many cultures and families. Many people may agree to the idea of adopting a child. But there are a lot of people who are not having a biological child and desiring to have a child to be cared and protected, show reluctance to adoption due to the cultural barriers and some social stigma imposed upon them.
Adopting A Child In India- its legal aspects.
Every countries have their own rules of adoption. Rules for adoption is a way to make sure that the child has a secured and bright future. Let us examine the very important rules and procedures existing in our land.
Who can adopt?
1. A couple who wants to give a child a loving family and healthy environment, can adopt.
2. One can adopt a child under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956 and under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 and amended in 2006.
3. Must have a reasonable and regular source of income to support the needs of the child within the family.
4. The couples should be free from major illness that can come in the way of parenting.
5. Neither of the parents should have a criminal record.
6. The composite age of desirous adoptive couple shouldn’t exceed 90 years for infants.
7. Single parent can adopt up to 45 years of age.
8. The age difference between the parent and the adopted child should be at least 21 years.
9. If the parent is single, there should have additional family support.
Agencies For Adoption – In India CARA is the central agency to regulate adoption. They formulate the principles for adoption. Application – Prospective adoptive parent(s) should register themselves with the local RIPA / LAPA or Adoption coordinating Agency or with the State Adoption Cell The Adoption – A home study report of the prospective adoptive parents will be prepared by the social worker of the Agency. To allay the fears and apprehensions of the prospective adoptive parent(s), pre-adoptive counseling sessions will be undertaken by the social worker during the preparation of the home study report. Assessing the ability of a couple to parent a child not born to them is of crucial importance in a successful adoption. Therefore, their suitability to care for an unrelated child is assessed through this home study and counseling. Documents relating to the financial and health status of the prospective parent(s) will be part of the Home Study Report. The Agency will make a suitable reference from amongst the admitted children legally free for adoption. If no suitable child is available, the family will be referred to the ACA. After the Home Study has been accepted and approved, a child will be shown to the parent(s). The agency will take care to match a child meeting the description, if any, desired by the parent(s). In case of placement of older children (above the age of 6), both written and verbal consent of the child will be obtained.
Post Adoption
Many parents are found to be reluctant to inform the child that they are adopted. In many cases it is found that the practice have created problems in their future life. So it is better that the parents should convincingly inform the child about the adoption in the very early stage. Adopting a child is a service which is above any rules and regulations. Adoption give pride and protection to a child who till few moments back was an orphanage. The adoption is a two way process – it gives happiness of child hood and parenthood at the same time.
