Adopt from India
(Last updated 4/07)

The Children
In India, poverty and the stigma of unwed motherhood often lead young women to place their children for adoption. Babies are referred for an international adoption at 12-24 months of age. Sibling groups are also available. Medical histories of the child's birth family are rarely available, but orphanage health records are fairly reliable.

Once at the orphanage, infants and toddlers receive care and consistent attention in the hands of experienced caregivers. The child to caregiver ratio is low, especially during the child's first six months.

Parent Requirements
Applicants must be 28-45 years old and the combined ages of the parents can be no more than 84 to be considered for an infant. Parents over 45 are eligible to adopt older children. Couples must be married for at least two years and can have a maximum of two other children already in their home. One divorce for each parent is allowed. Proof of infertility is requested, although a strong motivation to adopt is also considered on a case-by-case basis.

Singles may also adopt from India. Adopting singles must be between the ages of 28-45 and may have a maximum of one other child already in their home. Single men are only eligible to adopt a boy. India will not allow the adoption of a child by a gay or lesbian person.

The Process
Once your paperwork is complete and sent to India, you will wait 6-12 months for a referral. At referral, you will receive a photograph of a child along with a brief overview of the child's social history and medical status, however, information can be minimal in some cases.

Upon acceptance of a referral, your documents are submitted to Family Court. The court process in India takes 4-8 months. You will then travel to India to bring your child home. The trip usually takes about 2 weeks. In extreme circumstances, an escort may be available.

India requires fourteen post-placement reports after you have returned home. During the first two years, parents need to submit quarterly reports. For the subsequent three years semi-annual reports are required. Post-placement reports are very important to the Indian government, as they assure that placed children are thriving in their new homes. Your home study counselor at The Cradle will assist your family in complying with these requirements as part of post-placement services.

Quick Reference Guide

All fees subject to change without notice.

* Other expenses include: air transportation to and from Russia, US CIS ���fee, hotel stay, meals, parents' and child's visa, and medical exam.