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Earlier, single women would face more difficulty in adopting. But now, they can adopt without too many barriers because the change in rules mean a single, stable woman who is financially independent and has a steady income falls well into the eligible criteria
Adoption can be a beautiful experience. “Do you want to do something beautiful for God? There is a person who needs you. This is your chance,” is what Mother Teresa had quoted on adoption. Sadly, the process is exhaustive in India. This is true, more so for those who are single. On July 11, the Modi government announced that priority will be given to single women who are above the age of 40. In August 2016, the government had announced that only married couples will be able to opt for surrogacy, leaving out single parents and homosexuals.
The new decision was passed by Central Adoption Research Agency (CARA), a statutory body of the Women and Child Development Ministry (WCD). The decision was made after WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi, took into consideration many representation and adoption requests by single women. According to reports, the number of single women who adopted in 2015 was 75 and 93 in 2016. Thanks to awareness and attitude in society changing, more single women are adopting.
Earlier, single women would face more difficulty in adopting. But now, they can adopt without too many barriers because the change in rules mean a single, stable woman who is financially independent and has a steady income falls well into the eligible criteria.
Here are some other important norms followed by adoption agencies before allowing a single woman to adopt. According to Chairperson of Childline, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Dr Susan Matthew, “It is very important to know the purpose of adopting. If the child is being adopted as a help or a companion, that cannot be allowed. A lot of times these intentions aren't clear. So, a thorough background check of the person is done.” Other factors taken into consideration are the person's financial stability and the capability to provide the child with a healthy 'home' feeling, she adds.
Susan strongly feels that the person adopting a child, be it a single parent or a couple, should be able to protect all the important child rights. These include the right to survival including minimum standard of food, clothing and shelter; right to protection which means protection from being neglected, exploitation and abuse at home or elsewhere; right to participation which means the child has a right to participate in any decision making that involves him/her directly or indirectly and right to development namely, emotional, mental and physical.
Susan also informs us that the upper age limit for single women to adopt is 55. “If a woman is above the age of 50, they are not allowed to adopt a toddler,” she adds. Besides this, Kochi-based family law consultant advocate Jerry Sebastin says, “I would also insist on checking if the person had any prior records of defaulting or law-breaking. And would ensure that the person, especially if single has ample family support to raise the child in a wholesome environment.
THE WEEK's principal correspondent, Nandini Oza adopted a child in 2013. She shares her experience:
I began the adoption process by applying online to an adoption agency in Maharashtra. The adoption agency then gave me a reference number that I was supposed to quote whenever I did any correspondence.
I was told that there would be a waiting period of about one and a half years before they could show me a child for adopting. You may find many children at the adoption centres/orphanages, but the authorities do not present the child before you unless he/she is free for adoption. Their legal papers have to be complete.
There are lots of legal aspects involved in adoption and many might feel that it is time-consuming. But it is in the interest of the child and adoptee parents. Once the legal formalities are completed, there is no problem whatsoever.
There are several documents that are required for adoption. The list of required documents is on the websites concerned and even the adoption agency where you are applying will inform you about it.
However, to name a few, you need two recommendation letters, your bank statements, copies of your IT returns, salary statements, details of fixed deposits or insurance policies that you hold, details of properties in your name and a few declarations that you are supposed to sign. If you are a single mother, you also need an affidavit from a relative that he/she will take care of your child in the event anything happens to you.
Prior to adoption, you are also supposed to undergo a series of medical tests and copies of which have to be submitted to the adoption agency. You are also supposed to pay fees, decided by the government. The details of the fees are on the website.
There are pre and post adoption visits by the agency to your home. After you adopt the child, the child is in your foster care for a few months and thereafter the case comes up for hearing in the court. On the hearing date, the judge asks you questions. He/she also asks your child questions, if he/she is grown up enough to answer. The hearing is in judge's chamber. You are also required to commit a certain amount of cash in your child's name, every year. This, you have to declare before the judge. It is up to you where you deposit the money. However, it will be ideal to have a mix of a deposit and an insurance policy.
When I adopted a daughter in 2013, the rule was that a single mother gets a girl. I always wanted a daughter. You also get child's birth certificate in which your name is written in the name of column of the parent.
The manner in which the adoption agency shows you children may differ. I am not aware of it. The adoption agency that I approached, presented before me two children (both girls). The age of a child you are entitled to get also depends on your age. In case you are rejecting a child, the reason has to be genuine as it goes into the child's records. The reason can not be flimsy like you have not liked the looks, etc.
