Are you planning to become adoptive parents anytime soon? Then get ready for strict checks by adoption authorities including subjective home assessment by social workers.
Yes, you read that right.
As per new guidelines of the Women and Child Development Ministry, a 'home study report' will now be prepared before every adoption.
Social works will check if the house is fit for the child
Reportedly, as opposed to the older guidelines, social workers will now judge the homes of prospective parents to see the social and economic living conditions.
"Further, the social workers will asses with different parameters to see if the house deems fit for the child. Home study report, at present, includes questions such as "What is your motivation behind adopting a child", "Who will be responsible for caring for the child when you are at work", "if parents require any counselling in supporting the child", among others," reports India Today.
Col. Deepak Kumar, CEO of Central Adoption Resource Authority, also informed the daily, "So far, the questions had direct answers in yes or no. Our social workers will now be asked to observe the surroundings of the parents' house and submit a report based on their findings."
Medical examination will also be conducted
Another addition to the new rules is pertaining to the health of the child.
Now, a medical practitioner will check the child for any medical conditions and his report will be submitted in the adoption log of the child.
"Additionally, the medical examination report will include registration number and signature of the physician who has examined the child and in case of any medical negligence will be made to pay for the losses incurred by parents," the daily reports.
These new regulations were finalised after the death of the three-year-old Sherin Matthews. But for those of you who may have already applied for adoption, here's a summary of the current rules.
Adoption rules in India
The CARA has some strict rules of adoption in India. In fact, they have specifically listed the procedure of adoption on their official website. But here's what you basically need to know, as previously mentioned:
- Any Indian or Non-residential Indian (NRI) can adopt a child. This is if they are physically, mentally and emotionally stable, financially capable, motivated to adopt a child, and do not have any life-threatening medical condition.
- Marital status and previous children are not a bar, but a single male cannot adopt a girl child.
- Married couple who have had a stable relationship for more than two years, can adopt a child.
- The minimum difference of age between the child and the adoptive parents should be 25 years.
- The total cumulative age of the parents should not be more than 110 years and if its a single parent then the age cannot exceed 55 years.
Also read: Are you qualified to adopt in India? Read on.
(All images courtesy: Instagram)
