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Deciding to adopt a baby is a major step that some parents might choose. To make the process easier and hassle-free, we have put together a list of the best adoption agencies in India. The adoption process includes a lot of paperwork, legal formalities, and fees, for which you need proper guidance and support from people who are good at it. Therefore, it is important to have the support of reputable and trustworthy adoption agencies by your side to decide to extend your family and bring a new person into your life.
The adoption agencies will make the process less time-consuming and hassle-free for you to enjoy the happiness and satisfaction of giving a permanent home to a child. Read on to know about the best adoption agencies and their services.
Key Pointers
- In India, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) supervises the adoption process and ensures its legality and ethics.
- Couples who are married longer than two years and single women can adopt children of any gender, but single men can only adopt a male child.
- Adoption agencies focus on rehabilitating and caring for orphaned and abandoned children, promoting their adoption and development.
- Those considering adoption can contact these agencies for further details on the adoption process and their services.
Who Are Eligible To Adopt In India?
The adoption procedure is managed by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), the central body responsible for regulating adoptions in India. All legal adoptions should go through this agency to avoid any adoption problems in the future. The eligibility criteria of prospective adoptive parents (PAP) contain the following most notable points (1).
- PAP must be physically, mentally, and financially capable without any life-threatening medical conditions. The age difference between the PAP and the child should not be less than 25 years.
- Married couples with more than two years of stable marital relationship and with mutual consent are eligible to adopt.
- A single woman can adopt a child of any gender, while a single man can only adopt a male child. The age of the prospective single parent must not be more than 55 years.
The adoption process can be lengthy and often requires careful planning and patience. It is where adoption agencies step in since they are usually well-acquainted with the rules and can smoothen the adoption process for those wishing to adopt a child.
Top 16 Popular Adoption Agencies In India
1. Children Of The World (India) Trust:
- The ‘Children of the World (India) Trust’ is known to be one of the trusted adoption agencies.
- The organization, located in Mumbai, has been active since 1982.
- The slogan of the Children Of The World (India) Trust is ‘Children are God’s way of telling you tomorrow is beautiful’.
Brief Description:
- Children of the World Trust works for the rehabilitation of abandoned and destitute children by promoting their adoption. It provides a temporary home for orphans and abandoned kids with proper care, attention, and opportunities for their intellectual, physical, and emotional development.
- It caters to about 50 abandoned children of 0 to 6 years.
- The agency facilitates adoption by bringing together the kids who have lost their parents and the prospective parents.
Contact Details:
401, Arun Chambers, 4th Floor,
Tardeo, Mumbai – 400034,
Maharashtra, India.
Tel: 91-022-23520249, 91-22-23520032, 56602196,
E-mail: cwb@bom5.vsnl.net.in
2. Delhi Council Of Child Welfare (DCCW):
- ‘Delhi Council of Child Welfare’ is a reputed NGO cum adoption agency.
- It was founded in 1952.
- The slogan of DCCW is ‘Giving Children a Childhood’.
Brief Description:
- DCCW offers care to the separated children.
- The agency aims to provide proper attention and organize beneficial programs for underprivileged kids in and around Delhi by encouraging adoption, providing homes to abandoned children, delivering medical facilities, education, nutrition, daycare, and rehabilitation of mentally and physically challenged kids to a great extent.
- More than 2,500 children benefit from various services of DCCW every day; you can adopt a child through the right procedures without any hassles.
Contact Details:
Delhi Council For Child Welfare,
“Palna” Civil Lines,
Qudsia Garden, Yamuna Marg,
Delhi – 110054,
Tel: 91-11-23968907
91-11-23944655
Email: delhi.council@gmail.com
Website: www.dccw.org
3. Indian Association for Promotion of Adoption (IAPA):
- Indian Association for Promotion of Adoption is committed to providing child welfare services and promote adoption.
- IAPA has been active since 1971
- It is located in Mumbai.
Brief Description:
- IAPA actively provides beneficial family-oriented and community-based services to orphans and underprivileged kids and families.
- The adoption agency focuses on improving family life, strengthening family bonds, and promoting education for the future of orphans.
- IAPA works towards rehabilitation and fosters care through the adoption of orphans, abandoned kids, encouraging family support to prevent the separation of a child from the family, and offering support, educational growth, life-skills, psychological health, and vocational training. It encourages adoption of kids by bringing together parents, who wish to adopt a child, and orphans.
Contact Details:
Khetwadi Project Office, 40
West khetwadi, BMC School, Khetwadi 5th Lane, Girgaum
Mumbai
Maharashtra
400004
Telephone: 91-22-24307076
91-22-24374938
Email: iapa@mtnl.net.in
Website: www.iapa.in
4. World Child Welfare Trust India (WWTI):
- World Child Welfare Trust India, also known as Balanand, is one of the leading adoption agencies striving to promote adoption in India.
- WWTI was established in 1984.
- The adoption agency is located in Mumbai.
Brief Description:
- WWTI aims to provide homes for orphans, relinquished, abandoned children in the age group of 0 to 6 years and promote their rehabilitation.
- The adoption agency believes that ‘Right to a Family’ is the birthright of every kid and adoption is the best option.
- With great efforts and perseverance, WWTI has established Residential Children’s Home, which possesses the license under Juvenile Justice Act.
- Adoption is the most important program of the organization to help kids without a family to have a permanent home.
Contact Details:
Sai Kripa, 93, Ghatla Village,
Chembur – east
Mumbai
Maharashtra
400071
Tel: 91-22-25202262
Email: info@balanand.in
Website: www.balanand.in
5. Family Service Centre (FSC):
- Family Service Centre is another trusted adoption agency in India working towards children’s adoption and strengthening family values.
- The agency’s year of establishment is 1955.
- FSC is situated in Mumbai.
Brief Description:
- FSC is a leading adoption agency working to uplift families in crises, particularly children and women.
- The organization aims to preserve, strengthen, and promote the family as a unit. Understanding the effects of adoption on children, they conduct regular counseling and outreach programs with adoptive parents.
- FSC works to reach out families through its adoption programs, community-based initiatives, educational sponsorship, and foster care, and other community development programs and promote adoption.
- The organization is proud to reach out more than 18,500 individuals in a year.
Contact Details:
Eucharisdtic Congress Bldg – III, Ground Floor
5, Convent Street
Mumbai
Maharashtra
400001
Tel: 91-22-22021432
91-22-22828862
Email: director@fscmumbai.org
Website: www.fscmumbai.org
6. Vathsalya Charitable Trust:
- Vathsalya Charitable Trust is one of the prominent not-for-profit adoption agencies focusing on community development, promoting adoption, and working for the uplift of the low-socioeconomic community.
- The organization is located in Bangalore.
- It has been active since 1988.
Brief Description:
- Vathsalya Charitable Trust houses homeless, orphan kids and works towards their growth and overall development through its various initiatives and adoption programs.
- The organization has received more than 1,400 children and aided adoption of more than 800 in families.
- Its objective is to ensure a healthy living environment for orphans and needy families by providing the right nutrition, educational services, health programs, vocational and life skills training, and adoption promotion. It also works to reduce psychological problems in adopted children by offering counseling services.
Contact Details:
No 717, 5th Cross
HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar
Bangalore
Bangalore Urban
Karnataka
560043
Tel: + 91 80 2545 7360 / 080 41480194
Email: vathsalya1988@gmail.com
Website: https://www.vctblr.org/
7. Catalyst For Social Action (CSA):
- Catalyst for Social Action is a leading not-for-profit adoption agency dedicated towards welfare and rehabilitation of kids living in orphanages.
- The adoption agency sports the slogan ‘Child care and beyond’.
- CSA has been active since September 2002, and it is located in Mumbai.
Brief Description:
- CSA aims to work as a catalyst adopting and promoting a holistic approach to child welfare and rehabilitation.
- The agency supports more than 2,800 children in more than 55 childcare organizations in four Indian states and encourages adoption of kids.
- CSA is popular for publishing ‘A family for every child’, a book on promoting the concept of adoption.
- Also, it aids to transfer a child from an orphanage into an adoption agency after the child gets an opportunity to get adopted.
Contact Details:
Catalysts for Social Action (CSA), C/o Accelya Kale Solution Ltd.,
3rd floor, Modi House, Naupada, Eastern Express Highway
Mumbai
Thane
Maharashtra
400602
Tel: 91-22-67808888, 91-9820557180
Email: sidney.rocha@csa.org.in
Website: https://www.csa.org.in/
8. Shiva DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) Health And Education Trust:
- Shiva DMD Health and Education Trust strives towards the betterment of DMD children and promotes their adoption for their better living and care.
- The agency was established in 2010.
- It is located in Mumbai.
Brief Description:
- Shiva DMD Health and Education Trust aims to build a healthcare center for DMD children and work with RND organization for the development and well-being of DMD kids.
- It works to bring couples who wish to adopt kids and orphan DMD kids and support their adoption efforts.
- The agency promotes the values of positive parenting and happy, healthy families where DMD kids get love and care.
Contact Details:
Shiva DMD Health & Education Trust
Office Address: #2, Shiv Shakti Society, Chaitanya Nagar,
I.I.T Market, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Pin Code – 400076
Phone No: 022-25773494
Email: info@shivadmd.com
Website: www.shivadmd.com
9. Asansol Burdwan Seva Kendra (ABSK):
- Asansol Burdwan Seva Kendra is a specialized adoption agency.
- The organization has been active since 1998.
- ABSK is located in the state of West Bengal.
Brief Description:
- ABSK aims to fulfill the needs of the poor and marginalized section of Diocese of Asansol by extending its helping hand to safeguard and rehabilitate 15 needy kids at a time with the help of government aid.
- The agency is registered under J.J Amendment Act 2006 and promotes adoption of children for their betterment.
- The organization believes that adoption is one of the best ways to rehabilitate the abandoned and orphan children.
Contact Details:
Address of the Organization:
Asansol Burdwan Seva Kendra
55, B.B. Ghosh Road, Tentultola, Burdwan- 713101 (W.B), India
Phone: 0342-2568084 (0), 09434391404, 09474612533 (M)
Fax: (0342)- 2568084
Email: director@absk.org.in
Website: http://www.absk.org.in/
10. Indian Society For Rehabilitation Of Children (ISRC):
- Indian Society for the Rehabilitation of Children (ISRC) is one of the leading adoption agencies in India which provides a home to several abandoned, needy kids and infants and more than 30 orphans with special needs.
- The organization is situated in Kolkata.
Brief Description:
- ISRC runs under the aegis of the CARA i.e. Central Adoption Resource Authority, which is a leading autonomous body operating under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
- The agency follows the rules of the in-country adoption of Indian kids and promotes adoption of abandoned and orphan children to help them have a family life and love and care.
- In addition to this, ISRC has two wings, one wing promotes the adoption of kids, and another works towards the development of the children who are physically disabled.
Contact Details:
244A, Purna Das Road,
Kolkata – 700029
Tel: 91-033-24649640
Email:Isrcindia@yahoo.Com
Isrcindia@Sify.Com
11. Bilaspur Seva Bharati:
- Bilaspur Sewa Bharti Matruchhaya is a trusted adoption agency committed to providing a home for abandoned children, work for their betterment, and promote adoption to strengthen the family values.
- The main branch of the organization is located in Bilaspur, Chhatisgarh, and it’s operating since 2004.
- It has two branches, one in Ambikapur and other in Durg.
Brief Description:
- Bilaspur Seva Bharati takes care of abandoned newborn babies and children coming under the age group of 0 to 6 years and encourages adoption of children to help them have a healthy family life.
- The agency is affiliated with the Social Welfare Department and Department Of Women And Child Development of Chhattisgarh.
Contact Details:
Near Tulja Bhawani Temple,
Kududand, Bilaspur,
Chattisgarh.
Tel: 07752-237949
Email: sewabhartibilaspur@gmail.com
Website: http://www.sewabharticg.org
12. Uttar Pradesh Council For Child Welfare (UPCCW):
- Uttar Pradesh Council for Child Welfare is one of the prominent adoption agencies and a unit of international body, which works for the development, education, and health of needy children and support their adoption.
- UPCCW is also the state-level branch of the Indian Council for Child Welfare based in New Delhi.
Its registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1975 allows it to receive foreign grants and Income Tax Act, 1961 lets it benefit from income tax exemptions.
Brief Description:
- UPCCW aims to see every child and woman healthy, educated, and developed, and it supports adoption of abandoned children.
- The mission of UPCCW is to work for the uplift of the society, promote national awareness and integrity by making the generation aware about their rights.
- It works to strengthen the family values by supporting the adoption of orphans and abandon children.
Contact Details:
Uttar Pradesh Council For Child Welfare
2, Rana Pratap Marg, Moti Mahal,
Lucknow – 226001, Uttar Pradesh.
Tel: 91-0522-2227438
Email: info@upccw.org
Website: http://www.upccw.org.in/
13. Anantha Ashram Trust:
- Anantha Ashram is a popular registered charitable trust which actively promotes the values of love and compassion in the community and encourages adoption of orphans, and abandoned children.
- The organization has been active since 1989, and it started a small orphanage in 1991.
- It is located in Hosur, Tamil Nadu state.
Brief Description:
- Anantha Ashram Trust’s primary objective is to serve needy people and children.
- The agency supports adoption, provides health and educational services to the needy, and helps orphans and the abandoned get love and care from its services.
Contact Details:
Anantha Ashram Trust
Mathigiri, HCF Post, Hosur Krishnagiri Dist.
Tamilnadu -635110
Tel: 04344-262324 / 9442448133
Email: Socialworker@Ananthashram.Org
Ananthaashram@Gmail.Com
Website: http://www.ananthashram.org/
14. All India Pingalwaara Charitable Society (AIPCS):
- All India Pingalwaara Charitable Society works towards providing love and care not only for orphans and abandoned kids but also to disabled and retarded children.
- It is located in Amritsar, Punjab.
Brief Description:
- AIPWCS aims to provide food and shelter to poor, education to children, and vocational training to disabled and retarded children, and encourage adoption to help orphans have family love and attention.
- Also, the agency organizes immunization and blood donation camps and spreads awareness among the masses about different environmental and social evils.
Contact Details:
All India Pingalwaara Charitable Society,
Amritsar -143001,
Punjab,
Tel: 91-183-234586
Email Id: pingal@jla.vsnl.net.in
Website: https://www.pingalwara.org/
15. Shri Kasturba Stri Vikas Gruh:
- Shri Kasturba Stri Vikas Gruh is another leading adoption agency that takes care of abandoned infants born to widowed or unwed mothers and work for their overall development.
- The organization was established in 1957, and is located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Brief Description:
- Shri Kasturba Stri Vikas Gruh believes that resettlement or adoption of orphans and abandoned kids is a great step for their well-being and development. It offers care and needs of abandoned children and encourages their adoption.
- The agency has established Matrushri Jivibai Home for infants and children and a crèche for kids of working women.
- Lots of Indian families from foreign countries and India have come forward to adopt the abandoned and orphans from the institute.
Contact Details:
Shri Kasturba Stri Vikas Gruh
Jamnagar, 361 008, (Gujarat) INDIA
Phone No. : +91 288 275 1728, 275 3000
Fax : +91 288 275 1730
E-mail: kasturbastrivikasgruh@yahoo.co.in
Website: www.kasturbastrivikasgruh.org
16. Bal Asha Trust
- Bal Asha Trust is a recognized charitable organization to assist marginalized and abandoned children in Mumbai.
- It was founded in 1985.
- The adoption agency is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Brief Description:
- Bal Asha Trust’s mission is to rescue abandoned and destitute children and offer them a secure home. Collaborating with local authorities and media, they strive to reunite children with their biological parents. When such reunification is not feasible, the organization provides care until a suitable adoptive family is found through a legal process.
- They provide education and training to childcare professionals across India.
- The Ahilyabai Holkar Award from the Government of Maharashtra is a notable achievement.
Contact Details:
King George V Memorial,
Anand Niketan, Dr. E. Moses Road,
Mahalaxmi,
Mumbai, 400 011
Tel: 9930986400
Email: info@balashatrust.org
Website: https://balashatrust.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to adopt a child from India?
The cost of adopting a child from India can vary widely and will depend on many factors, including the age and special needs of the child, the country you are adopting from, and any legal or travel expenses you may incur. For instance, if you reside in the United States and wish to adopt a child from India, the total costs may range from $34,718 to $49,028 (2).
2. How do I speed up the adoption process?
Choose an experienced agency that can perform a quick and thorough evaluation to speed up the adoption process. Consider being flexible by adopting a child of any age or with special needs. It is also essential to be well-prepared, organized, proactive, and patient as the adoption process can take time.
3. How can I adopt a child in India?
To adopt a child in India, parents must register online at CARA, complete a home study, receive a referral for a child, reserve the child within 48 hours, and complete the adoption process within 20 days. The adoptive parent can then execute a Foster Care Agreement, and the adoption agency will file an adoption petition in court and a birth certificate for the child, with the adoptive parent’s name as the legal parent (3).
4. Can I adopt a newborn baby in India?
In India, orphaned, abandoned, or surrendered newborn babies cannot be adopted immediately. These children will be placed in a Child Care Centre. If their biological parents are not found, they are declared legally free by the Child Welfare Committee and brought before the adoption committee for placement with an adoptive family (4).
5. Who cannot adopt a child in India?
Couples with three or more children are generally not eligible to adopt unless they are adopting a child with special needs, a relative, or doing it as a step-parent. Additionally, single men are not eligible to adopt girl children (1).
6. How many children can one adopt in India?
In India, applicants with up to two children in their home, whether biological or adopted, are typically allowed to adopt. It is also possible for applicants with three children to adopt, but only if they adopt a child with special needs, a step-child, or a relative’s child. Therefore, the maximum number of children one family can adopt in India is four (1).
7. Can I directly adopt a child from an orphanage in India?
Adopting a child directly from the hospital or an orphanage is illegal and not allowed under the law. According to the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, this offense has penalties, including imprisonment and fines, as specified in Section 80 (1).
8. How long is the child adoption process in India?
The adoption process has specific timelines according to Schedule XIV of the Adoption Regulations 2017, but the actual waiting time can vary based on various factors. There are currently more parents waiting to adopt than children available, making it difficult to predict how long the process will take (1).
9. What documents are required for adoption in India?
Prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) must submit a current family photograph or photograph of the person adopting a child, identification documents, proof of residence, proof of income, medical certificate, marriage certificate or divorce documents (if applicable), undertaking from a relative (if applicable), and consent from any older children in the adoptive family (5).
10. Why do foreigners adopt Indian children?
The adoption process in India is centralized and efficient, which may make it attractive to foreign prospective adoptive parents who do not want contact with the birth family. The central monitoring system helps to ensure transparency and accountability, track the availability of children, and coordinate non-institutional care for children in their best interests (1).
Nowadays, many parents are interested in adopting a baby to expand their families. However, it is critical to know the procedure and most trusted agencies to make the right decision. It is also essential to ensure your and the child’s safety. To help you with the process, we have listed some of India’s top adoption agencies along with their websites, a brief description of the agency, and contact details. Refer to each one and choose an agency based on your preferences to have a sweet addition to your family.
Illustration: Top 15 Adoption Agencies In India
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
References
- Frequently Asked Questions
https://cara.wcd.gov.in/PDF/faqs.pdf - India Adoption Cost
https://awaa.org/adopt/adoption-programs/india/costs/ - How to Adopt a Child in India?
https://familiesofjoy.org/awareness-on-adoption/cara-adoption-process/ - Guidelines for Parents
I Want to Adopt a Child
https://iapindia.org/pdf/Ch-099-I-want-to-adopt-a-child-IAP-Parental-Guidelines-18112021.pdf - Documents to be Uploaded at the Time of Registration
https://cara.wcd.gov.in/Parents/document_Ri.html
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