Adoptions in India reach the highest number since 2018-19, cross 4000-mark

More than 4,000 children were adopted between April 2023 and March 2024, a number reached for the first time post-pandemic. According to government data, in 2023-24, 4009 children were adopted by families in India and abroad. In the 2018-19, 4027 children were adopted.

Even after India took steps to speed up the child adoption process, the pandemic saw a decline in adoptions with 3,745 children being adopted in 2019-20, 3,559 adopted in 2020-21, 3,405 adopted in 2021-22, and 3,441 adopted in 2022-23.

In-country and inter-country adoptions

According to the data collected by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), out of 4,009 children adopted 3,560 were in-country adoptions and 449 were inter-country adoptions. The number of in-country adoptions was highest since 2015-16.

Foster adoptions

This year, apart from existing five types of adoption under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (amended in 2021) and Adoption Regulations 2022, CARA has introduced 'foster adoptions' as a category.

In this category, children above the age of six are temporarily placed in an approved alternative home other than the child's biological family. 10 children have been placed under this category so far. "Apart from existing five types of adoption under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (amended in 2021) and Adoption Regulations 2022, children already in foster care have been facilitated to be adopted by foster parents depending on their legal status," the CARA states.

What is the procedure of adoption in India?

For domestic adoption, the relative or step-parent must register with CARA and provide the relevant paperwork. The District Child Protection Unit subsequently uploads the verification information, along with the family background report to the site.

The State Adoption Resource Authority then re-verifies the application and uploads it to the portal. Following that, CARA issues and uploads the pre-approval letter and supporting documents. Following this procedure, the District Magistrate is expected to issue an adoption order within 60 days.

(With inputs from agencies)