Who Can Adopt Under the JJ Act?

Eligibility for Adoption under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act)

1. Married Couples:

Eligibility: Both husband and wife must be married and have been in a stable and harmonious marriage for at least two years.

Age Requirement: The husband and wife must be at least 25 years old and no more than 55 years old.

2. Single Individuals:

Eligibility: Single men or women can adopt.

Age Requirement: Single adoptive parents must be at least 30 years old and not more than 55 years old.

3. Couples Where One Spouse is a Non-Indian Citizen:

Eligibility: If one spouse is an Indian citizen and the other is a foreign national, they can still adopt, provided the Indian spouse is the primary applicant.

4. Foreign Nationals:

Eligibility: Foreign nationals can adopt from India, subject to the guidelines of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and the adoption laws of their own country.

5. Childless Couples:

Eligibility: Couples who do not have biological children or have only one biological child can adopt, provided they meet other criteria.

6. Couples with Biological Children:

Eligibility: Couples with biological children can also adopt, subject to certain conditions such as the age gap between the adopted child and the biological children.

7. Individuals with Disabilities:

Eligibility: Persons with disabilities can adopt, provided they are otherwise deemed fit to provide a suitable environment for the child.

Summary

Under the JJ Act, married couples, single individuals, foreign nationals (with specific guidelines), and couples with biological children can adopt, subject to meeting age requirements, marital status, and other conditions set by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and the law.