The legal provisions for adoption in India are governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and the Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015. Here are the key provisions: Eligibility: Any adult, irrespective of marital status and gender, can adopt a child, subject to certain conditions. For example, a single male cannot adopt a girl child, and a single female cannot adopt a male child. Adoption agencies: The adoption process in India is facilitated by authorized adoption agencies. These agencies are registered under the Juvenile Justice Act and are responsible for ensuring that the adoption process is carried out in accordance with the law. Consent of biological parents: The biological parents of the child must give their consent for the adoption, unless they are deemed unfit or incapable of giving such consent. Home study report: The adoption agency conducts a home study report of the adoptive parents to assess their suitability to adopt a child. The report includes factors such as the financial stability of the family, their living conditions, and their ability to provide for the child's emotional and physical needs. Waiting period: After the adoption application is accepted, there is a mandatory waiting period of two months to ensure that the adoptive parents are committed to the adoption and that there is no coercion or undue influence on the biological parents. Court order: Once the waiting period is over, the adoption agency files a petition in the court seeking an adoption order. The court considers the best interest of the child before granting the adoption order. Post-adoption follow-up: After the adoption, the adoption agency conducts follow-up visits to ensure that the child is well taken care of and to provide support to the adoptive parents. It is important to note that adoption is a legal and permanent process in India, and once the adoption order is granted, the child becomes the legal child of the adoptive parents, with all the rights and responsibilities of a biological child.
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