Adopting From India
Introduction
About the Children
Introduction
Agape Adoptions is pleased to have been recently approved by the central authority in India to complete inter country adoptions! We are honored to be authorized to work with the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) to complete adoptions from India and look forward to a long-standing relationship.
India, officially the Republic of India
Agape Adoptions is pleased to have been recently approved by the central authority in India to complete inter country adoptions! We are honored to be authorized to work with the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) to complete adoptions from India and look forward to a long-standing relationship.
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area and the most populous country as of June 2023. From the time of its independence from Great Britain in 1947, India is the world's most populous democracy.
Adoptions from India are completed in accordance with the Hague Convention on inter country adoption through CARA. More information related to inter country adoptions can be found here.
Agape Adoptions hosts monthly virtual information meetings for those interested in adopting through our programs.
Eligibility
About the Children
Introduction
Citizenship
It is a requirement of the U.S. government that one parent must be a U.S. citizen in order to adopt a child from another country.
Age
The minimum age difference between the child and either PAP shall not be less than 25 years and the maximum composite age of both parents cannot be over 90 years; however this requirement can be m
Citizenship
It is a requirement of the U.S. government that one parent must be a U.S. citizen in order to adopt a child from another country.
Age
The minimum age difference between the child and either PAP shall not be less than 25 years and the maximum composite age of both parents cannot be over 90 years; however this requirement can be more flexible if adopting a school aged child.
In the case of a married couple adopting a child, the couple’s combined age must be no more than:
- 90 years if adopting a child under 4 years of age;
- 100 years if adopting a child between 4 - 8;
- 110 years if adopting a child 8+ years of age.
In the case of a single parent adopting a child, the PAP must be no more than:
- 45 years of age if adopting a child age 4 or younger;
- 50 years of age if adopting a child between 4 and 8 years of age;
- 55 years of age if adopting a child age eight years and older.
These provisions may be relaxed in exceptional cases, such as the adoption of older children, siblings, and children with special needs, and they do not apply in cases of relative adoptions or adoption by a step-parent CARA’s website regarding eligibility and age requirements.
Marriage Status
Married couples must be married a minimum of 2 years (at the time of the home study). Married couples with more than 2 child are eligible for a child with special needs only.
Single women are eligible for a boy or girl; single men may adopt a male child only.
Criminal History
Applicants cannot have been convicted of a criminal act of any nature or accused in any case of child rights violation.
Health Conditions
Prospective adoptive parents should be physically, mentally, and emotionally, they shall not have any life-threatening medical condition.
Income
Families must be financially capable to support a child. Families must have an annual income of at least $30000. Families must meet the income requirements provided by the USCIS office in order for the adopted child to immigrate to the US.
Children in the Home
Preference given to smaller families. Couples with two or more children shall be considered for Special Needs Children. India requires families to maintain birth order.
About the Children
About the Children
About the Children
Families adopting from India should be open to children (boys and girls) with special needs. Children largely reside in state run institution while awaiting adoption.
Typically, the children are 10 months - 14 years old at the time they are matched with a family.
Common special needs are: developmental delays, malnutrition, minor/correctabl
Families adopting from India should be open to children (boys and girls) with special needs. Children largely reside in state run institution while awaiting adoption.
Typically, the children are 10 months - 14 years old at the time they are matched with a family.
Common special needs are: developmental delays, malnutrition, minor/correctable issues, heart conditions, medical conditions, impacts of institutional care, potential abuse and neglect history, HIV+, developmental delays, developmental disabilities, orthopedic needs, hearing/vision issues and cerebral palsy.
Sibling groups are almost never to rarely available for adoption.
Process & Timeline
Travel, Bonding, & Post Adoption Requirements
Travel, Bonding, & Post Adoption Requirements
Submit Adoption Application for Preliminary Approval
Complete Home Study and I800a immigration process
Compile Dossier Documents and submit to CARA (after child match)
Families are eligible to be matched with a waiting child from CARINGS after CARA approves the family home study.
Child match and referral is based on the approval parameters;
Submit Adoption Application for Preliminary Approval
Complete Home Study and I800a immigration process
Compile Dossier Documents and submit to CARA (after child match)
Families are eligible to be matched with a waiting child from CARINGS after CARA approves the family home study.
Child match and referral is based on the approval parameters; 12 - 18 months depending on families openness to age, gender and special needs.
Complete secondary immigration paperwork (child specific documents), prepare dossier and prepare to travel.
Travel, Bonding, & Post Adoption Requirements
Travel, Bonding, & Post Adoption Requirements
Travel, Bonding, & Post Adoption Requirements
Travel
1 trip is required (approximately 7-10 days in country); An additional trip (or extended 1st trip) may be needed if the District Magistrate requires the PAPs to be present at the adoption hearing or if the passport office requires parents to be present.
Some states in India will require you to be present for court thus lengthening yo
Travel
1 trip is required (approximately 7-10 days in country); An additional trip (or extended 1st trip) may be needed if the District Magistrate requires the PAPs to be present at the adoption hearing or if the passport office requires parents to be present.
Some states in India will require you to be present for court thus lengthening your family’s in country stay by several weeks.
Post Placement requirements
6 post adoption visits with agency-completed post-adoption reports, at the following intervals: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months following the date of adoption. Some states in India may require additional reports.
Fees
Travel, Bonding, & Post Adoption Requirements
Fees
Families should budget approximately
$33,000 to $40,000 to cover the costs of completing an adoption from India, which includes travel fees.
Agape Adoptions can provide a detailed fee schedule via email.
Families working with Agape Adoptions will be able to utilize the services of Your Adoption Finance Coach to help with funding your adoption.