New Legisation Regarding Adoption in India

New legilation was passed regarding adoption in India. It seems to make it so that adopting a child in India will be easier and faster. The change was initiated because Angela Joli and Brad Pit had gone to India to consider adopting from there, but were discouraged by all of the loops and long waits. This made some of the legislators open their eyes about streamlining the process. There are so many children, like our Uma, who are sitting in orphanages longer than they need to just because of red tape.

In terms of international adoption, the change seems fantastic in terms of being able to get a referral more quickly and for the children, those who "happen" not to be at orphanages with relationships with foreign agencies, it could mean a chance at a home

On a personal level, I tend to cringe at change. I am not sure how the new legislation will effect us since we have already done the bulk of our waiting (hopefully) though maybe it will allow us to adopt Uma in India itself rather than waiting until we get here. On the other hand, being at the tail end of our process could possibly mean more delays while things iron and straighten out. Who knows!?


Anyway, prayers are in order....so that the new legistation does make a positive difference in the lives of many children and their prospective families, and for us it either speeds things up, or makes the process easier, or at least doesn't make it delayed.

Below is an article which briefly explains the changes forthcoming.


CARA PROPOSES AMENDMENTS IN ADOPTION GUIDELINES
________________________________________

11:5 IST

Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), an autonomous body under the
Ministry of Women & Child Development has proposed amendments in guidelines
on adoption of Indian children without Parental Care. The draft of the
amended guidelines was submitted to Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, Minister for
Women and Child Development by Shri J.K. Mittal, Chairman, CARA here today.

Briefing about the salient feature of the guidelines, the Minister said
these would bring more transparency, accountability and streamlined the
adoption procedure. According to the proposed amendments, now the State
Governments shall register all CCIs (Child Care Institutions) in the State.
Cases of all orphan, abandoned and surrendered children shall be processed
as per Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2006, which will automatically see
more adoptions. The Act shall be applicable both in domestic and foreign
adoption in case of all children in need of care and protection (orphan,
abandoned and surrendered). In the case of inter-country adoption, children
leaving with adoption orders and conformity certificate from CARA shall
acquire automatic citizenship/nationality and enjoy more safeguards.

Single window system will be followed in case of sourcing of children for
inter-country adoption. All abandoned and surrendered children will now be
committed to adoption agencies and shall be declared legally free for
adoption by CWC after following due procedure.

Prospective adopters would be able to adopt a child from any part of the
country from registered agency. No child adoption agency can deny
registration of such Prospective Parents. For example, a couple from Kerala
working in North East can adopt without any hassle.

All applications for foreign adoptions shall be received at CARA for advance
approval. If foreign agencies/Central authorities have given a choice of a
particular Indian agency, it will be considered as far as possible,
otherwise CARA shall direct foreign agencies/central authorities to transmit
their proposal to such placed where more children are available for
inter-country adoption. This process will minimize the waiting period of
foreign parents and children in the institutions as well.

The draft guidelines will be circulated to the all concerned agencies and
put on with the website for comments so that it can be given the final shape
after a month.

NCJ/DT
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=29102