Adoption in India surges to highest levels since 2018-19, crossing 4,000 mark
Between April 2023 and March 2024, a total of 4,009 children were adopted, both domestically in India and internationally, representing the highest number of adoptions recorded since the onset of the pandemic.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, over 4,000 children were adopted, marking the first time such a milestone has been achieved since the onset of the pandemic. Government data reveals that during the 2023-24 period, 4,009 children found homes both within India and abroad. This figure is slightly lower compared to the 2018-19 period, which saw 4,027 adoptions.
Despite India implementing measures to expedite the adoption process, the pandemic caused a decline in adoption rates. In 2019-20, 3,745 children were adopted, followed by 3,559 in 2020-21, 3,405 in 2021-22, and 3,441 in 2022-23.
As per data compiled by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), out of the 4,009 children adopted, 3,560 were domestic adoptions within the country, while 449 were international adoptions. The count of domestic adoptions recorded the highest figure since the 2015-16 period.
In the current year, in addition to the existing five types of adoption outlined under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (amended in 2021) and Adoption Regulations 2022, CARA has introduced ‘foster adoptions’ as a new category.
Under this category, children aged six and above are temporarily housed in an approved alternative residence separate from their biological family. As of now, 10 children have been placed in this category. CARA emphasizes that, in addition to the existing five types of adoption outlined in the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (amended in 2021) and Adoption Regulations 2022, children who are already in foster care are being supported to be adopted by their foster parents, contingent upon their legal status.
For domestic adoption, the relative or step-parent initiates the process by registering with CARA and submitting the necessary documents. The District Child Protection Unit then verifies the information and uploads the family background report to the portal. Subsequently, the State Adoption Resource Authority conducts a re-verification of the application and uploads it to the platform. CARA then issues and uploads the pre-approval letter along with supporting documents. Following this sequence, the District Magistrate is required to issue an adoption order within 60 days.
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