The Qualifications to Adopt From India

India is a wonderful country filled with a colorful, diverse culture, and delightful people. Adopting a child from India is an exciting and joyful experience that will enrich your life. Here are the most basic qualifications to adopt a child from India.

As with most adoptions, prospective adoptive parents must follow proper protocol. Completing a home study, filing required paperwork, and working with an approved adoption agency are the first steps in adopting from India. These steps are required and regulated by both the United States and the Indian government. India itself has its own guidelines and restrictions that differ from those required for domestic adoptions in the United States and other international adoptions. India is a member of the Hague Adoption Convention and adheres to the guidelines they set.

Prospective adoptive parents must be at least 25 years old, but not more than 45 years old if adopting a child aged four or younger. To adopt a child between the ages of four and eight a parent must be 29 to 50 years old. In order to adopt a child 8 years or older the parent must be between the ages of 33 and 55. The combined age of a married couple looking to adopt cannot exceed 110 years. 

Married couples hoping to adopt must prove that they have been in a stable relationship for at least two years. Same-sex couples are not authorized to adopt from India at this time. 

Prospective parents must meet income guidelines that are set by each individual adoption agency. They must prove that they are financially able to raise a child in a safe, healthy environment.

Single women adopting from India are free to adopt both girls and boys. Single men adopting are not permitted to adopt girls at this time.

Only families with fewer than four children, biological and or adoptive combined, are permitted to adopt from India. A second adoption from India will only be considered after the adoption of the first child is completed with the exception of siblings adopted simultaneously.

Prospective adoptive parents must not have any terminal or serious contagious illnesses or diseases. They must also be free of any physical or mental illness or limitation that may prevent them from properly caring for a child.

Take these guidelines into consideration when considering adopting from India and be sure to be patient with the process. All parties involved are doing their best to make sure these children end up the best situation possible. Adopting a child will be one of the greatest joys in your life. Follow the correct procedures and your new child will be in your arms before you know it.