Safe Childhood India

Families who consider intercountry adoption from India often begin with similar motivations and assumptions. Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) are generally driven by concern for the large number of children in institutional care who require permanent families. However, as PAPs engage with the Indian adoption system, initial expectations gradually give way to lived realities shaped by law, regulation, and child-specific circumstances.

Many PAPs initially assume they can select the profile of a child and then choose India as a sending country. In practice, intercountry adoption from India is highly regulated under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, with strict eligibility criteria for PAPs and clearly defined child profiles. India prioritises adoption by Indian PAPs residing in India, as well as NRI and OCI PAPs . The children cleared for intercountry adoption by foreigners are typically older, part of a sibling group, or have identified special needs. There are certain relaxations for PAPs desiring to adopt children with special needs; they need not wait in the queue.

Children with special needs are prioritised for adoption, and the regulatory relaxation is health-related, requiring particular sensitivity. Under the Adoption Regulations, 2022, a child with special needs is defined as one whose health status has been certified by the District Chief Medical Officer. Special needs include physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, sensory, medical, or developmental conditions, whether congenital or acquired, that may also arise from trauma or institutionalisation. The assessment is based on available medical and developmental information at the time . Such children are prioritised for adoption, and regulatory relaxation is provided to prospective adoptive parents.

PAPs must approach adoption with realism, preparedness, and humility—supported by thorough pre-adoption training, post-adoption support systems, and a clear action plan. Ultimately, adopting a child is a lifelong commitment made with an informed decision and an open mind.