Pre-adoption preparation : - The ideal age difference between at least one parent and the child to be adopted should not be more that forty years. Before adoption, pre-adoption counseling should be done by the social worker of the adoption agency. The social worker will look into social and family background of parents, family relationships, genetic background, parents' financial and emotional capability and attitude towards adoption.

Parents desiring to adopt a child should approach a legally recognized adoption agency recognized by the Central Government. Parents should be ready with the following certificates:

Adoption Laws
In India, The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956” governs all Hindus adopting children and “The Guardians and Wards Act of 1890” governs adoption by parents who are not Hindus by religion and is also for foster care for inter-country adoption till the children are finally adopted according to the law of the country of the parents adopting

Medical examination of a prospective child to be adopted
Doctor will examine the child for medical fitness and look for any gross defects and whether it is treatable. The doctors may advise standard blood tests, urine test, stool examination, x-ray chest as a routine procedure. Other special tests may be advised as and when required. Parents should also be advised regarding standard immunization schedule.

Post adoption care : - Follow-up after adoption may be necessary as baby may have difficulty in coping up with the new environment may have behavioral problems and identification crisis (especially if parents and child have a difference in skin colour).
     Parents should be encouraged to tell the child about his or her adoption for if the child comes to know from other sources, it may cause a sense of betrayal. Ideal age of disclosure should be between 6 to 10 years as most children can accept this fact in their stride and can understand the concept of adoption.

Last created On 1/9/2006
Last updated On 18/11/2006