Launched by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Child Adoption – Tamil Nadu scheme is designed to provide a loving family environment for orphaned, abandoned, destitute, and neglected children. In line with the guidelines of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), adoption is defined as the process by which a child separated from their biological parents is legally accepted into a new family with all the attendant rights and responsibilities.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Care:
- Provision of accommodation, food, and healthcare to the child until adoption.
- A stable, nurturing family environment for the child.
- Special Concessions for Female Government Employees:
- Adoption leave of 270 days for those adopting a child below one year.
- Legal and Social Security:
- Adoption ensures that the child legally becomes a part of the adoptive family with all rights, privileges, and responsibilities.
Eligibility
For Prospective Adoptive Parents:
- Marital Status:
- Couples must have at least two years of a stable marital relationship.
- Age Requirements:
- For a child up to 4 years old:
- Maximum composite age of the prospective adoptive parents: 90 years.
- For a single prospective adoptive parent: Minimum age 25 years, maximum age 45 years.
- For a child above 4 years and up to 8 years old:
- Maximum composite age: 100 years.
- For a single prospective adoptive parent: Minimum age 25 years, maximum age 50 years.
- For a child above 8 years and up to 18 years old:
- Maximum composite age: 110 years.
- For a single prospective adoptive parent: Minimum age 25 years, maximum age 55 years.
- For a child up to 4 years old:
- Financial Stability:
- The parents should have adequate financial resources to raise the child.
- Additional Conditions:
- An unmarried or single male prospective adoptive parent is not eligible to adopt a girl child.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Visit the office of the State Adoption Resource Agency, Directorate of Social Defence, or the Concerned Probation Officer during office hours and request a hard copy of the prescribed application form.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields.
- Paste a passport-sized photograph (signed across if required).
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the relevant office (State Adoption Resource Agency/Directorate of Social Defence/Concerned Probation Officer).
- Obtain Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Proof of Identity: PAN Card or Passport.
- Proof of Residence: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or Electricity Bill.
- Proof of Income: Last year’s Pay Bill or Income Tax Certificate.
- Marriage Certificate & Photograph: Copy of the marriage certificate of the prospective adoptive parents.
- Birth Certificate: Copy of the birth certificate of the prospective adoptive parents.
- Medical Certificate: Certifying the health status of the prospective adoptive parents.
- Letter of Identification: From friends or relatives, as applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What kind of assistance is provided to children under this scheme?
A1: The scheme provides accommodation, food, and healthcare to the children until they are placed for adoption, ensuring a nurturing environment.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria for prospective adoptive parents?
A2: Prospective adoptive parents must have a stable marital relationship of at least two years (for couples), meet specific age criteria based on the age of the child, possess adequate financial resources, and comply with additional conditions regarding single parenthood and gender.
Q3: What is the definition of child adoption according to CARA?
A3: According to CARA, adoption is a process by which a child, abandoned or separated from their biological parents, is legally accepted as the child of a new set of parents, along with all associated rights and responsibilities.
Q4: Which legal acts govern the process of adoption in India?
A4: Adoption in India is governed by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with guidelines from the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
Q5: How is the child adoption process regulated?
A5: The process is regulated by CARA, with oversight provided by the State Adoption Resource Agencies and the concerned authorities under the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department.
Q6: How many institutions are involved in implementing the adoption scheme?
A6: The process involves the State Adoption Resource Agency, the Directorate of Social Defence, and the designated Probation Officers at various levels.
Q7: Who should be contacted for information about adoption?
A7: Prospective adoptive parents should contact the nearest State Adoption Resource Agency or the concerned Probation Officer for detailed information.
Q8: What documents need to be submitted for adoption?
A8: Required documents include proof of identity, proof of residence, income certificates, marriage certificate, birth certificate, medical certificate, and a letter of identification, among others.
Q9: What happens if a prospective adoptive parent is found ineligible after submission of documents?
A9: If found ineligible, the application will be rejected, and the parents may be advised on further steps or the possibility of reapplying if circumstances change.
Q10: Are single males allowed to adopt a girl child?
A10: No, an unmarried or single male prospective adoptive parent is not eligible to adopt a girl child.