Why Does Adoption Take So Long?
People who wish to adopt a child have to first register with one of the 14 adoption agencies in the city. After a hospital does a preliminary check to ascertain the child’s health, the baby is taken to the a government-run orphanage. There, within 48 hours, the child is produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
CWC and the police then investigate the child’s background. It’s photograph is printed in newspapers to invite people who may have information about it to come forward. The police also submit a report about the baby’s background, if they have been able to find any leads, to the CWC within three weeks If within one and a half month of printing the child’s photograph no one claims it as a relative, it is set up for adoption. If any relatives do come
forth, their claim will be checked – an if found valid – the baby will be give to them.
Once cleared for adoption, the families who have already registered with adoption agencies will be given first preference. These agency runs a check on the couple’s domestic, financial and legal background.They have to earn a minimum of Rs 8,000 per month.
The prospective parents are then called for several interviews. They need to have letters from relatives and friends vouching for their capability to provide a good home. If the child in question is above two years of age, the agency begins counselling him or her to help them adjust in their new home.
Once the adoption procedure is complete and the child is brought to its new home, the adoption agency is in touch with the parents for a year to see how the child is settling.