Adoption by unmarried female

– In India all adoption issues are handled by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), an
autonomous body governed by the Ministry of Women & Child Development.

– A minimum age difference of 21 years between the single mother and the adopted child is
required if they’re of opposite sexes.

– A single parent should be between 30 – 45 years in age if she wishes to adopt a child in the age
group of 0-3 years. The upper limit for a child older than 3 years is 50.

– The single parent should have an additional family support.

– According to the rules the adoptive parent has to be both medically fit and financially settled.

– According to the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956 Indian citizens who are Hindus,
Jains, Sikhs, or Buddhists are allowed to adopt not more than one child of a particular sex.

– For foreigners, NRIs and those Indian nationals who are Muslims, Parsis, Christians or Jews,
according to the Guardian and Wards Act of 1890, the parent only acts as a guardian till the child
attains the age of 18.

– One can adopt a child from recognised private placement agencies, Shishu Grehas or State
Adoption Cells

Hurdles faced by single Indian women who want to adopt

 Adoption agencies
 Family
 Society
 Schools
 Work-life
 Telling the child

Support for single women considering adoption in India

 NGO
 Internet
 Read
 Prepare well