Jaipur : Now it has become easier than ever for single parents to adopt a child. Under the new rules issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, unmarried, widowed, divorced or legally separated people between the ages of 35 and 60 can now adopt a child without any hassle. Earlier, according to the Model Foster Care Guidelines of 2016, only married couples could adopt a child.
Which children can be adopted?
According to government rules, children above the age of 6 years in India who are placed in child care institutions and who have ‘unfit guardians’ can be adopted. Apart from this, adoption of minor children with special needs is also allowed, which will also help such children find a home.
Stable marital life is essential for married women
According to the new rule for married couples to adopt a child, they must have a stable marital life for at least 2 years. This change has been made in the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act of 2021 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules of 2022, keeping in mind the guidelines of 2016.
New age requirements for foster parents
According to the new guidelines, the combined age of a married couple should be at least 70 years for adopting children between the ages of 6 and 12 and 18. At the same time, the age of a single foster parent should not be less than 35 years. The maximum age of a single person to adopt a child between 6 and 12 years should be 55 years and to adopt a child between 12 and 18 years should be up to 60 years.
child adoption process
Now foster parents can easily register online. Foster parents can upload their documents through the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS) platform. This platform is already being used by adoptive parents. The Foster Care Guidelines of 2024 have made provision for a designated online portal where prospective foster parents can upload their documents with the help of District Child Protection Units.
According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, as of March 2024, 1,653 children were in foster care in all states and union territories except Goa, Haryana and Lakshadweep. With the implementation of the new rules, adopting a child has become simpler and easier for single parents, so that they too can experience the joy of becoming parents without any hassle.
