|
323 children were adopted from India
to the United States in 2005 (Requirements). Poverty and a social stigma against unwed mothers
have continued to perpetuate adoption in a country where religion does not approve. The Hindu religion, which compromises
eighty percent of the population, there are no provisions for non-Hindu adoption. The child must be taken to the United States to legally be adopted (CommonWealth). However, there is still much regulation in the country.
“India has established a governmental body that regulates adoptions. Only agencies approved
by India’s central government may place children, and only agencies enlisted by India’s central government may
receive children for their applicant families” (Children). This keeps children and the families adopting them
safe by eliminating fraudulent agencies and child-trafficking.
|
|
Children
Available
- Often Relinquished
by poor and/or unwed mothers
- 71% of children are between one and four years old
“Because of economic conditions, many
children are relinquished to orphanages by parents who are unable to provide for them” (India). The circumstances
of the mother frequently cause children to be premature with low birth weight with minor to major special needs. Many
children also come from unwed mothers, as illegitimate children are shunned in the Hindu religion.
|
|
The Adoption System
Type of care: Orphanage, occasianlly foster care
Children reside
mainly in orphanages. Quality of living varies greatly among orphanages, but often there is a high child to care giver
ratio. Orphanages in poor or rural areas lack much of the supplies they need and may not have enough food, staff, clothing,
and housing. Some children are put into foster care before adoption. However, most go directly from the orphanage
to their new family.
|
|
Adoption
Costs
Cost:
20,000 to 35,000 USD Why?
Many
different cost ranges are available for Indian adoption. While Adoptive Families (an accredited adoption agency) estimates
around 20,000 dollars, others say it is much lower or higher (“Adoptive Families”). Adoption shop said “you
should probably plan on the agency fee costing anywhere from $7,500 to $30,000. Some adoption agencies may lower their fees
for families adopting older or special needs children and for lower income families. They will also typically lower their
fees for adopting multiple children at a time or for repeat clients” (Espejo 5). These are good incentives to
motivate Indian adoption, but they send the wrong message. Those hard to place are just “sold” cheaper.
Reasons for cost difference are usually the specific agency used and travel expenses.
Who
Can Adopt?
Prospective parents in Indian adoption must meet many requirements. Stringent requirements help assure
Indian adoption officials that the adoption is in the best interest of the child and is a life-long placements. - For married couples, the age range in 21-55 years old, but their combined ages can be no more
than 90 years older than the child they are adopting.
- Single parents up to 45 years old many also adopt, but it is prefferable to
be 30-35 years of age.
- Couples must be married for two years with no more than two divorces and have proof of
infertility
- One parent must be a U.S. citizen
- A family can have no more than two previous children.
- Financial
statements are cumpulsory to demonstrate that prospective parents can support the child
Recommendations
on Indian Adoption
Although
the cost of Indian adoption varies, it is often in the 20,000 to 25,000 USD range. Financial ability to care for a child
is required, but parents wanting a lower cost adoption are generally safe with India. Children from India are generally
healthy (ill and handicapped childrens' availibility is decided individually based on its severity). They come
with extensive medical records that make treatments and immunizations once in the U.S. easy to continue.
India
is not recommended for families who want the child to easily adjust to family life. They rarely live in foster care
and orphanage quality varies greatly. Also, there are many restrictions on adopting parents. Parents must be able
to prove fertility unless adopting older children, handicapped children, or sibling group. Those who have been divorced
twice or more times or have many previous children are not eligible to adopt. All parents must be U.S. citizens
if looking to adopt while residing in the U.S. Older couples are not advised to chose India, as parental age cannot
add up to more than ninety. There are also many restrictions on sinlges (if interested, one should consult an agency
to see if they qualify) and the process can take much longer than singles adopting from other countries.
Interview
This
is an interview of Kate Fairman, a northern Michigan resident who is currently adopting from India. They have been assigned
a child named Tamanna. Her medical reports and some personality descriptions have already been given to them.
They also know that she was relinquished.
Q: Why did you choose India?
A: I had travelled there for three
months and felt like I had a connection to the culture. Also, I perceived a need for children to be adopted
Q: Why have you decided to adopt?
A: We have one daughter with Downs Syndrome who will need long-term care. Another
child would be enriching and we want to make a difference
Q: How far are you in the process?
A: We are working
on the Dossier, we have completed the home study. About three to six more months is predicted until we receive our child
Q: Have you encountered any difficulties along the road?
A: No, so far so good. We were surprised at how
quick our referral was!
Q: Do you have any fears/resignations about this adoption?
A: We are concerned about
the adjustment period for both our biological children and our new daughter, as well as how she bonds to the family
Q: Based on the process so far and interactions you have had with those you are working with, would you call your experience
ethical?
A: Yes. Our agencies have good reputations and we trust her orphanage
Q: Are you anticipating
and physical, mental, or emotional developmental delays with your child?
A: No long-term problems, but right up front
we were told there would be some short-term delays
|
