Adoption in India

Children who need families

New Zealanders can adopt children who don't have a family to care for them, are living in an authorised orphanage, and are approved for international adoption by the Indian authorities.  Most children have been relinquished by unwed mothers, by relatives when parents have died, or by families too poor to care for them. For cultural reasons, most are girls.  Poverty, difficult social circumstances and lack of opportunity conspire against some families, resulting in great need for some children. 

ICANZ's focus is on helping "waiting children" those over 8 years, or children with medical needs, or sibling groups aged between 2 and 14 years consisting of  2, 3, 4 or 5 children from one family. Usually the oldest child is aged 8-11 years.  

Those NRI or OCI applicants wishing to apply for a child aged 0-4 years without health conditions should apply to Oranga Tamariki.

Approved by the New Zealand Central Authority (NZCA) after assessment by AFS or Oranga Tamariki;  with a Home Study Report that meets CARA's specific requirements.

  • Those who wish to adopt older children, sibling groups, or children of any age with medical needs;

  • Couples who are married with at least 2 years stable marriage relationship;

  • Singles who are not in a relationship (including those never married, those who are widowed, or divorced). India will not allow the adoption of a child by a gay or lesbian person;                

  • Physically, mentally and emotionally stable; and no life threatening medical condition; Read this link to CARA's Psychology Report Requirements.     

  • Financially capable;     

  • Age requirements - see table below

Who can adopt? Requirements -

The local organisations that are authorised to care for abandoned children and work in adoption are called SAAs - Specialised Adoption Agencies.

Foreign agencies such as ICANZ that are authorised to to represent those who want to adopt in India are known as an Authorised Foreign Adoption Agency (AFAA). The role of AFAAs such as ICANZ is described on the Indian Central Authority website. 

Adoptions between New Zealand and India are conducted according to the Hague Convention.

The Indian Government Central Authority responsible for adoption is CARA (Central Adoption Resource Agency). CARA must approve each adoption.  At the New Zealand end, our Central Authority for Adoption (NZCA) also first approves you as an adoptive parent after AFS or Oranga Tamariki have assessed you.  The NZCA also approves the Child Study Report ICANZ sends to them for the child matched to you. 

Who's involved in the process?

Timing is highly variable. This partly depends on how open you are to different ages, medical needs etc

Indian adoption processes have changed significantly over the past 12 years and still change. ICANZ staff have travelled to India to be able to provide you with the current accurate "on the ground" information.  

How long does it take?

What costs are involved?

You'll need to pay for all costs associated with ICANZ work for you in NZ, the SAA charges in India, travel accommodation and personal costs. Contact ICANZ for details.

Also see FAQs on why there are costs involved in adoption.