India has made significant strides in its adoption landscape over the last decade, with an increasing number of children finding loving families. However, the demand for adoption still vastly outpaces the number of children available, leaving thousands in institutions as they await their forever homes.
Neeraj’s Journey: A Story of Hope
One of the many children whose adoption journey is emblematic of this shift is Neeraj, who was born with a medical condition known as “knock knees.” Left at a Child Care Institution just a day after birth, Neeraj faced years of waiting as families hesitated to adopt him due to his condition. His story took a positive turn in 2021, when a couple saw beyond his diagnosis and chose him as their child.
Since being adopted, Neeraj’s life has been transformed. His new parents enrolled him in swimming lessons to aid with his condition, took him for regular medical check-ups, and showered him with love and attention. Today, Neeraj is thriving, participating in school plays, mastering parkour, and embracing the joys of childhood.
Adoption Trends in India: A Decade of Growth
The adoption landscape in India has seen a noticeable surge over the past decade. In the financial year 2024-25, India reached a milestone with a record 4,515 child adoptions, the highest since 2015-16. This positive trend reflects a shift towards more families choosing adoption, with 420 children adopted from the Orphan/Abandoned/Surrendered category in the current year alone.
While the numbers are encouraging, the gap between the supply and demand for adoptable children remains wide. As of April 2025, there are 35,701 prospective adoptive parents registered on CARA’s CARINGS portal, but only 2,435 children are currently available for adoption nationwide. Of these, 1,538 children have special needs, and 897 are categorized as “normal.”
The Adoption Process and Its Challenges
The process of adoption in India is facilitated through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which coordinates with 35 State Adoption Resource Agencies and 719 Specialised Adoption Agencies. Despite these efforts, there remains a significant gap between the number of children in need of families and the number of parents willing to adopt.
One of the major challenges in adoption is the preference for healthy children over those with special needs, although this has begun to shift in recent years. There has been a gradual change in attitudes towards adopting children with special needs, thanks to increasing awareness and support from adoption agencies.
Success Stories: Children Who Found Their Forever Families
Beyond the numbers, there are countless personal stories of children who have found their families against all odds. Sukama, for instance, was placed in foster care before being adopted just before her 18th birthday. In Mizoram, a 15-year-old girl was legally adopted just days before turning 18, thanks to swift intervention by the authorities.
Government Support and the Role of Adoption Agencies
India’s adoption framework is bolstered by the efforts of 44 Central Authorities, 21 Indian Diplomatic Missions, and 65 Authorized Foreign Adoption Agencies. These agencies ensure that both domestic and international adoptions are conducted legally and ethically, in compliance with the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and the Adoption Regulations, 2022.
The adoption process is a joint effort between authorities at the national and state levels, with local District Magistrates, Chief Medical Officers, and District Child Protection Units playing a crucial role in monitoring and supporting the adoption journey.
Looking Ahead: A Positive Shift in Adoption Attitudes
Despite the challenges, the adoption landscape in India continues to evolve positively. The number of new adoption agencies registered with CARA has increased, and the attitude towards adoption, especially of children with special needs, has shifted. What was once seen as an extraordinary decision is now becoming a more accepted and common path for families.
The future of adoption in India looks promising, with more children finding their forever homes and families becoming more open to adopting children with diverse needs. However, the journey is far from over, and continued efforts are needed to ensure that every child in need of a family is given the opportunity to thrive.
