Adoption is growing in Guwahati, but myths and misconceptions still keep many families from taking the step
Adoption may be a single word, but the journey behind it is anything but simple. It is a life-changing decision marked by hope, uncertainty, patience and a range of emotions for both the prospective parents and the child. In Guwahati, the adoption landscape is gradually changing, with more people coming forward to adopt. While many adopt because they are unable to have biological children, an increasing number of families with biological children are also choosing to adopt. Single men and women are also showing interest in providing a home to children in need.
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Despite this growing acceptance, several misconceptions continue to surround adoption. Questions about the bonding process, eligibility, expenses and legal procedures often discourage prospective adoptive parents. Experts, however, say that most of these fears are based on myths rather than reality.
One of the most common misconceptions is that adopted children do not develop a strong emotional bond with their adoptive parents. According to Anamika Das, Coordinator of Shishu Greh, an adoption agency run by the Assam Child and Women's Welfare Society, this belief is far from the truth.
"Adoption is mainly child-oriented than parent-oriented," Das said, explaining that bonding naturally develops over time. She noted that many children available for adoption have experienced difficult circumstances before entering institutional care. Some come from different social, cultural or linguistic backgrounds, making the adjustment to a new family a gradual process. Giving children adequate time, space and emotional support is therefore essential for building trust and a healthy relationship.
To ensure that prospective parents are prepared for this responsibility, the adoption process includes multiple stages of counselling. Das said that every family undergoes several pre-adoption counselling sessions, during which their readiness and family environment are assessed. In cases where additional support is needed, professional counselling is also provided.
The support does not end once the child is adopted. All the agencies conduct four post-adoption follow-up visits and counselling sessions over a period of two years to help families adjust to their new circumstances and address any challenges that may arise.
Before an adoption is finalised, agencies also seek the consent of children wherever applicable. Das explained that every child responds differently to a new environment. Factors such as traumatic past experiences, language barriers and psychological adjustment often influence the pace of bonding. While nearly 90 per cent of children gradually settle into their new families, there have been rare instances where adoptive parents have sought to return a child because of behavioural challenges.
Recalling one such case, Das questioned the mindset behind such decisions. "If it were your biological child, would you return them?" she said, stressing that adoptive parents must accept the same lifelong commitment and responsibility as any parent would towards a biological child.
Another important aspect of adoption is helping children understand their identity. According to Das, infants adopted at a young age often leave behind memories of their earlier life within three to four years. However, she strongly believes that parents should tell children about their adoption at the right time.
"We always request parents to tell the child the truth. If the child learns about it from someone else, it can negatively affect their mental health and family relationships," she said. She suggested introducing the subject gradually through storytelling, examples or age-appropriate conversations so that children grow up understanding their identity with confidence and trust.
She also highlighted an important legal safeguard. While an adopted child has the right to seek information about their biological parents in accordance with legal provisions, biological parents who have surrendered a child cannot later seek information about the child's whereabouts after the child has been legally placed for adoption.
The adoption process in India is regulated by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. All prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) must register online through CARA's official portal, www.cara.wcd.gov.in.
Among the eligibility criteria prescribed by CARA are that prospective adoptive parents must be physically, mentally and emotionally stable, financially capable and free from any life-threatening medical condition. Married couples must have completed at least two years of a stable marital relationship, and both spouses must consent to the adoption. Single men and women are also eligible to adopt under prescribed norms. While a single woman may adopt a child of either gender, a single man cannot adopt a girl child. The maximum composite age of a couple is 85 years, while a single prospective adoptive parent must not be above 40 years of age.
While awareness around adoption is increasing, Das said many children with special needs continue to wait much longer for families. According to available reports, a significant number of such adoptions are completed by families living abroad through inter-country adoption.
She observed that many prospective parents hesitate to adopt children with special needs because they fear they may not be able to provide the additional care required or are unsure whether they can emotionally accept such responsibilities. Das also pointed out another concerning trend, some parents judge children based on skin colour, facial features or physical appearance, and even reject referrals for these reasons.
Cost is another area where misconceptions persist. Many people believe that legal adoption involves extremely high expenses. Das clarified that all fees are fixed by CARA and are transparent.
For in-country adoptions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021, the Home Study Report or Family Background Report costs ₹6,000, including travel expenses. The adoption fee is ₹50,000, covering preparation of the Child Study Report, Medical Examination Report, child care, maintenance and administrative expenses. Post-adoption follow-up visits and counselling are charged at ₹2,000 per visit, while revalidation of the Home Study Report, if required, also costs ₹2,000.
Alongside legal adoption, authorities continue to battle the growing menace of illegal adoption. Illegal adoption refers to the transfer of a child outside the legally prescribed process, often involving forged documents, unauthorised agencies or financial transactions. Such practices are considered serious offences and are closely linked to child trafficking. They deprive children of their legal rights and expose adoptive families to criminal prosecution.
Das said illegal adoption not only places children at risk but also creates unnecessary delays in the legal adoption system. She added that some unauthorised agencies falsely claim to be associated with CARA, misleading unsuspecting families into illegal transactions.
Concluding her remarks, Das said that anyone planning to adopt a child should be mentally prepared for every situation that may arise. She stressed that prospective adoptive parents must be ready not only emotionally but also practically, with a clear understanding of the responsibilities and challenges that come with adoption.
As adoption gains acceptance in Guwahati, experts believe greater awareness is the key to dispelling myths and encouraging more families to choose the legal route. Adoption is not merely about giving a child a home, it is about building a lifelong relationship founded on patience, acceptance and unconditional love. With proper counselling, transparent procedures and informed decision-making, adoption can transform not just the life of a child, but also that of an entire family.
