PEDIATRIC FAQ 6: ADOPTION

FAQ: 7 - ADOPTION

Social, emotional and legal process that provides a new family when the birth family is unable or unwilling to parent.

Adoption process :

Step:1 Preparation for adoption

Couple should be prepared mentally and physically with mutual consent to adopt.
Age difference between atleast one of the parent and the baby to be adopted should not be > 40yrs.
Adoption to be done through approval agency.

Documents required,

Age proof certificate
Income Certificate
Marriage registration certificate
Doctor certificate regarding health and infertility status
Photograph

Step : 2 Pre adoption counselling – home study report

Done by social worker of approved agency who visits adopting family.

Step : 3 Selection of a child

Agency will identify a suitable / compatible child
Social worker will arrange to see the child
Agency will make available particulars of the child (child study report) and get a complete examiantion of child including

Anthropormetry , immunization status
Inv: CBC, CHEST X-RAY, LFT, RFT, Urine and stool analysis,
USG abdomen , ECHO , HIV , HbSAg, Thyroid screening, Special tests – for hemolytic anemia, IEM, chromosomal anomaly.

All documents, home study report, child study report, letter of acceptance of child – filled in court with application and referred to scrutinizing agent (Indian counsil of child welfare).
Order will be issued by the court and deed of adoption will be executed

Step4: - Follow up and post adoption counselling

Nutritional status
Immunization
Growth and development

Step 5 – Encourage, insists and help the parent to tell the child about his / her adoption – most vital step. (6-10 yrs)

About Author:
Dr Shailesh Gophane is DCH from J.J. Hospital, Mumbai and DNB from Port Trust Hospital Mumbai. This is a series of Notes for dnb pediatrics theory exams. They are not the alternative to reading Nelson's thoroughly, but these notes will prove helpful during final days of revision and may be helpful to overcome any loopholes if you are not having enough time to cover whole system. December 2015 had 6 repeat questions from these notes.