• Program opened in 2005.
  
• This program is presently open to non-resident Indians only.
  
• Open across Canada (except Quebec).
  

Considerations:

• One trip of 3-4 weeks or 2 in-country stays required (depending on orphanage).
  
• Children in need of families due to poverty and single parenthood.
  
• Majority of the children live in orphanages with professional staff.
  
• Both boys and girls (mostly girls) are waiting for families and are 9 – 12 months at referral.
  
• Family cannot specify gender.
  
• Detailed medical is provided.
  

Requirements:

• Singles must be over 21 and less than 45 years of age to apply.
  
• Couples cannot be less than 30 or more than 55 years of age.
  
• Age difference between adoptive parent and child must be 21 years or more.
  
• Adoptive parents composite age should be less than 90 years to adopt an infant.
  
• Married couples must have a minimum 5-year relationship.
  
• Must have a minimum of high school education.
  
• No more than 4 children in the family already.
  
• Must have no serious physical or emotional disabilities that could affect parenting.
  
• No criminal record.
  
• At least one of a couple MUST be of Indian descent.
  
• Only ONE divorce permitted for each partner.
  

Process:

• Completion of a home study and approval in province.
  
• File notarized by The Children’s Bridge and sent to India through licensee.
  
• Child’s referral file comes to licensee, Adoption Practitioner and then to the family.
  
• Once approved, family must travel to India.
  
• One-year supervision of child by Adoption Practitioner is required for adoptions finalized in India and/or is required until finalization of adoption is processed in provincial courts.
  

Timelines:

• Home study completion varies (average time 3 – 4 months).
  
• Approval in province takes between 4 and 12 weeks.
  
• Family matched to a child approximately 9 - 24 months after file received in India.