About this social welfare scheme
The "Child Adoption – Tamil Nadu" scheme aims to provide a family for orphaned, abandoned, destitute and neglected children. According to Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), “adoption is a process by which a child who is abandoned/separated from biological parents, becomes the legitimate.
The scheme "Child Adoption – Tamil Nadu" was launched by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. The scheme aims to provide a family for orphaned, abandoned, destitute and neglected children. According to Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), “adoption is a process by which a child who is abandoned / separated from biological parents, becomes the legitimate child of a new set of parents referred to as adoptive parents, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that are attached to this relationship”.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | Child Adoption – Tamil Nadu (CATN) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment |
| Benefit type | In kind (goods, services or support, not cash) |
| Category | Social welfare |
| Level / State | State · Tamil Nadu |
| Official portal | cms.tn.gov.in (link at the end of this page) |
Key facts
| Scheme for | Family |
|---|---|
| Application mode | Offline |
| Last date | Not given in the official listing |
| DBT (direct bank transfer) | No |
| Age | 30 to 55 years |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤Female / Male
- 🎂Age 30 to 55 years
- 📝Offline
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
What you receive
- Accommodation, food, and health care to the babies till they are given in adoption.
- A family to the destitute child and a child to childless parents.
Special concessions are given to female government employees to adopt children:
- Special adoption leave of 270 days is extended to female government servants of the state government who adopt a child below one year. The leave is eligible only from the date of legalization of adoption.
Who qualifies
- The parents must have at least two years of a stable marital relationship.
- The single prospective adoptive parents should be between 30-55 years of age.
- An unmarried/single male persons are not eligible to adopt a girl child.
- The parents should have adequate financial resources to upbring the child.
- Age Criteria:
- For a child up to 4 years old:
- Maximum composite age of the Prospective Adoptive Parents: 90 years.
- For a single Prospective Adoptive Parent: Minimum age 25 years, maximum age 45 years.
- For a child above 4 years up to 8 years old:
- Maximum composite age of the Prospective Adoptive Parents: 100 years.
- For a single Prospective Adoptive Parent: Minimum age 25 years, maximum age 50 years.
- For a child above 8 years up to 18 years old:
- Maximum composite age of the Prospective Adoptive Parents: 110 years.
- For a single Prospective Adoptive Parent: Minimum age 25 years, maximum age 55 years.
Papers to keep ready
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Registration walkthrough
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit (during office hours) the office State Adoption Resource Agency/Directorate of Social Defence/Concerned Probation Officer and request a hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned staff.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the State Adoption Resource Agency/Directorate of Social Defence/Concerned Probation Officer.
Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Frequently asked questions
What kind of assistance is provided to children under this scheme?
The scheme provides accommodation, food, and healthcare to the babies until they are adopted, and also facilitates the process of providing a family to the destitute child and a child to childless parents.
What are the eligibility criteria for prospective adoptive parents?
Prospective Adoptive Parents must have a stable marital relationship of at least two years. Age and marital status criteria vary depending on the age of the child to be adopted.
What is the definition of child adoption according to CARA?
According to the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), adoption is a process by which a child who is abandoned or separated from biological parents becomes the legitimate child of a new set of parents (adoptive parents), with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities attached to this relationship.
Which legal acts govern the process of adoption in India?
The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA) and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 govern adoption.
How is the child adoption process regulated?
The adoption process is regulated by Non-Governmental Organisations and involves various authorities and agencies to ensure a thorough and legal process.
How many institutions are involved in implementing the adoption scheme?
There are 23 institutions involved in implementing the adoption scheme.
Who should be contacted for information about adoption?
Contact the State Adoption Resource Agency, the Directorate of Social Defence in Chennai, the concerned Probation Officer, or the 23 Licensed Specialized Adoption Agencies.
What documents need to be submitted for adoption?
Documents include PAN Card/Passport, Proof of Residence, Proof of Income, Marriage Certificate and Photograph, Birth Certificate of the Prospective Adoptive Parents, Medical Certificate, and a Letter of identification from friends or relatives.
What happens if a prospective adoptive parent is found ineligible after submission of documents?
If found ineligible, the prospective adoptive parent(s) will not be allowed to proceed with the adoption process and will be informed accordingly.
Are single males allowed to adopt a girl child?
No, an unmarried or single male person is not eligible to adopt a girl child.
Submit your application yourself on the official portal; it costs nothing. Treat anyone demanding money to "get you approved" as a scam.
tsmpb.in is not affiliated with any government department. Apply only on the official portal and never pay anyone for an application.
The details on this page are from the official listing and have not been rewritten or reviewed by our team yet. Confirm them on the official portal before applying.
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