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How To Help Orphans In India

August 14, 2018

How To Help Orphans In India

Conditions for India’s millions of orphans are notoriously difficult. But, despite the large numbers of orphans in need of homes, adoption rates in India are falling. You can help orphans in India by donating to a reputable charity or volunteering with a humanitarian organization. If you have the time and resources, you might consider adopting an orphaned child from India.

Donating to Charity

Search for charities helping orphans in India

Do a web search using specific terms, such as “charities helping orphans in India” or “donate to orphans in India.” Make a list of some of the most promising results.

Research potential charities to learn if they are reputable

Once you’ve put together a list of possible charities, take some time to look at each charity’s website to get an idea of what kind of work they’re doing and how they use their donations. Check consumer advocacy websites like Charity Watch and Charity Navigator for ratings and reviews, as well as detailed information about each charity’s history, accountability, and transparency.According to Charity Navigator, highly-rated charities helping orphans in India include the Miracle Foundation, Unbound, and Save the Children.

Donate money rather than goods, if you can

Charities and humanitarian organizations can do the most good with monetary donations. Cash donations are more flexible and more efficient than donations of goods (such as canned food or clothing), and many charities are able to make your dollars stretch further by purchasing goods locally in the areas they serve.Many charities offer a variety of ways to donate, including one-time or recurring monetary donations.You may also be able to direct your donation to a particular area of need, such as education or medical care for orphans.

Use caution when donating directly to orphanages

When you search for ways to give to orphans in India, you may see a number of orphanages soliciting direct donations. However, be aware that until very recently, there was little regulation and government oversight of orphanages and child shelters in India. This means that it may be hard to verify how your donations are being used or what sorts of conditions the children at these institutions are facing.Reputable charities and humanitarian organizations that serve orphans in India work to hold orphanages accountable, and they also seek to develop alternatives to institutional care for orphaned children. Donating to one of these organizations may ultimately have a greater impact than donating directly to an orphanage.

Ask others to get involved

Even if you don’t have a lot of money to donate, there are still ways you can make a difference. Reach out to your network of friends, family, and coworkers, and let them know that you are interested in helping orphans in India. Share information about your favorite charities, and invite people you know to donate.

Volunteering with Humanitarian Organizations

Ask about volunteer opportunities with your favorite charity

Charities that help orphans in India may offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. Check your charity’s website for information on volunteering, or contact someone at the charity for details.Even if your charity does not provide on-site volunteering opportunities in India, you may be able to volunteer locally by making phone calls, helping with fundraising events, or doing administrative work in the charity’s office.

Search for volunteer abroad programs in India

Some organizations specialize in connecting people with volunteering opportunities around the world. Do a search using terms like “volunteer orphans India” to find programs that are relevant to your interests.Volunteer programs may provide a variety of resources for their volunteers, such as transportation, accommodation, and meals.

Research potential volunteer organizations before you sign up

Volunteering abroad is a major investment of time and money. Take time to research any organizations you plan to get involved with. Do a web search for reviews, ratings, and testimonials from people who have volunteered with them.

Check with your Indian embassy or consulate for visa requirements

If you are not already located in India, you will probably need a visa in order to do volunteer work there. In most cases, a tourist visa is sufficient for doing this kind of work. Contact your Indian embassy or consulate to find out how to apply for a visa.

Research safety concerns before your trip

Before traveling to any new country, purchase a reliable travel guidebook, do some research online, and speak to people in your volunteer group about how to make your visit as safe as possible.

Visit your healthcare provider to discuss health concerns

Talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy during your visit, especially if you have any current medical conditions that require treatment. Get any recommended vaccines or prescription medications (e.g., to protect you from malaria or severe gastrointestinal symptoms) before the trip.

Create a detailed budget for your trip

Include all your anticipated costs, but also leave a little room for emergencies or unexpected expenses. Having a budget will help you plan in advance, and can also help you set realistic goals for pre-trip fundraising.

Raise funds for your trip, if you need financial help

Volunteering abroad can get expensive. You will need to cover the costs of air travel, insurance, medications, travel supplies, and any fees associated with your program. If you work and can’t get paid time off, you may need to make up for lost income, as well. Reach out to friends and family for help, or set up an online fundraising campaign to support your trip.Give potential donors as much information as possible about what you will be doing.

Adopting an Orphan from India

Check that you meet India’s requirements for adoption

Adopting a child from India is a complex process, but you’ll need to meet the requirements to successfully adopt. For example, you must:

  • Meet the age requirement, which varies based on your marital status and the age of the child.
  • Demonstrate your financial, emotional, and physical capabilities to India’s Central Adoption Resource Authority.
  • Meet any applicable marital requirements.
  • Have no more than 3 other children.

Meet your own country’s adoption requirements

If you do not live in India, you must meet the requirements for adoption in your own country as well as in India. Research adoption laws in your country to find out if you satisfy all the criteria. Complete any required procedures and paperwork to meet the basic qualifications for adoption in your country before you attempt to begin an international adoption process.

Connect with an accredited Adoption Service Provider (ASP)

In order to adopt a child from India, you must work with an Adoption Service Provider that has been approved by India’s Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

Work with your ASP to apply for adoption with CARA

Once you have completed any required paperwork and procedures with your ASP, they will submit an adoption dossier to CARA for approval. Your dossier may include:

Let your ASP know that you are interested in adopting an orphan

Tell them about any other preferences you have with regard to your adoptive child. India’s Central Adoption Resource Authority makes every effort to place orphaned children with adoptive families in India before declaring them eligible for international adoption.

Receive a referral from CARA

If CARA approves your dossier, they will send a referral with information about 1 or more children who match your criteria. Once you receive a referral, you have 96 hours to respond and let your ASP know that you are interested in the prospective child(ren).

Apply for provisional immigration status for your adoptive child

Once you have decided to accept a referral, the government of your country of residence must agree to allow you to proceed with the adoption.Once you receive approval for the adoption and for provisional immigration status, you can proceed with filing for an immigrant visa for your adoptive child.

Finalize your adoption in India

You can only adopt or take legal custody of your adoptive child after you have gotten approval for the child to immigrate to your country. Coordinate with your ASP to complete the adoption process, which may involve:

  • Bring your child home

  • Once you have formally adopted your child, it is time to bring them home. In addition to getting an immigration visa, you will need to coordinate with your Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA) in India to obtain a birth certificate and Indian passport for your child.
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