Child Adoption Assistance Programs in the Philippines

Adoption is a life-changing decision that provides a loving and permanent home to children who cannot be reared by their biological parents. In the Philippines, the child adoption process is supported by various programs and agencies designed to make sure that the best interests of the child are met while also providing comprehensive support to adoptive families.

Recent discussions have centered on adoption and alternative child care, successful training initiatives for child nutrition, and trauma-informed care. These efforts underscore collaboration among the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), local government units, and non-governmental organizations dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children.

By emphasizing legal frameworks and practical tools, the Philippine government and its partners strive to create supportive environments that facilitate adoption and promote the well-being of every child, ensuring they find loving, permanent homes.

child adoption assistance

Understanding the Legal Framework for Adoption

Republic Act No. 8552 (Domestic Adoption Act of 1998)

The cornerstone of adoption law in the Philippines is Republic Act No. 8552, also known as the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998.

This law sets the legal foundation for domestic adoption, emphasizing the preservation of a child’s identity and culture while making sure that the adoption process is transparent and in the best interest of the child.

Under this law, Filipino citizens of legal age with full civil capacity and legal rights are eligible to adopt. Foreign nationals residing in the Philippines for at least three continuous years may also qualify.

Republic Act No. 11642 (Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act of 2022)

To streamline the adoption process, the Philippine government introduced Republic Act No. 11642, which shifts the adoption process from a judicial to an administrative one.

This law created the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), a body dedicated to handling all matters related to alternative child care, including domestic adoption.

This shift aims to make the adoption process more efficient, less costly, and more accessible to a broader range of families.

Types of Adoption Programs in the Philippines

Adoption in the Philippines is governed by three primary types of programs, each designed to address the needs of different families and children:

  1. Agency Adoptions
    • Overview: In agency adoptions, licensed adoption agencies are responsible for finding and developing adoptive families for children who have been voluntarily or involuntarily committed. These agencies, accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), ascertain that the adoption process adheres to legal and ethical standards, focusing on the best interests of the child.
    • Process: The process involves the agency facilitating the entire adoption journey, from matching children with suitable families to providing post-adoption support. The agency handles all legal paperwork, home studies, and provides counseling to both biological and adoptive parents.
  2. Domestic Adoption
    • Overview: Domestic adoption is the process where Filipino children are adopted by Filipino citizens or by foreign nationals who have been residing in the Philippines for at least three continuous years. This type of adoption is primarily governed by Republic Act No. 8552 (Domestic Adoption Act of 1998) and is managed by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC).
    • Process: The process includes filing a petition for the issuance of a Certificate Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA), undergoing home studies, and completing legal procedures through the Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCO). The goal is to make sure that children remain within their cultural and familial environments whenever possible.
  3. Inter-Country Adoption
    • Overview: Inter-country adoption involves the adoption of a Filipino child by foreign nationals or Filipino citizens permanently residing abroad. Governed by the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 8043), this program allows children to be placed in homes outside the Philippines when suitable domestic placements are not available.
    • Process: The process begins with the filing of a petition with the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB), followed by thorough evaluations, home studies, and matching procedures. The ICAB oversees that international adoptions comply with international laws and treaties, providing safeguards to protect the rights and welfare of the child.

Each of these adoption programs is designed to find the most suitable, loving homes for children in need, whether within the Philippines or abroad, establishing their right to a secure and supportive family environment.

Domestic Adoption Programs

National Authority for Child Care (NACC)

The National Authority for Child Care (NACC), established under Republic Act No. 11642, is the central body overseeing the domestic adoption process in the Philippines, shifting it from a judicial to an administrative procedure to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and prioritize child welfare.

The NACC is responsible for processing adoption applications, issuing legal certificates like the Certificate Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA), and identifying suitable matches between children and adoptive parents through rigorous assessments.

By providing comprehensive pre- and post-adoption support, maintaining strict confidentiality, and making adoption services more accessible nationwide through its regional offices, the NACC ascertains that every adoption is conducted in the best interests of the child, fostering stable and loving homes for those in need.

NACC logo
Credits: NACC / Facebook

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the primary government agency overseeing domestic adoption in the Philippines.

The DSWD works to see that children are placed in secure and loving homes by following a strict process under Republic Act No. 8552. Prospective adoptive parents must submit an application, undergo a thorough home study by a licensed social worker, and attend an adoption forum.

The child must also have a Certificate Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA), issued by the DSWD or NACC, to proceed with the adoption.

dswd logo
Credits: DSWD / Facebook

Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF)

The Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF) is a private, non-profit organization licensed by the DSWD to facilitate domestic adoptions. KBF offers comprehensive services, including social work, legal assistance, and post-adoption support.

They maintain that prospective adoptive parents meet specific qualifications and provide ongoing support even after the adoption is finalized.

KBF also provides foster care services, temporary care for children awaiting adoption, and community-based services such as pregnancy counseling.

kbf logo
Credits: KBF / Facebook

International Adoption Programs

For families interested in international adoption, several accredited agencies facilitate this process in collaboration with the Philippine government.

All God’s Children International (AGCI)

All God’s Children International (AGCI) is a Christian adoption agency that has been working in the Philippines since 2012.

AGCI collaborates with the Philippines Central Authority to facilitate international adoptions, particularly for married couples and single women aged 27 and above.

The process includes a home study, reviewing waiting children, and meeting specific health and income requirements.

AGCI ascertains that families receive detailed medical and developmental reports on waiting children and provides support throughout the adoption journey.

AGCI logo
Credits: AGCI / Facebook

Adoption Process Overview

The adoption process in the Philippines involves several key steps to make sure that children are placed in safe, nurturing environments:

  1. Application and Home Study
    • Prospective adoptive parents must submit an application and undergo a home study conducted by a licensed social worker. This study assesses the suitability of the home environment and the readiness of the parents to adopt.
  2. Adoption Forum
    • Applicants are required to attend an adoption forum, where they receive essential information and support regarding the adoption process.
  3. Legal Clearance
    • The child must be legally cleared for adoption, involving the issuance of a CDCLAA by the DSWD or NACC. This guarantees that the child is eligible for adoption and that all legal prerequisites have been met.
  4. Finalization
    • Once all requirements are met, the adoption is finalized administratively by the NACC, which issues the Order of Adoption. This marks the official completion of the adoption process.

Assistance Services for Adoptive Families

Adoptive families in the Philippines receive a wide range of support services to facilitate a smooth and successful adoption process.

Pre-Adoption Support

  • Information sessions and counseling help prospective adoptive parents understand the adoption process and their responsibilities. This support is essential in preparing them for the adoption journey.

Legal and Administrative Assistance

  • Assistance is provided in preparing and submitting necessary legal documents, supporting compliance with all legal requirements. The administrative process under RA 11642 is designed to be more efficient, reducing the cost and complexity of adoption.

Post-Adoption Services

  • Agencies like the DSWD and KBF offer ongoing support and monitoring to support the well-being of the child and the adoptive family. Support groups and community-based services provide a network for adoptive families to share experiences and find emotional support.

Foster Care Services

  • For children awaiting adoption, foster care services provide a nurturing home environment. Foster families receive training and support so that they can provide the best care for these children.

Educational and Community-Based Services

  • Pre-adoption education and community outreach programs help prospective adoptive parents and birth mothers understand their options and receive the support they need.

Recent Updates

Creation of Presidential Office for Child Protection to Combat Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to address the alarming rise of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the Philippines by issuing Executive Order 67 to establish the Presidential Office for Child Protection. This office, led by a presidential adviser for child protection, will focus on implementing a “whole-of-nation approach” to tackle the growing cases of online child abuse. With a mandate to strengthen existing child protection frameworks and collaborate with relevant entities, the Presidential Office for Child Protection aims to submit policy recommendations, monitor presidential directives, and develop a national plan for children’s welfare in the country. The comes in response to the Philippines being identified as a major hub for online sexual abuse trade involving minors, emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding children from such exploitation. (Philstar)

Consultative Meeting on Adoption and Alternative Child Care Programs

Today, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Central Office in Quezon City hosted the 3rd Consultative Meeting with partner-stakeholders regarding the implementation of adoption and alternative child care programs. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian facilitated the meeting, with National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada and Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal providing insights on adoption and alternative child care matters. The gathering also saw the participation of Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas and Assistant Secretary Janet Armas from the Standards Capacity Building Group (SCBG), along with ACCAP President Atty Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, and officials and representatives from various Child Caring Agencies (CCAs) and Residential-Based facilities.

 
DSWD Chief Conducts Consultation Meeting on Adoption and Alternative Child Care Programs

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the 3rd Consultation Meeting with partner-stakeholders to discuss the implementation of adoption and alternative child care programs. A key point of discussion was a proposal outlining a timeline for social welfare agencies to establish these programs, with a deadline of 18 months after receiving technical assistance from DSWD’s Standards Bureau and the National Authority for Child Care (NACC). The meeting, held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, saw the participation of key officials like Undersecretary Denise Florence Bernos-Bragas, NACC Executive Director Undersecretary Janella Estrada, and ACCAP President Atty Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana. Assistant Secretary for Standards Capacity Building Group (SCBG) Janet Armas presented the proposal during the session. (Journal)

Success of Child Nutrition Program Training for Grace to be Born (GTBB) Staff

In celebration of Nutrition Month, the recent Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Training for Grace to be Born (GTBB) staff has been a resounding success. This training aimed to improve nutrition and feeding practices among caregivers, benefiting vulnerable children, including infants and those with disabilities. Held at the KBF Conference Hall, GTBB staff are enthusiastic about implementing their new knowledge not only at work but also in their personal lives. The staff express gratitude for the training and acknowledge Ms. Kristina Sampang, a CNP-trained nurse from GTBB, for her invaluable guidance during practice sessions on growth and anemia screening, database utilization, and feeding techniques.

 
AGCI Hosts Trauma-Informed Care Training in the Philippines

AGCI recently conducted a trauma-informed care national training in the Philippines, in line with their mission to support vulnerable children and families worldwide. Partnering with the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development and the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), the event engaged over 350 caregivers, child welfare professionals, and policymakers. The two-day training focused on best practices for nurturing children who have faced severe trauma, fostering discussions on improving the child welfare system in the Philippines. AGCI anticipates a significant positive impact on countless children and families in the country, paving the way for continued growth in their work in the Philippines.

 

Video: Mas Pinadali na ang Proseso ng Pag-aampon sa Pilipinas! Narito ang Bagong Batas!

This video by Atty. Chel Diokno discusses the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act or Republic Act No. 11642, which streamlines the adoption process in the Philippines. The video will provide essential information on the updated regulations and requirements for adoption, highlighting how the process has been made more straightforward and efficient. Viewers will learn about the support and assistance offered by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) to prospective parents embarking on their journey to parenthood.

 

Conclusion

The adoption assistance programs in the Philippines are designed to ascertain that every child finds a loving and permanent home while providing comprehensive support to adoptive families. By understanding the legal framework, following the structured adoption process, and taking advantage of the support services available, families can navigate the adoption journey with confidence and care. Whether through domestic or international adoption, these programs prioritize the best interests of the child and work to create stable, nurturing families for those in need.

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