About seventy families or individuals in Bacolod City have now created permanent families with adoptive infants from within their own community. A further ten families have followed a similar path in Metro Manila. These parents have found joy in building their families in this way. Babies need loving, permanent care from their earliest days - and you, as a parent, would also wish to be with the baby in the same way.
You might be considering the creation or expansion of your family through adoption. Our Society has completed its work in Bacolod City, and now is working with Norfil Foundation in Metro Manila. In other areas we will try and refer you to an appropriate social worker to assist you to in the process, and in the subsequent matching with your new baby.
Sister Families Society is a Canadian non-governmental-agency, supporting and assisting professional Adoption Social Workers in the Philippines to help families and babies find each other within that country.
Qualifications of Successful Adoptive Parents
- A genuine interest in caring for and loving a non-related child.
- Healthy and harmonious relationships between parents and all family members.
- Good moral character and emotional maturity.
- Good physical and mental health.
- Sufficient income to meet the basic needs of the family.
- Legally married, although single persons may also be considered.
How does it work?
The process begins with an application by an individual, couple, or family, followed by a home study. They initially contact the Adoption Social Worker, and together build a bond of mutual trust. The Social Worker guides them through a home study, which is conducted by DSWD social workers, and also supports their subsequent application procedures and matching processes. The home study is based on a series of interviews between a social worker and the prospective family to evaluate motivation, capability and competence to
become an adoptive family. The family is asked to provide references. When the social worker is satisfied that the family is a suitable adoptive family, the application proceeds.
Some expenses are incurred by the family for this part of the process. A family proceeding towards adoption is responsible for its legal costs. However, all expenses related to the Adoption Social Worker are subsidized by Sister Families Society.
Confidentiality is professionally respected throughout this process. Once the family has been approved to provide care for an infant, the Adoption Social Worker and DSWD will match them with their new family member. The Social Worker will provide advice and support as the members of the new or extended family come to appreciate the needs of each other.
Philippine law provides for certain, set periods of time to lapse before any actions can be taken to start adoption proceedings. This is necessary to provide the birth mother an opportunity to reconsider her decisions with respect to the infant. The time period varies, depending upon whether the infant has been formally relinquished, or have been abandoned.
After adoption, the Social Worker will continue to provide advice and suggestions to the family, and will invite the family to join a parents’ support group.
Questions
What are the main expectations of Sister Families parents?
- To treat the child as their own, providing for physical, emotional, social, mental and spiritual needs.
- To be willing to meet with the Adoption Social Worker regularly for follow up.
- To keep the Adoption Social Worker informed as to any health issues or other concerns regarding the child.
What services are available to parents?
- Preplacement services to guide the family in its applications to DSWD, and in subsequently caring for their new family member.
- Follow up visits by the Adoption Social Worker, for ongoing guidance.
- Membership in a support group of other foster/adoptive parents.
Can one choose a specific child?
Although one does not generally choose a specific child, the family is given the opportunity to state their preferences regarding characteristics such as age and gender. Matching primarily considers the needs of the child. Information is then shared with the family to ensure the most successful match.
