Adoption is a socio-legal process of providing a permanent family to a child whose parents have voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished parental authority over the child. Adoption is for children who cannot be raised by their biological parents or extended family, and who need and can benefit from new and permanent family ties. Adoption provides the same mutual rights and obligations that exist between children and their biological parents. Children whose parents are unable to function as parents require the protection of the State. Protection of the child requires sufficient study to make certain that the placement is suitable and present no hazard to the child's growth and development. The State through the Department of Social Welfare and Development has a concern in every adoption including those by stepparents and relatives. WHO MAY ADOPT?Any Filipino citizen - Who is of legal age, in possession of full civil capacity and legal rights,
- Of good moral character, and who has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude,
- Is emotionally and psychologically capable of caring for children,
- Is at least sixteen (16) years older than the adoptee, and
- Who is in a position to support and care for his/her children in keeping with the means of the family.
Any alien or foreign national - Who possesses the same qualifications as above stated for Filipino nationals,
- And whose country has diplomatic relations with the Republic of the Philippines,
- Has been living in the Philippines for at least three (3) continuous years prior to the filing of the application for adoption, and who will maintain such residence until the adoption decree is finalized,
- Has been certified by his/her diplomatic or consular office or any appropriate government agency that he/she she has the legal capacity to adopt in his/her country,
- Whose government allows the adoptee to enter his/her country as his/her adopted son/daughter,
- Provided, further that the requirements on residency and certification of the alien's qualification to adopt in his/her country may be waived under certain conditions.
THE FOLLOWING ARE COMPONENTS OF THE ADOPTION PROCESS
- Recruitment of potential adoptive families who may provide a home to a child;
- Development of adoptive applicants as parents to a particular child in need of a home;
- Selection of a family who can best contribute to the total development of a particular child;
- Preparation of the child and family prior to placement to insure acceptance and readiness for the new relationship;
- Supervision of trial custody for at least six months to facilitate the child's adjustment in the family prior to the completion of adoption;
- Preparation for removal of the child from the adoptive home if the placement disrupts while alternative plans are being worked out;
- Finalization of adoption and termination of service with issuance of the final decree of adoption and amended birth certificate;
- Organization of groups of adoptive parents as part of support system; and
- Post-legal adoption counselling when adoptive family and adoptee need further counselling related to information about adoptee's background and search for his/her biological parents.
For a confidential conversation about adoption, please contact...Ms. Cessna Pacis,Adoption Social Worker Norfil Foundation, Inc. #16 Mother Ignacia Ave., cor. Roces Ave., Quezon City (63-2) 372-3577 or 78 or 79
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