Local Adoption (DSWD)

Domestic Adoption: Coverage and Eligibility
(Source: Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 8552, The Domestic Adoption Act of 1998.)

A Filipino citizen or foreigner residing in the Philippines may be eligible to adopt if he/she:

1. Is of legal age;
2. Is at least sixteen (16) years older than the adoptee (provided, however that the minimum age gap between the adopter and the adoptee may not be required if the adopter is the biological parent or sibling of the adoptee or the spouse of the adoptee’s parent);
3. Has the capacity to act and assume all the rights and duties incident to the exercise of parental authority;
4. Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of any crime involving a corrupt act or practice;
5. Is in a position to support, educate and care for his/her legitimate and illegitimate children and the child to be adopted in keeping with the means of the family;
6. Has undergone pre-adoption services

In addition to these qualifications, a foreigner may adopt if he/she:

7. Is a citizen of a state which has diplomatic relations with the Philippines;
8. That he has been living in the Philippines for at least three (3) continuous years prior to the filing of the petition for adoption and maintains such residence until the adoption decree is entered, Provided, further, That the requirements on residency and certification of the alien’s qualification to adopt in his country may be waived for the following:
   • A former Filipino citizen who seeks to adopt a relative within the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity or affinity; or
   • One who seeks to adopt the legitimate child of his Filipino spouse; or
   • One who is married to a Filipino citizen and seeks to adopt jointly with his spouse a relative within the fourth (4th) degree of consanguinity or affinity of the Filipino spouse.
9. Has been certified by his/her diplomatic or consular office or any appropriate agency that:
   • He/she is qualified to adopt in his/her country; and 9.2 His/her government will allow the adoptee to enter the adopter’s country and reside there permanently as an adopted child;
10. Has submitted the necessary clearances and such other certifications as may be required by the Department.

DSWD PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION

1. Application
   1. Attendance in Adoption Fora/Seminar
   2. Fill up application form at the DSWD Regional Office
2. Preparation of Home Study Report
   
   1. Prospective Adoptive Parent (PAP) shall make themselves available for interview and visit by the social worker;
   2. Social Worker will prepare the home study report and make recommendation; and
   3. Submit required documents of the adoptee and the PAPs.
3. Approval/Disapproval of Child for Adoption
   
   1. Issuance of a Certificate of Availability of Child for Adoption
   2. The Department shall issue the Certificate of availability for adoption not later than fifteen (15) days after expiration of the six months period after execution of the Deed of Voluntary Commitment by the child's biological parents or after receipt of entry of judgment in case of involuntary commitment.
4. Matching
   This refers to the pairing of a child with a family based on the child's needs and his capacity to benefit from the placement as well as the capacity and interest of the adoptive parents to his needs.
5. Supervised Trial Custody
   The Social Worker shall conduct monthly home visits to the family immediately after the placement of the child to the adoptive family and submit report to the Department.
6. Consent to Adoption
   The Department shall issue a written consent to adoption based on a favorable recommendation by the Social Worker.
7. Filing of Petition for Adoption
   
   1. The PAP shall hire lawyer to prepare petition to be filed in court.
   2. Publication in newspaper.
   3. Attend court hearing.
8. Issuance of Decree of Adoption and Entry of Judgment
   Secure copy of Court Decision and the Entry of Judgment
9. Civil Registry Record
   Secure copy of amended birth certificate of adopted child.
10. Post Adoption Services
    Shall be made available to the adoptee, adopter and the biological parents.

*For further inquiries/information please contact the following adoption hotline:

1. DSWD – C. O. - 931-8144
2. DSWD – NCR
   
   
   1. Child Placement Center - 734-86-51
   2. Adoptive Families Foundation - 426-0627 /426-4805
   3. KaisahangBuhay Foundation - 912-1159/911-4180

Additional Information:
(Source: DSWD-NCR)

1. Must be a resident of NCR.
2. Should attend the Adoption Forum every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month.
3. Should complete the list of requirements provided by DSWD.
4. A questionnaire will be given, which needs to be answered by the interested couple or person.
5. A social worker will do an assessment, which includes home visitation
6. The social worker will prepare a report to be submitted to the Department Head.
7. The Child Welfare Special Group will do "MATCHING CONFERENCE", they will do a matching based on your requirements or preferences.
8. The interested adoptive parent/s can request for the profile of the child with the approval of the institution where they will get the child.
9. There will be a 6-month supervised trial custody. When the above process is completed, the adoptive parent/s can start with the Legal process.