Couples and single people who didn’t have the opportunity to have kids in their lives resort to adoption. But, how easy is it to adopt in the country? Is the process a good or bad experience for both the kid and the parents?
First, what is R.A. 11222? R.A. 11222 or the Simulated Birth Rectification Act is the law that governs the adoption process.
- This law allows the adoptive parents to change the birth record of the adopted kid so that they will appear to be the biological parents of the child.
- There will be a system for the adoptive parents to adopt the child legally and to make any corrections with the birth record of the child.
- There will be an amnesty provided to the adoptive parents who will edit the birth record of their adopted child for his ‘best interest’. A proof must be provided that the child is treated well and a part of the family.
- The child must be given all the benefits which include status and affiliations.
- This law will be applied if the child is already living with adoptive parents three years after the law will take effect.
Cost of Adoption in the Philippines
The applicant will spend for securing the documents/requirements for adoption but the services of DSWD for adoption is free. As to the services of accredited child placing agencies, the applicant may directly inquire from the agency (Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Norfil Foundation).
The prospective adoptive parent/s as petitioner/s for adoption of a child/children, will have to get the services of a private lawyer. The cost of services of a lawyer varies, which include an acceptance fee, appearance fee (in court) among others.
Requirements on how to adopt a baby in the Philippines?
- A Certificate from the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD regarding the legality of the adoption.
- The person/s adopting must be a Filipino citizen/s. He/she must be of legal age, must have the capacity to take care of the child, and must have a good moral character.
- The adopter must not have any criminal record of moral turpitude.
- The adopter must be ready both emotionally and psychologically in taking care of a child.
- Must have the financial means to support a child.
- Written consent from the adoptee if at least 10 years old.
- Written consent from the adopted children and legitimate children if at least 10 years old.
- Written consent from the illegitimate children who are 10 years old and above if they are living with the adopter and the spouse of the adopter.
- Petition for Adoption
- Application for Rectification of Birth Record
- Simulated birth and/or foundling certificated copies
How to know if the adoption process is approved?
After submission of all documents, you can check with the DSWD Secretary if the Order of Adoption was issued. The ‘simulation birth record’ will be canceled when the order of adoption is received then they will issue a ‘Rectified Birth Record’. The document will now have the name of the adopter and a copy of a foundling certificate. The adoptive parents will now be the legal parents and the adopted child is now a legitimate child.
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