What is Adoption?

Adoption is a socio-legal process of giving a permanent home to a child whose parents have voluntary given up their parental.

Who may be adopted?

  1. Any person below 18 years of age who has been issued a certificate that he/she is legally available for adoption.
  2. Legitimate son/daughter of one spouse by the other spouse.
  3. An illegitimate son/daughter by a qualified adopter; to improve his/her status to that of legitimacy.
  4. A person of legal age if, prior to the adoption, said person has been consistently considered and treated by the adopter/s as his/her own child since minority.
  5. A child whose adoption has been previously rescinded.
  6. A child whose biological or adoptive parent/s has died. Provided that no proceedings shall be initiated within six months from the time of death of the said parent/s.

Who may adopt?

Any Filipino citizen or alien residing in the Philippines who has the qualifications under RA 8552 may adopt if he/she:

  1. Is of legal age.
  2. Is at least 16 years older than the adoptee, except when 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 to the exercise of parental authority.
  4. Is of good moral character and has not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.
  5. Is in a position to support, educate and care for his/her legitimate and illegitimate children and the child to be adopted.
  6. Has undergone pre-adoption service.

What is Foster Care?

Temporary placement of abandoned/neglected or abused children to licensed individuals or couple.