Nine months to take that baby home

How to adopt, the legal way

On average, it takes nine months for the adoption process to be finalized, which somehow simulates the normal pregnancy period.  Here’s what you need to know if you plan to adopt legally:

1 Prepare and submit basic requirements, among them your birth certificate, latest income tax returns and police clearance. For the full list, visit https://www.gov.ph/services/adoption-for-filipinos/).

2 Undergo pre-adoption services, like attending adoption fora and counseling from a licensed social worker.

3 Undergo home study,  which consists of a series of office interviews, home visits, collateral interviews, and observation. The home study is required by law and conducted by a social worker to determine one’s capabilities for adoptive parenthood.

4 Prospective parents can specify the age and gender of the child they want, but cannot choose a specific child from among those up for adoption.

5 Submit an affidavit of guardianship indicating the willingness of the prospective parent’s family members or friend/s to take care of the child should something happen to them.

6 Additional requirements are required for foreign nationals who wish to adopt a Filipino child.  For the full  list, visit https://www.gov.ph/services/adoption-for-foreign-nationals/).

—Compiled by: Marielle Medina, Inquirer Research  (Sources: DSWD website, gov.ph, Inquirer Archives, Kaisahang Buhay Foundation website)