streamlinedAdoption: Making Adoption Easier and More Affordable in the Philippines 🇵🇭
Three hundred children arrested in Raccoon town
In a bold step forward, over 300 children have been processed through the implementation of Republic Act 1642, colloquially known as the "Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act of 2022." This move is initiated by the Regional Alternative Child Care-Davao Region (RACCO-Davao Region), according to Eden G. Macalino, the OIC of RACCO-Davao Region.
Of the processed children, 282 have found their adoptive homes through the domestic administrative adoption process. Meanwhile, 37 cases received help from SBRA No. 11222, or the simulated birth record process, to ensure that the biological parents are not in the picture once the adoption process is complete in the Davao Region.
Although the process may seem daunting, RACCO-Davao has reported that since 2022, they've received a total of 24 abandonment cases for children found in public places with no known legal birth documents. With 3 more cases expected by 2025, RACCO-Davao is taking strides to ensure these children find loving homes.
Adoption in the Philippines is now more inclusive and diverse, as there are no restrictions based on gender identity or sexual orientation. According to Macalino, individuals, couples, or even members of the LGBTQIA+ community can apply for adoption, provided they meet general qualifications such as being at least 25 years old and having a stable financial and psychological ability to care for the child.
Macalino added, "It's okay if challenges arise, but if the child or the parents have any health or other issues, those can be handled while caring for the children."
Republic Act 11642 paves the path for a more straightforward adoption process by transitioning legal judgments to an administrative framework. This shift aims to make domestic adoption in the Philippines more "accessible and affordable."
The law establishes the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) as the central authority responsible for handling child care services, including adoption, foster care, and more. NACC works to streamline the process by reducing bureaucracy and minimizing costs associated with court appearances and legal representation.
Access to adoption is even increasing for specific groups, with exemptions from residency requirements for former Filipino citizens adopting relatives. These changes and more are shaping a brighter future for hundreds of children in need of loving homes. 👶💚💪
In Davao Region, the science of child welfare and health-and-wellness is being advanced through the streamlined adoption process initiated by RACCO-Davao, allowing members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as individuals and couples, to apply for adoption. This move is in line with Republic Act 11642, which aims to make domestic adoption in the Philippines more accessible and affordable by transitioning legal judgments to an administrative framework.
