This article is the latter part of a series regarding adoption. Click here to read the first part of this article series.
Adoption is a complicated process that needs preparation both before and throughout. However, granting a child a new family and home makes it worth it. Arming yourself with the correct information beforehand will make the process much smoother for you. Now that you know who can adopt, who can be adopted, and the requirements to fulfill, it’s time to look at an overview of the process. This way, you can be several steps ahead and prepare for what’s to come.
1. Pre-Adoption Seminar/Forum
The first thing a prospective parent must do is attend a Pre-Adoption Seminar. The DSWD regularly hosts these seminars, which contain crucial information about adoption. Some topics they may tackle during the seminar include another brief rundown on the adoption process and common misconceptions people might have about adopting a child.
During these seminars, you’ll be able to connect with a social worker and give the profile of the child you wish to adopt. The social worker will then inform you of the length of the process, the documents needed for the adoption, and other information regarding your application.
2. Collection of Information and Analysis of the Applicant’s Motive
Once you have submitted your application, a social worker will collect your information. The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) aims to approve applicants who can prove they can sufficiently care for and provide for an adopted child. This data collection is done to analyze your motivation for applying to adopt.
3. Submission of Oath, Application Form, and all other documents
If you’ve prepared your requirements beforehand, this step is easy. You must submit your application form, all other documents, and oath to the NACC. The oath refers to The Undertaking and Oath Regarding Complete and Accurate Information on Prospective Adoptive Parents. It is an oath you must take and sign, indicating all the information you have provided is true and accurate.
4. Analysis of Requirements & Home Study Report
Once you’ve submitted your application and other requirements, you’ll have to wait up to ten (10) working days as your assigned social worker goes through and analyzes your documents. If your requirements are satisfactory, the social worker will arrange your home visit.
5. Home Study Report
After the home visit, your assigned social worker will create a Home Study Report (HSR). This report thoroughly analyzes the prospective parents’ household and background. It includes the household members’ psychological, psychosocial, and medical information. It would also have the social-cultural and economic conditions of the household. The social worker must analyze all of these factors to determine if the household is suitable for the adoptee to grow up in.
6. RACC Social Worker Review and Recommendation
All of the documents from and about the prospective parents are then gathered and sent to a social worker of the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) for review. Note that this process can take up to fifteen (15) business days. Once approved, the social worker will create a recommendation letter and send it to a RACCO officer.
7. Presentation and Interview with RCPC
Once the RACCO officer approves your documents, he or she will schedule you for a presentation and interview with the Regional Child Placement Committee (RCPC). If you pass the interview, the RCPC will endorse your approval and inclusion to the National Roster of Approved Applicants to the RACCO Head.
8. Final Approval
Finally, once you’re on the National Roster of Approved Applicants, the RACCO social worker will inform you of the decision regarding the adoption application. If you pass, you’ll finally be the legal guardian of the adoptee.
Once you’ve completed every step in the process, the only thing left for you to do is to welcome your child into their new home.
If you require legal advice, consider visiting sadsadtamesislaw.com and setting up a consultation with our team of lawyers.