Have you adopted from the philippines ?

Question

We are looking to adopt in the Philippines. Based on the agency I've inquired with the wait may be long even given that I am of Filipina descent and we are both Catholic (one of the req of ICAB board that oversees intl adop).

They are stating that there are only 300 children cleared for intl adoption and as of to date there are 400 families on the waiting list.

I'm now contemplating looking into Korea to adopt. Which I am hesistant since I'd rather adopt from the Phil since that is where my family originated from and I can speak the language fluently. Even then the wait may be very long I've been told.

If you have adopted from the Philippines (or even started the process) I'd like to hear your experience.

Thank You

Answer 1

Go with what you think is right, and if that means adopting from the Philippines then do it. The wait may be long but it will be worth it in the end.

Answer 2

There will most likely be a bit of a wait no matter what avenue you choose.  I would recommend that you stick with the Philippines, and use the time before placement to your advantage.  The adoption process can be an amazing time for soul searching, and learning about our future children.  Adoption can be really, really hard on kids, especially when they're losing their country of origin, sights, sounds, smells, etc. that they're used to.  Thankfully, you will be able to keep your child(ren) somewhat connected to their roots due to your shared heritage.

Anyway, I've found this time prior to placement to be extremely valuable.  I didn't expect to wait this long (I thought it might be a few months, and it has been over a year and a half).  I've read so many books (I have an entire shelf dedicated to adoption books - some are wonderful), I have my bookmarks filled with adoptee blogs and websites dedicated to adoption reform and anything else I could find.  I've joined groups on yahoo to share with other adoptive parents...I've done everything I could think of to keep learning and growing.  It's an amazing time, if you take advantage of it.

I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 3

I know that the Philippines do have a preference for Filipino nationals to adopt children from the Philippines.  So that is one thing in your favour.  Choosing children with special needs also hastens the process as well as choosing children over 3 years of age.  

The order of preferred PAPs (prospective adoptive parents) is 1. A couple living in the Philippines of Filipino descent, 2. A couple both of Filipino descent living overseas, 3.  At least one of the couple of Filipino descent living overseas, 4. Other nationalities.  They will prioritise you according to that criteria.

I do know the Filipino's exhaust all avenues to find biological families for abandoned children that is why it has been taking a considerable time before a child is even made available for adoption.  Unfortunately that means children spend more time in orphanages (or Children's homes as they are called over there), but most orphanages in the Phlippines are well run, clean and children are looked after very well.

Filipinos love their children and it's unfortunate that poverty and the stigma of being unmarried (over 80% are Roman Catholic) still means that there are still a large number of abandoned or relinquished children.  That number of children made available for adoption overseas is going down because they are trying to encourage locals from adopting.  I think that can only be a good thing as a child is not taken from their culture.

The other criteria is that there can be no more than 45 years difference between the older parent and the child, the applicants should have been at least married 3 years and demonstrate Christian beliefs.

That being said, as a Filipino, I think you should take advantage of the fact that at least you can maintain your child's cultural identity and the fact that you speak Filipino is also a plus, at least those are two things a child does not have to give up.  I do encourage you to consider adopting from the Philippines over Korea as you will have so much more to offer a Filipino child.

I am from Australia and here they are now quoting the waiting period from when your file is approved in the Philippines to when you are allocated a child as between 18 months to 2 years.  That time frame is not including the local process we have to go through and the 3 months it requires to process their visa once you are allocated.  For us here, the whole process from start to finish can be 4 years for your first adoption and about 3 years for a second adoption. And for us to obtain legal guardianship, we have to wait another 12 months after arriving back to Australia.  A couple of years ago Philippines advised that they will no longer be accepting request for girls, as there are hardly any available (not to say you will not be allocated a girl, you just cannot ask for one).  Not sure if that has change.  Being a Filipino might cut a few months off the waiting time.

You can do a lot to keep busy while you are waiting.  As previously suggested above, research adoption so you are prepared when your child finally arrives.

Good Luck

Answer 4

im just a kid but im part Filipino.. so i think it is wise to adopt from the philippines.. the kids need a home, love, an a family.. help the children.. tulungan mo sila