The Regional Alternative Child Care Office for Western Visayas (RACCO-6) of the National Authority for Child Care is encouraging single petitioners, like solo parents and members of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual), to apply as adoptive or foster parents.
In a media forum on Wednesday, RACCO-6 head Janice Brasileño said that for this year’s Adoption and Child Care Week, they not only celebrate the traditional family with its typical mother, father and children setup, but all types of families.
“Childless couples are not the only ones who could apply for adoption or become licensed foster parents. We also welcome and encourage solo parents or single petitioners and members of the LGBTQIA plus to be part of our growing community of adoptive and foster families here in Western Visayas,” she said.
She added that what matters most is their capacity to provide a safe and stable nurturing home, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
They only need to be Filipino citizens, in possession of full civil and legal rights and have never been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude and of good moral character, she said.
Brasileño said that since 2023, RACCO-6 has received 189 petitions under Republic Act 11642 or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act from Western Visayas and Negros Occidental, 128 of which were issued an order of adoption.
Of the total petitions, 25 were filed by single petitioners and 164 by married couples.
Meanwhile, the office continues to campaign for those with simulated birth records to avail of the amnesty provided under Republic Act 11222 or the Simulated Birth Rectification Act.
“The birth record of the child under custody will be only implemented until March 29,2029. Those who have simulated the birth record of the child, please come out in the open and avail of the amnesty,” she said.
She said they only need to coordinate with their local social welfare development office or RACCO-6.
Since 2020, only 52 petitions were filed, and to date, 44 have been issued with an order of finality.
She added that nine were filed by single petitioners and 43 by married couples.
With three years left, she said they are hoping to receive more petitions.
“Alone, we could not do this, but with your help and assistance, we can continue to strengthen the child’s basic right to a family and make everyone realize that family-based care is still the best environment for the holistic development of a child. The institutional care should be the last resort and should only be temporary when no family-based care or alternative child care options are available,” she said. (PNA)
