Philippines Adoption Criteria

Adoption criteria are based on the requirements of the country and may change over time. To ensure you meet the criteria, it's best to contact an adoption specialist to discuss your specific situation and start making an adoption plan.

• Marital Status: Married couples (legally married for at least three years, no more than two divorces per couple) are eligible. Single women are permitted to adopt children ages 9-15 years old from the Special Home Finding Program.
• Age: Applicants must be at least 27 years old and at least 16 years older than the child at the time of application. The oldest parent should not be more than 45 years older than the child.
• Background: A stable family environment and strong relationship history are considered. Families must have a household income of at least $40,000 per year and be financially stable.
• Health: Families must be mentally and physically fit to parent. Unacceptable medical issues include:
  • Severe diabetes
  • Mellitus
  • Obesity (BMI should be 35 and below)
  • Cancer
  • Kidney transplant or any major transplant (heart, lung, liver)
  • Pacemaker/stroke/myocardial infarction
  • Multiple sclerosis and/or other degenerative muscular disorder
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Hepatitis C
  • Risk factors that will impede care of a child (e.g., blind, deaf, wheelchair-bound

• Religion: The family should be actively practicing some form of religion to which they will expose their child.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Parents should be open to and respectful of the child's cultural background and heritage.
• Training: All hopeful adoptive parents pursuing adoption in the Philippines are required to complete pre-adoption training.
  

Preparing to Adopt a Child With Special Needs