Adopting a child in Singapore - Criteria, documents & costs: Difference between revisions

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According to the Family Justice Courts of Singapore, the duration for most adoption applications tend to be lesser 6 months.<ref>"Adoption". ''Family Justice Courts''. Accessed on 24 May 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/what-we-do/family-courts/adoption</ref> The following are the adoption agencies that work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development: TOUCH Family Services Ltd ([https://www.touch.org.sg/about-touch/our-services/touch-adoption-homepage official website]), Fei Yue Community Services ([https://www.fycs.org/our-work/children/children-in-care-services/workshops-talks/ official website]), Lutheran Community Care Services ([https://lccs.org.sg/1065-2/ official website]) and Apkim Centre For Social Services (ACOSS) ([http://www.apkim.sg/subindex.asp?id=A014_10 official website]).
[[File:MSF logo.jpg|thumb|''The adoption process in Singapore primarily involves the MSF, the Family Justice Courts, and registered adoption agencies.'']]
''This is an entry about adopting a Singaporean child in Singapore.''


==Prerequisites==
*''For an entry on adopting a '''non-Singaporean child''' in Singapore, refer [[Adopting a foreign child in Singapore|here]].''
*''For an entry on adopting a '''PRC child''', refer [[Adopting a PRC child in Singapore|here]].''
 
 
According to the Family Justice Courts of Singapore, the duration for most adoption applications tend to be lesser 6 months.<ref>"[https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/what-we-do/family-courts/adoption Adoption]". ''Family Justice Courts''. Accessed on 24 May 2019.</ref> The following are the adoption agencies that work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development: TOUCH Family Services Ltd ([https://www.touch.org.sg/about-touch/our-services/touch-adoption-homepage official website]), Fei Yue Community Services ([https://www.fycs.org/our-work/children/children-in-care-services/workshops-talks/ official website]), Lutheran Community Care Services ([https://lccs.org.sg/1065-2/ official website]) and Apkim Centre For Social Services (ACOSS) ([http://www.apkim.sg/subindex.asp?id=A014_10 official website]).
==Requirements==
Before adopting a child, there are a few prerequisites for the parties involved.
Before adopting a child, there are a few prerequisites for the parties involved.


=== Adopted Singaporean child ===
===Adopted Singaporean child===
In Singapore, the adopted child has to fulfil the following requirements for them to be adopted.
In Singapore, the adopted child has to fulfill the following requirements for them to be adopted.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Age<ref>‘Adoption: Who can be adopted?’. ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Who-can-be-adopted.aspx</ref>
!Age
!Citizenship
!Citizenship
|-
|-
|< 21 years old
|< 21 years old<ref>"[https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Who-can-be-adopted.aspx Adoption: Who can be adopted?]". ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.</ref>
|
|
* Singapore Citizen
*Singapore Citizen
* Singapore Permanent Resident
*Singapore Permanent Resident
|}
|}


=== Adoptive parents ===
===Adoptive parents===
In order to be able to adopt, potential adoptive parents have to fulfil the following requirements.<ref>‘Adoption: Who can adopt?’. ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2016. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Who-can-Adopt.aspx</ref>
In order to be able to adopt, potential adoptive parents have to fulfill the following requirements.<ref>‘Adoption: Who can adopt?’. ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2016. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Who-can-Adopt.aspx</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Age
!Age
Line 24: Line 30:
|-
|-
|
|
* > 25 years old
*> 25 years old
* > 21 years older than the adopted child
*> 21 years older than the adopted child
* < 50 years older than the adopted child
*< 50 years older than the adopted child
|At least one person in the couple should be the following:
|At least one person in the couple should be the following:


* Singapore Citizen
*Singapore Citizen
* Singapore Permanent Resident
*Singapore Permanent Resident
* Employment Pass holder
*Employment Pass holder
|
|
* Singles
*Singles
* Married couples
*Married couples
* Unmarried males cannot adopt a girl
*Unmarried males cannot adopt a girl
|}
|}
From 3 January 2014 onwards, British Nationals are not allowed to adopt a child in Singapore. For individuals belonging to other European Union nations, they will need to complete a '''Letter of Support for EU nationals'''.
==Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)==
 
The pre-adoption briefing is the compulsory first-step for potential adoptive parents.<ref>"[https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx Adoption Portal]". ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Accessed on 28 November 2019.</ref> Both spouses are encouraged to attend the briefing together.
== Home Study Report (HSR) ==
Potential adopters can find a child to adopt through personal connections (as long as they fulfil the prerequisites). Alternatively, they can find a child under State Care through MSF.
 
Potential parents must pass a home study before they can access the information of the children from MSF's affiliated adoption agencies.<ref>‘Adoption: How to adopt a Singaporean or Permanent Resident Child.’ ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated December 10, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-citizen-or-PR.aspx</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!
!Fee (SGD)
!Register
!Notes
|-
|'''Home Study Report'''
|$1,500
|TOUCH Family Services Ltd
 
Fei Yue Community Services
 
Lutheran Community Care Services
 
Apkim Centre For Social Services
|The HSR is valid for 2 years and can only be used for 1 adopted child.
|}
 
===Adopting a stepchild<ref>‘Adoption: How to adopt a stepchild.’ ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from:   https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-stepchild.aspx</ref>===
Singapore citizens that want to adopt their stepchild can apply through MSF to have their Home Study Report (HSR) waived. The adopters will need to submit the following documents:
 
* NRIC
* Marriage certificate
* Child's birth certificate
* Child's travel documents (if they are overseas)
 
Those who are adopting their child born out of wedlock can also waive the HSR if they submit the necessary documents (stated above) on top of DNA tests to prove the paternity.
 
== Pre & post-adoption workshops ==
The adoption agencies that work with MSF conduct workshops and programmes to help new adoptive parents. Pre- and post-adoption programmes are available at all 4 agencies.
 
===Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)<ref>‘Adoption: How to adopt a child from the People’s Republic of China’. ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-child-from-the-Peoples-Republic-of-China.aspx</ref>===
The pre-adoption briefing is the compulsory first-step for potential adoptive parents. Both spouses are encouraged to attend the briefing together.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Location
!Location
Line 91: Line 60:
|}
|}


=== Disclosure workshop (Post-adoption) ===
==Home Study Report (HSR)==
Adoptive parents can attend a Disclosure Workshop which will guide them in breaking the news to their adopted children. This workshop is available at TOUCH Family Services Ltd and Fei Yue Community Services.
[[File:APKIM Singapore logo.jpg|thumb|''APKIM Centre For Social Services is one of the registered adoption agencies in Singapore.'']]
{| class="wikitable"
Potential adopters can find a child to adopt through personal connections (as long as they fulfill the prerequisites). Alternatively, they can find a child under State Care through MSF.  
!Location
!Duration
!Fee (SGD)
!Register
!Notes
|-
|TOUCH Family Services Ltd
Fei Yue Community Services
|2.5 hours
|$50 / person
|[https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx Online registration]
|This is an optional post-adoption workshop.
|}
 
== Adopting a foreign child (Excluding PRC) ==
The following are the documents needed for adopting a non-Singaporean child.
 
=== Letter of Support ===
For non-Singapore Citizens who want to adopt a foreign child, they must get approval from their home country. The Letter of Support is needed before the Home Study can commence.
{| class="wikitable"
!Location
!Registration
!Notes
|-
|Respective embassies or High Commissions
|[https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-foreign-child-excluding-children-from-the-Peoples-Republic-of-China.aspx Application form]
|This is compulsory for foreigners who want to adopt a foreign child in Singapore.
|}


=== Home Study Report (HSR) ===
Potential parents must pass a home study before finding a child under state care.<ref>"[https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-citizen-or-PR.aspx Adoption: How to adopt a Singaporean or Permanent Resident Child]". ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated December 10, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.</ref>
Potential adoptive parents must pass their HSR before applying for the Dependant's Pass.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!
!
Line 140: Line 80:


Apkim Centre For Social Services
Apkim Centre For Social Services
|The HSR is valid for 2 years and can only be used for 1 adopted child.
|The HSR is valid for 2 years and can only be used for 1 adopted child.<ref>"[https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-citizen-or-PR.aspx Adoption: How to adopt a Singaporean or Permanent Resident Child]". ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated December 10, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.</ref>
|}
|}


=== Dependant's pass ===
===Adopting a stepchild===
If the child is not a Singapore citizen in any form, the adoptive parents will have to apply for a '''Dependant's Pass'''. This should be done after the '''Home Study Report (HSR)'''.
Singapore citizens that want to adopt their stepchild can apply to have their Home Study Report (HSR) waived.<ref>"[https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-stepchild.aspx Adoption: How to adopt a stepchild]". ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.</ref> The adopters will need to submit the following documents:
{| class="wikitable"
 
!
*NRIC
!Fee(s) (SGD)
*Marriage certificate
!Register
*Child's birth certificate
!Duration
*Child's travel documents (if they are overseas)
!Notes
 
|-
Those who are adopting their child born out of wedlock can also waive the HSR if they submit the necessary documents (stated above) on top of DNA tests to prove the paternity.  
|'''Dependant's pass'''
|$360
|[https://app.adoption.gov.sg/ApplyForDependantPass.aspx Online registration]
|3 weeks (online registration)
|The HSR is valid for 2 years and can only be used for 1 adopted child.
|}
Successful applicants need to put down a S$1,000 - S$2,000 security deposit on the collection day. This will be refunded 2 months after the child is adopted.


==Applying to the Family Courts==
==Applying to the Family Justice Courts==
Potential adopters can submit an application to the Family Courts personally or through a lawyer. The adoption forms can be assessed on the website ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Family Justice Courts website]).
[[File:Family Justic Courts.jpg|thumb|''The Family Justice Courts at Havelock Square in Singapore. Photo from The Straits Times.'']]


===Receiving an affidavit===
===Filing documents===
Potential adopters will be interviewed by a Child Welfare Officer (CWO) from MSF. There will also be a home visit. The responses collected will be used to prepare an affidavit. The adopters have to submit the affidavit to the Family Courts no later than 2 weeks after receiving it.   
Potential adopters can submit an application to the Family Courts personally or through a lawyer. A lawyer can help with the filing of necessary documents. The adoption forms can be assessed on the website ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Family Justice Courts website]).   


The Family Courts will assess the adoption application based on these findings. The affidavit is needed to receive the date for the court hearing.  
===GIA (Guardian In Adoption) Report===
Potential adopters will then need to apply for the Director of Social Welfare to be their GIA. The GIA will decide if potential adopters are ready to adopt a child.<ref>"[https://www.pkwalaw.com/child-adoption-singapore.html Adoption in Singapore]". ''PKWA Law Practice LLC''. Accessed on 28 November 2019.</ref>


===Requesting for a Guardian-In-Adoption (GIA)===
These are the documents required to receive a GIA:
The Court will appoint a Guardian-In-Adoption (GIA) for the child. The potential adopter or their lawyer will need to request for the Director of Social Welfare to be the GIA. These are the documents needed:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Documents
!Documents
Line 180: Line 113:
*Originating summons of adoption ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Originating summons of adoption ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Adoption statement ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Adoption statement ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Affidavit
*Affidavit in support ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Consent for adoption by the relevant parties
*Consent for adoption by the relevant parties
*NRIC of the potential adopters
*NRIC of the potential adopters
Line 193: Line 126:
The documents have to be sealed in an envelope.
The documents have to be sealed in an envelope.
|}
|}
Potential adopters will then be interviewed by a Child Welfare Officer (CWO)(appointed by the GIA) from MSF.<ref>"[https://www.pkwalaw.com/child-adoption-singapore.html Adoption in Singapore]". ''PKWA Law Practice LLC''. Accessed on 28 November 2019.</ref> There will also be a home visit. The responses collected will be used to prepare an affidavit. The adopters have to submit the affidavit to the Family Courts no later than 2 weeks after receiving it. The Family Courts will assess the adoption application based on these findings.


*Date of Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)
===Adoption Order===
*Originating summons of adoption ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
It is compulsory for the adopter and/or their lawyer to attend the hearings. If the Family Courts grants the Adoption Order, they will inform the Registry of Births & Deaths and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to issue a new birth certificate for the child, which the adopters will be informed to collect.
*Adoption statement ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Affidavit
*Consent for adoption by the relevant parties
*NRIC of the potential adopters
*Marriage certificate of potential adopters
*Birth certificate of the child that they want to adopt
*GIA fee of $250 per adoption application. The cheque should be made payable to ‘AG/MSF’.
 
The documents have to be sealed in an envelope addressed to Child Welfare, Child Protective Service (10th floor) and deposited at the MSF Drop Box which is located at MSF Building Level 1.
 
===Court hearing===
It is compulsory for the adopter and/or their lawyer to attend the hearing. If the Family Courts grants the Adoption Order, they will inform the Registry of Births & Deaths and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to issue a new birth certificate for the child, which the adopters will be informed to collect.




If the Court dismisses the application, the child will have to be returned to the original family.
If the Court dismisses the application, the child will have to be returned to the original family.


==Adopting a PRC child==
==Disclosure workshop (Post-adoption)==
The adoption process for PRC children is more stringent as there are requirements from both Singapore and PRC (People’s Republic of China). This arrangement was agreed upon by the Singapore and Chinese government to prevent people from selling their babies, in the name of giving it up for adoption. As of 2019, only TOUCH Family Services Ltd ([https://www.touch.org.sg/about-touch/our-services/touch-adoption-homepage official website]) and Fei Yue Community Services ([https://www.fycs.org/our-work/children/children-in-care-services/adoption-child-from-prc/ official website]) are registered with MSF to provide adoption for PRC children.
Adoptive parents can attend a Disclosure Workshop which will guide them in breaking the news to their adopted children.<ref>"[https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx Adoption Portal]". ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Accessed on 28 November 2019.</ref> This workshop is available at TOUCH Family Services Ltd and Fei Yue Community Services.
 
===Eligibility===
To be eligible for child adoption, potential adopters have to fulfil the following requirements set by the China Centre for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA):<ref>‘Adoption: Criteria for adoption of a PRC child’. ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from:  https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Criteria-for-adoption-of-a-PRC-child.aspx</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Criteria
!Location
!Description
!Duration
!Fee (SGD)
!Register
!Notes
|-
|-
|Citizenship
|TOUCH Family Services Ltd
|At least one of the adopter couple should be either a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Fei Yue Community Services
|-
|2.5 hours
|Age
|$50 / person
|The couple must be <u>above 29 years old but below 50 years old</u>.*
|[https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx Online registration]
 
|This is an optional post-adoption workshop.
The couple must be <u>more than 21 years older</u> than the child to be adopted.*
 
 
''*In the case that the adopters want to adopt a special needs child, they have to be <u>above 29 years old but below 55 years old</u>.''
|-
|Marriage
|The adopters must be a <u>couple of a male and a female</u> with a stable marriage.
The adopters should not have more than 2 past marriages.*
 
There should be a <u>maximum of 5 children</u> in the household.
 
 
''*In the case that one adopter has a past marriage, the existing marriage must be ongoing for at least 5 years.''
|-
|Finances
|The adopters must have a minimum annual household income of US$10,000.
The value of their net assets should be more than US$80,0000
|-
|Education
|The adopters must have at least an 'A' Level Certificate or an ITE Certificate
|-
|Others
|The adopters must have good mental and physical health.
They must not have any criminal records pertaining to child abuse, sexual offences, and substance abuse.
 
They must undergo a minimum of <u>12 hours of training</u> from a registered adoption centre.
 
The must obtain 3 reference letters from either their children* or teachers of their children.
 
 
''*Only in the case that the children are above 18 years old.''
|}
|}
<br />
===Contacting relevant agencies===
Approach the agencies which work with MSF and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of PRC regarding the adoption of children from PRC. The agency will determine the adopter's eligibility and contact CCCWA.
The agency will then submit the application to CCCWA. A fee will be incurred for additional translation and administrative works.
===Finding a child to adopt===
Upon successful application, the agency will inform the potential adopters of a child who is able to be adopted. The adopters will have to accept the child chosen by CCCWA and can only reject during special circumstances such as medical conditions. The adopters will need to travel to China to legalise the adoption and bring the child to Singapore.
<br />
===Applying to the Family Courts for the adoption===
Potential adopters can first submit an application to the Family Courts which can be done personally or through a lawyer. The adoption forms used by the Family Justice Courts can be assessed on the website ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Family Justice Courts website]).
===Requesting for a Guardian-In-Adoption (GIA)===
The Court will appoint a Guardian-In-Adoption (GIA) for the child. The potential adopter or their lawyer will need to request for the Director of Social Welfare to be the GIA. This can be done by submitting the following documents:
*Date of Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)
*Originating summons of adoption
*Adoption statement
*Affidavit in support of the originating summons
*Consent for adoption by the relevant parties
*NRIC of the potential adopters
*Marriage certificate of potential adopters
*Birth certificate of the child that they want to adopt
*GIA fee of $250 per adoption application. (The cheque should be made payable to ‘AG/MSF’.
*Home Study Report
These documents have to be sealed in an envelope addressed to Child Welfare, Child Protective Service (10th floor) and deposit it at the MSF Drop Box which is located at MSF Building Level 1.
===Receiving an affidavit===
Potential adopters will be scheduled interviews conducted by a Child Welfare Officer (CWO) from MSF. Questions relating to the adopter’s family, inclusive of a home visit, and the child’s status and situation will be asked during the interview. The responses collected will be used to prepare an affidavit, an assessment on the adoption application based on the findings of the interviews, for the Family Courts.
After receiving the affidavit, the adopter and their lawyer have to submit it to the Family Courts, no later than 2 weeks after receiving it. This is to receive the date for the court hearing.
===Court hearing===
It is compulsory for the adopter and/or their lawyer to attend the hearing. If the Family Courts grants the Adoption Order, they will inform the Registry of Births & Deaths and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to issue a new birth certificate for the child, which the adopters will be informed to collect. The adopters will also need to submit a copy of the child’s new Singapore birth certificate to MSF to obtain their security deposit refund.
For those who want to apply for Singapore Citizenship for the adopted child, they need to apply to ICA through a separate procedure.
If the Court dismisses the application, the child will have to be returned to the original family. They will also need to cancel the Dependant’s Pass by returning it to the MSF.
===Post placement reports===
The CCCWA requires the adoptive parents to submit post placement reports through the relevant Singapore agency. From 1 January 2015 onwards, adoptive parents are required to complete 6 post placement reports throughout the span of 5 years. The reports are to be submitted at the 6th month, the 1st year, and the 5th year upon successful adoption registration in China.


==References / Citations==
==References / Citations==
[[Category:Adulting Guides]]
[[Category:Adulting Guides]]
<references />
<references />

Latest revision as of 11:00, 4 December 2019

The adoption process in Singapore primarily involves the MSF, the Family Justice Courts, and registered adoption agencies.

This is an entry about adopting a Singaporean child in Singapore.

  • For an entry on adopting a non-Singaporean child in Singapore, refer here.
  • For an entry on adopting a PRC child, refer here.


According to the Family Justice Courts of Singapore, the duration for most adoption applications tend to be lesser 6 months.[1] The following are the adoption agencies that work with the Ministry of Social and Family Development: TOUCH Family Services Ltd (official website), Fei Yue Community Services (official website), Lutheran Community Care Services (official website) and Apkim Centre For Social Services (ACOSS) (official website).

Requirements

Before adopting a child, there are a few prerequisites for the parties involved.

Adopted Singaporean child

In Singapore, the adopted child has to fulfill the following requirements for them to be adopted.

Age Citizenship
< 21 years old[2]
  • Singapore Citizen
  • Singapore Permanent Resident

Adoptive parents

In order to be able to adopt, potential adoptive parents have to fulfill the following requirements.[3]

Age Citizenship Marital status
  • > 25 years old
  • > 21 years older than the adopted child
  • < 50 years older than the adopted child
 At least one person in the couple should be the following:
  • Singapore Citizen
  • Singapore Permanent Resident
  • Employment Pass holder
  • Singles
  • Married couples
  • Unmarried males cannot adopt a girl

Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)

The pre-adoption briefing is the compulsory first-step for potential adoptive parents.[4] Both spouses are encouraged to attend the briefing together.

Location Duration Fee (SGD) Register Notes
TOUCH Family Services Ltd

Fei Yue Community Services

2.5 hours $50 / person Online registration Available in English, Mandarin and Malay. This is a compulsory pre-adoption workshop.

Home Study Report (HSR)

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APKIM Centre For Social Services is one of the registered adoption agencies in Singapore.

Potential adopters can find a child to adopt through personal connections (as long as they fulfill the prerequisites). Alternatively, they can find a child under State Care through MSF.

Potential parents must pass a home study before finding a child under state care.[5]

Fee (SGD) Register Notes
Home Study Report $1,500 TOUCH Family Services Ltd

Fei Yue Community Services

Lutheran Community Care Services

Apkim Centre For Social Services

The HSR is valid for 2 years and can only be used for 1 adopted child.[6]

Adopting a stepchild

Singapore citizens that want to adopt their stepchild can apply to have their Home Study Report (HSR) waived.[7] The adopters will need to submit the following documents:

  • NRIC
  • Marriage certificate
  • Child's birth certificate
  • Child's travel documents (if they are overseas)

Those who are adopting their child born out of wedlock can also waive the HSR if they submit the necessary documents (stated above) on top of DNA tests to prove the paternity.

Applying to the Family Justice Courts

The Family Justice Courts at Havelock Square in Singapore. Photo from The Straits Times.

Filing documents

Potential adopters can submit an application to the Family Courts personally or through a lawyer. A lawyer can help with the filing of necessary documents. The adoption forms can be assessed on the website (Family Justice Courts website).

GIA (Guardian In Adoption) Report

Potential adopters will then need to apply for the Director of Social Welfare to be their GIA. The GIA will decide if potential adopters are ready to adopt a child.[8]

These are the documents required to receive a GIA:

Documents Fee(s) Deliver & deposit Notes
  • Date of Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)
  • Originating summons of adoption (Form)
  • Adoption statement (Form)
  • Affidavit in support (Form)
  • Consent for adoption by the relevant parties
  • NRIC of the potential adopters
  • Marriage certificate of potential adopters
  • Birth certificate of the child that they want to adopt
 $250 per application Child Welfare, Child Protective Service (10th floor)


MSF Drop Box, MSF Building Level 1

The cheque should be made payable to ‘AG/MSF’.

The documents have to be sealed in an envelope.

Potential adopters will then be interviewed by a Child Welfare Officer (CWO)(appointed by the GIA) from MSF.[9] There will also be a home visit. The responses collected will be used to prepare an affidavit. The adopters have to submit the affidavit to the Family Courts no later than 2 weeks after receiving it. The Family Courts will assess the adoption application based on these findings.

Adoption Order

It is compulsory for the adopter and/or their lawyer to attend the hearings. If the Family Courts grants the Adoption Order, they will inform the Registry of Births & Deaths and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to issue a new birth certificate for the child, which the adopters will be informed to collect.


If the Court dismisses the application, the child will have to be returned to the original family.

Disclosure workshop (Post-adoption)

Adoptive parents can attend a Disclosure Workshop which will guide them in breaking the news to their adopted children.[10] This workshop is available at TOUCH Family Services Ltd and Fei Yue Community Services.

Location Duration Fee (SGD) Register Notes
TOUCH Family Services Ltd

Fei Yue Community Services

2.5 hours $50 / person Online registration This is an optional post-adoption workshop.

References / Citations

  1. ↑ "Adoption". Family Justice Courts. Accessed on 24 May 2019.
  2. ↑ "Adoption: Who can be adopted?". Ministry of Social and Family Development. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.
  3. ↑ ‘Adoption: Who can adopt?’. Ministry of Social and Family Development. Updated February 7, 2016. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Who-can-Adopt.aspx
  4. ↑ "Adoption Portal". Ministry of Social and Family Development. Accessed on 28 November 2019.
  5. ↑ "Adoption: How to adopt a Singaporean or Permanent Resident Child". Ministry of Social and Family Development. Updated December 10, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.
  6. ↑ "Adoption: How to adopt a Singaporean or Permanent Resident Child". Ministry of Social and Family Development. Updated December 10, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.
  7. ↑ "Adoption: How to adopt a stepchild". Ministry of Social and Family Development. Updated February 7, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019.
  8. ↑ "Adoption in Singapore". PKWA Law Practice LLC. Accessed on 28 November 2019.
  9. ↑ "Adoption in Singapore". PKWA Law Practice LLC. Accessed on 28 November 2019.
  10. ↑ "Adoption Portal". Ministry of Social and Family Development. Accessed on 28 November 2019.
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