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

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In Singapore, only children below 21 years old can be adopted.<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> They must also be a Singapore Citizen, Singapore Permanent Resident or a Dependant's Pass holder. 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 Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF): 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.''


These adoption agencies also conduct various workshops and programmes aimed at helping new adoptive parents. 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. The pre- and post-adoption programmes are available at all 4 agencies.
*''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]].''


==Eligibility==
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>
{| class="wikitable"
!Criteria
!Description
|-
|Citizenship
|At least one of the adopter couple should hold a form of Singapore citizenship (Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or holder of Employment Pass).
|-
|Age
|The couple must be <u>above 25 years old</u>.


The couple must be <u>more than 21 years older</u> than the child to be adopted.*
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.


The age gap between the potential adoptive couple and the child cannot be more than 50 years old.
===Adopted Singaporean child===
 
In Singapore, the adopted child has to fulfill the following requirements for them to be adopted.
 
{| class="wikitable"
''*Exceptions are allowed if either of the potential parents is related to the child.''
!Age
!Citizenship
|-
|-
|Marital status
|< 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>
|Unmarried males cannot adopt a girl.*
|
Those who are married but are adopting alone must gain approval from their spouse.  
*Singapore Citizen
 
*Singapore Permanent Resident
 
''*Exceptions are allowed in unique situations''.
|}
|}


==Adoption process for a Singaporean/PR child==
===Adoptive parents===
Before applying to the Family Court for adoption, interested couples have to successfully go through the following steps:
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>
 
===Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)===
Potential adopters need to attend a 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 PAB is conducted by agencies that work with MSF. The briefing is a one-time session which lasts for 2.5 hours and is available in English, Mandarin and Malay. Both spouses are encouraged to attend the briefing together.
 
The briefing provides more information on the eligibility requirements and the adoption process. It also helps potential adopters understand the duties of an adoptive parent. Participants will also be guided through the needs of an adopted child and how they can receive support in their parenting journey. Potential adopters can register for the briefing online ([https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx official website)].
 
===Adoption endorsement for European Union Nationals===
From 3 January 2014 onwards, Singapore adoption will not be immediately recognised in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. British Nationals are not allowed to adopt a child in Singapore. For all other Nationals of the European Union, a Letter of Support for EU nationals needs to be completed and endorsed before they may proceed with the adoption process.
 
===Finding a child to adopt===
Potential adopters can find a child to adopt through personal connections. Alternatively, they can find a child under State Care through MSF. For those who choose to enlist the assistance of MSF, they will be required to pass a home study before they are allowed access to the information of the children that can be adopted 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>
 
===Obtaining legal consent and identification documents===
Potential adopters must obtain the legal consent of the child’s biological parents. In the case where this is not possible, they can approach the child’s guardian or the parents of the biological parent if they are below 21 years old. In the event that all alternative parties are unable to give consent, the potential adopters may apply to the Court to do away with the consent. This request may be granted if it can be justified under unique situations.  
 
Potential adopters must obtain all identification documents of the child such as their birth certificate and passport if the child is PR.
 
===Preparing a breakdown of costs===
Any form of payment, such as a sum to show gratitude to the biological parents or payment to an agency for enlisting their assistance has to be accounted for to the Family Courts by providing a breakdown of the amount with original receipts as proof.
 
Even though it is illegal to pay biological parents to give up their child, there are still costs involved in the adoption process. The adoptive parents have to bear costs such as the biological mother’s hospital bills and pregnancy checkups. They should also give the biological parents a sum of money as a form of gratitude, ranging from around S$10,000 to S$16,000.<ref>‘Why is it more difficult to adopt now?’. ''Theasianparent''. May 27, 2013. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://sg.theasianparent.com/why-is-adoption-in-singapore-more-difficult-no</ref>
 
===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’.
 
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.
 
===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 and the child’s status and situation will be asked during the interview. There will also be a home visit. The responses collected will be used to prepare an affidavit, an assessment of 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.
 
If the Court dismisses the application, the child will have to be returned to the original family.
 
==Adoption process for a foreign child (excluding PRC)==
Before applying to the Family Courts for adoption, interested couples have to successfully go through the following steps:
 
===Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)===
Potential adopters need to attend a 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 PAB is conducted by agencies that work with MSF. The briefing is a one-time session which lasts for 2.5 hours and is available in English, Mandarin and Malay. Both spouses are encouraged to attend the briefing together.
 
 
The briefing provides more information on the eligibility requirements and the adoption process. It also helps potential adopters understand the duties of an adoptive parent. Participants will also be guided through the needs of an adopted child and how they can receive support in their parenting journey. Potential adopters can register for the briefing online ([https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx official website)].
 
===Letter of support for non-Singapore citizens===
For non-Singapore Citizens who want to adopt a foreign child, they must receive approval from their home country. They can attempt to do so either through their embassy or High Commission. They will then need to complete a letter of support ([https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/How-to-adopt-a-foreign-child-excluding-children-from-the-Peoples-Republic-of-China.aspx official website]).
 
===Home study===
Potential adopters will need to undergo a Home Study conducted by professional social service staff to assess their abilities to raise an adopted child. They can apply for Home Study online ([https://app.adoption.gov.sg/ApplyForHomeStudy.aspx official website]). Upon passing the Home Study, they will receive a favourable Home Study Report (HSR) and an In-Principle Approval letter for the child’s Dependant’s Pass application.
 
===Finding a child to adopt===
They can then find a child to adopt through their own resources and be placed under their care.  
 
===Obtaining legal consent and identification documents===
Potential adopters must obtain the legal consent of the child’s biological parents. In the case where this is not possible, they can approach the child’s guardian or the parents of the biological parent if they are below 21 years old. In the event that all alternative parties are unable to give consent, the potential adopters may apply to the Court to do away with the consent. This request may be granted if it can be justified under unique situations.  
 
Potential adopters must obtain all identification documents of the child such as their birth certificate and passport if the child is PR.
 
===Applying for a Dependent's Pass (DP)===
A Dependent’s Pass (DP) has to be applied for the foreign child to allow them to enter and remain in Singapore until the adoption is approved. The pass can be applied for online ([https://app.adoption.gov.sg/ApplyForDependantPass.aspx official website]) with the submission of the Home Study Report. They will also need to place a security deposit of about S$1000 to S$2000 on the pass collection day.<ref>‘Adoption: Apply for Dependant’s Pass’. ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated December 21, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from:   https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Apply-for-Dependants-Pass.aspx</ref> The waiting time for the confirmation of the pass will take about a month. The pass will be valid for 9 months and may be renewed for valid reasons.
 
===Preparing a breakdown of costs===
Any form of payment, such as a sum to show gratitude to the biological parents or payment to an agency for enlisting their assistance has to be accounted for to the Family Courts by providing a breakdown of the amount with original receipts as proof.
 
Even though it is illegal to pay biological parents to give up their child, there are still costs involved in the adoption process. The adoptive parents have to bear costs such as the biological mother’s hospital bills and pregnancy checkups. They should also give the biological parents a sum of money as a form of gratitude, ranging from around S$10,000 to S$16,000.<ref>‘Why is it more difficult to adopt now?’. ''Theasianparent''. May 27, 2013. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://sg.theasianparent.com/why-is-adoption-in-singapore-more-difficult-no</ref>
 
===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
 
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.
 
===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 and the child’s status and situation will be asked during the interview. There will also be a home visit. The responses collected will be used to prepare an affidavit, an assessment of 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 Court 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.
 
==Adoption process for a PRC (People’s Republic of China) child==
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.
 
===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
!Age
!Description
!Citizenship
|-
!Marital status
|Citizenship
|At least one of the adopter couple should be either a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
|-
|-
|Age
|
|The couple must be <u>above 29 years old but below 50 years old</u>.*
*> 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:


The couple must be <u>more than 21 years older</u> than the child to be adopted.*
*Singapore Citizen
 
*Singapore Permanent Resident
 
*Employment Pass holder
''*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>.''
|
*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.<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.
{| class="wikitable"
!Location
!Duration
!Fee (SGD)
!Register
!Notes
|-
|-
|Marriage
|TOUCH Family Services Ltd
|The adopters must be a <u>couple of a male and a female</u> with a stable marriage.
Fei Yue Community Services
The adopters should not have more than 2 past marriages.*
|2.5 hours
|$50 / person
|[https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx Online registration]
|Available in English, Mandarin and Malay. This is a compulsory pre-adoption workshop.
|}


There should be a <u>maximum of 5 children</u> in the household.
==Home Study Report (HSR)==
[[File:APKIM Singapore logo.jpg|thumb|''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.<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>
''*In the case that one adopter has a past marriage, the existing marriage must be ongoing for at least 5 years.''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
|Finances
!Fee (SGD)
|The adopters must have a minimum annual household income of US$10,000.
!Register
The value of their net assets should be more than US$80,0000
!Notes
|-
|Education
|The adopters must have at least an 'A' Level Certificate or an ITE Certificate
|-
|-
|Others
|'''Home Study Report'''
|The adopters must have good mental and physical health.
|$1,500
They must not have any criminal records pertaining to child abuse, sexual offences, and substance abuse.
|TOUCH Family Services Ltd


They must undergo a minimum of <u>12 hours of training</u> from a registered adoption centre.
Fei Yue Community Services


The must obtain 3 reference letters from either their children* or teachers of their children.
Lutheran Community Care Services


 
Apkim Centre For Social Services
''*Only in the case that the children are above 18 years old.''
|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>
|}
|}
Before applying to the Family Courts for adoption, interested couples have to successfully go through the following steps:


===Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)===
===Adopting a stepchild===
Potential adopters need to attend a 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 PAB is conducted by agencies that work with MSF. The briefing is a one-time session which lasts for 2.5 hours and is available in English, Mandarin and Malay. Both spouses are encouraged to attend the briefing together.
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:


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


The briefing provides more information on the eligibility requirements and the adoption process. It also helps potential adopters understand the duties of an adoptive parent. Participants will also be guided through the needs of an adopted child and how they can receive support in their parenting journey. Potential adopters can register for the briefing online ([https://app.adoption.gov.sg/RegisterWorkshopIntro.aspx official website)].
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.  


===Contacting relevant agencies===
==Applying to the Family Justice Courts==
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.
[[File:Family Justic Courts.jpg|thumb|''The Family Justice Courts at Havelock Square in Singapore. Photo from The Straits Times.'']]


The agency will then submit the application to CCCWA. A fee will be incurred for additional translation and administrative works.
===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 ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Family Justice Courts website]).


===Finding a child to adopt===
===GIA (Guardian In Adoption) Report===
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.
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>
 
===Home study===
Potential adopters will need to undergo a Home Study conducted by professional social service staff to assess their abilities to raise an adopted child. They can apply for Home Study online ([https://app.adoption.gov.sg/ApplyForHomeStudy.aspx official website]). Upon passing the Home Study, they will receive a favourable Home Study Report (HSR) and an In-Principle Approval letter for the child’s Dependant’s Pass application.
 
===Applying for a Dependent's Pass (DP)===
A Dependent’s Pass (DP) has to be applied for the foreign child to allow them to enter and remain in Singapore until the adoption is approved. The pass can be applied for online ([https://app.adoption.gov.sg/ApplyForDependantPass.aspx official website]) with the submission of the Home Study Report. They will also need to place a security deposit of about S$1000 to S$2000 on the pass collection day.<ref>‘Adoption: Apply for Dependant’s Pass’. ''Ministry of Social and Family Development''. Updated December 21, 2018. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from:   https://www.msf.gov.sg/Adoption/Pages/Apply-for-Dependants-Pass.aspx</ref> The waiting time for the confirmation of the pass will take about a month. The pass will be valid for 9 months and may be renewed for valid reasons.
 
===Preparing a breakdown of costs===
Any form of payment, such as a sum to show gratitude to the biological parents or payment to an agency for enlisting their assistance has to be accounted for to the Family Courts by providing a breakdown of the amount with original receipts as proof.
 
Even though it is illegal to pay biological parents to give up their child, there are still costs involved in the adoption process. The adoptive parents have to bear costs such as the biological mother’s hospital bills and pregnancy checkups. They should also give the biological parents a sum of money as a form of gratitude, ranging from around S$10,000 to S$16,000.<ref>‘Why is it more difficult to adopt now?’. ''Theasianparent''. May 27, 2013. Accessed on 26 February 2019. Retrieved from: https://sg.theasianparent.com/why-is-adoption-in-singapore-more-difficult-no</ref>
 
===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:


These are the documents required to receive a GIA:
{| class="wikitable"
!Documents
!Fee(s)
!Deliver & deposit
!Notes
|-
|
*Date of Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)
*Date of Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB)
*Originating summons of adoption
*Originating summons of adoption ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Adoption statement
*Adoption statement ([https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/resources/forms Form])
*Affidavit in support of the originating summons
*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
*Marriage certificate of potential adopters
*Marriage certificate of potential adopters
*Birth certificate of the child that they want to adopt
*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’.
|$250 per application
*Home Study Report
|Child Welfare, Child Protective Service (10th floor)


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===
MSF Drop Box, MSF Building Level 1
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.
|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.<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.


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.
===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.


===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.


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.
==Disclosure workshop (Post-adoption)==
 
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.
===Post placement reports===
{| class="wikitable"
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.
!Location
 
!Duration
==Adopting stepchildren==
!Fee (SGD)
Singapore citizens that want to adopt their own stepchild can apply through MSF to have their Home Study Report (HSR) waived.<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> The adopters will need to submit their NRICs, marriage certificate, child’s birth certificate and the child’s travel documents if he/she is overseas.  
!Register
 
!Notes
The rest of the adoption process follows accordingly to their citizenship (Singaporean/ PR or Foreigner not from PRC or Foreigner from PRC) as written above. Those who are adopting their child that had been 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.
|-
|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.
|}


==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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