Adopting a child in Singapore - Criteria, documents & costs: Difference between revisions
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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 fulfil the following requirements for them to be adopted. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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|< 21 years old | |< 21 years old | ||
| | | | ||
* 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 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" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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|- | |- | ||
| | | | ||
* > 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'''. | 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'''. | ||
== Home Study Report (HSR) == | ==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 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. | ||
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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: | 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 | *NRIC | ||
* Marriage certificate | *Marriage certificate | ||
* Child's birth certificate | *Child's birth certificate | ||
* Child's travel documents (if they are overseas) | *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. | 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 == | ==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. | 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. | ||
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|} | |} | ||
=== Disclosure workshop (Post-adoption) === | ===Disclosure workshop (Post-adoption)=== | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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|} | |} | ||
== Adopting a foreign child (Excluding PRC) == | ==Adopting a foreign child (Excluding PRC)== | ||
The following are the documents needed for adopting a non-Singaporean child. | The following are the documents needed for adopting a non-Singaporean child. | ||
=== Letter of Support === | ===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. | 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. | ||
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|} | |} | ||
=== Home Study Report (HSR) === | ===Home Study Report (HSR)=== | ||
Potential adoptive parents must pass their HSR before applying for the Dependant's Pass. | Potential adoptive parents must pass their HSR before applying for the Dependant's Pass. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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|} | |} | ||
=== Dependant's pass === | ===Dependant's pass=== | ||
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)'''. | 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)'''. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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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]). | 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]). | ||
=== | === Documents === | ||
These are the documents required: | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
!Documents | !Documents | ||
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*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 of support | ||
*Consent for adoption by the relevant parties | *Consent for adoption by the relevant parties | ||
*NRIC of the potential adopters | *NRIC of the potential adopters | ||
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|} | |} | ||
=== GIA (Guardian In Adoption) Report === | |||
The GIA report will be prepared by an assigned officer by the court. The potential adopter or their lawyer will need to request for the Director of Social Welfare to be the GIA. | |||
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. 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 | 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. | ||
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==Adopting a PRC child== | ==Adopting a PRC 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 | 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 to prevent people from selling their babies in the name of giving it up for adoption. | ||
===Eligibility=== | === 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) | 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 | !Criteria | ||
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''*Only in the case that the children are above 18 years old.'' | ''*Only in the case that the children are above 18 years old.'' | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== | === Relevant adoption agencies (TOUCH & Fei Yue) === | ||
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. 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. | |||
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=== | ===Finding a child to adopt=== | ||
Adoptive parents cannot choose the child they want to adopt. They have to accept the child chosen by CCCWA and can only reject during special circumstances such as medical conditions. | |||
Adoptive parents will need to prepare a '''Home Study Report''', apply for a '''Dependant's Pass''' and obtain a '''Letter of Support''' respectively. The adopters will need to travel to China to legalise the adoption and bring the child to Singapore. | |||
===Applying to the Family Courts=== | |||
Refer to the previous sections. There are no differences in this part of the process. | |||
===Post placement reports=== | ===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 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 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 /> |
Revision as of 17:49, 26 November 2019
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).
Prerequisites
Before adopting a child, there are a few prerequisites for the parties involved.
Adopted Singaporean child
In Singapore, the adopted child has to fulfil the following requirements for them to be adopted.
Age[2] | Citizenship |
---|---|
< 21 years old |
|
Adoptive parents
In order to be able to adopt, potential adoptive parents have to fulfil the following requirements.[3]
Age | Citizenship | Marital status |
---|---|---|
|
At least one person in the couple should be the following:
|
|
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.
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.[4]
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[5]
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)[6]
The pre-adoption briefing is the compulsory first-step for potential adoptive parents. 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. |
Disclosure workshop (Post-adoption)
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.
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. |
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.
Location | Registration | Notes |
---|---|---|
Respective embassies or High Commissions | Application form | This is compulsory for foreigners who want to adopt a foreign child in Singapore. |
Home Study Report (HSR)
Potential adoptive parents must pass their HSR before applying for the Dependant's Pass.
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. |
Dependant's pass
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).
Fee(s) (SGD) | Register | Duration | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dependant's pass | $360 | 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
Potential adopters can submit an application to the Family Courts personally or through a lawyer. The adoption forms can be assessed on the website (Family Justice Courts website).
Documents
These are the documents required:
Documents | Fee(s) | Deliver & deposit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
$250 per application | Child Welfare, Child Protective Service (10th floor)
|
The cheque should be made payable to ‘AG/MSF’.
The documents have to be sealed in an envelope. |
GIA (Guardian In Adoption) Report
The GIA report will be prepared by an assigned officer by the court. The potential adopter or their lawyer will need to request for the Director of Social Welfare to be the GIA.
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. 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.
Adopting a PRC 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 to prevent people from selling their babies in the name of giving it up for adoption.
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).[7]
Criteria | Description |
---|---|
Citizenship | At least one of the adopter couple should be either a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. |
Age | The couple must be above 29 years old but below 50 years old.*
The couple must be more than 21 years older than the child to be adopted.*
|
Marriage | The adopters must be a couple of a male and a female with a stable marriage.
The adopters should not have more than 2 past marriages.* There should be a maximum of 5 children in the household.
|
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 12 hours of training from a registered adoption centre. The must obtain 3 reference letters from either their children* or teachers of their children.
|
Relevant adoption agencies (TOUCH & Fei Yue)
As of 2019, only TOUCH Family Services Ltd (official website) and Fei Yue Community Services (official website) are registered with MSF to provide adoption for PRC children. 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
Adoptive parents cannot choose the child they want to adopt. They have to accept the child chosen by CCCWA and can only reject during special circumstances such as medical conditions.
Adoptive parents will need to prepare a Home Study Report, apply for a Dependant's Pass and obtain a Letter of Support respectively. The adopters will need to travel to China to legalise the adoption and bring the child to Singapore.
Applying to the Family Courts
Refer to the previous sections. There are no differences in this part of the process.
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 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
- ↑ "Adoption". Family Justice Courts. Accessed on 24 May 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.familyjusticecourts.gov.sg/what-we-do/family-courts/adoption
- ↑ ‘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
- ↑ ‘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
- ↑ ‘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
- ↑ ‘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
- ↑ ‘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
- ↑ ‘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