In the Philippines, children ages toddler to 15 years are eligible for adoption. These children reside in public or private facilities throughout the country. While they receive excellent medical care, they need a family to provide them with individual love and attention. Adoption between the United States and the Philippines is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention, ensuring that all adoptions meet the necessary requirements.

Adopting from the Philippines

Hopeful adoptive parents looking to welcome a child from the Philippines are needed, especially those open to adopting children with special needs, older children, or sibling groups. All adoptive parents must meet the Philippines’ criteria for adoption to be considered for a match. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact an adoption specialist who can help determine the right fit for your family and answer your questions. Gladney’s Philippines Team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Step 1: Check your program eligibility by submitting the Prospective Adoptive Parent Form

Step 2: Ready to move forward? Complete the Placement Application to officially begin

Hopeful adoptive parents are required to complete a foreign dossier.

Philippines Adoption Program

Children adopted from the Philippines will enter the US on an IH-4 or IR-4 visa. Adoptions are finalized in the United States through your local family court system following completion of required post-placement reports.

Per The Philippines’ National Authority for Child Care (NACC) regulations, agencies cannot post photos or details about waiting children from the Philippines. If you are interested in this program, contact an adoption specialist to discuss your individual situation or inquire about children currently eligible for adoption.

Special Home Finding Program (Special Needs)

This program focuses on children with special medical needs and older children. Gladney works with NACC of the Philippines to find qualified, home-study-ready families for these children. These children include:

• Older children ages 5-15 years old
• Children in sibling groups
• Children with moderate to significant medical conditions and/or developmental and cognitive delays

Adoption Criteria

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

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

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

Adoption Process – Relative

1. INITIAL CONTACT AND APPLICATION

Before submitting your official application, contact a Gladney adoption specialist to discuss whether the Philippines adoption program is a good fit for your family. Gladney is currently seeking families who are willing to be flexible and patient as they navigate the adoption process together.

2. CASEWORKER ASSIGNMENT AND NEW CLIENT PACKET

Once your application documents and fee are submitted, you will be assigned a caseworker. This person will serve as your primary contact throughout the adoption process, answering questions and providing support. You’ll also receive a New Client packet that includes step-by-step instructions for the adoption process, information on the home study, pre-adoption training requirements, guidance on the US immigration application, and instructions for preparing your dossier.

3. COMPLETE PRE-ADOPTIVE TRAINING

Training and preparation are absolutely essential for a successful adoption, and at Gladney, we’re proud to offer some of the most comprehensive and meaningful training opportunities available. As part of your adoption process, you’ll complete both pre-adoptive training, child specific training, and participate in Gladney’s exclusive Pathways training held at our Fort Worth campus.

These trainings are a true benefit—an investment in your family’s long-term success. They deepen your understanding of the adoption journey and the unique needs of children, while equipping you with the skills and confidence to provide a safe, nurturing, and stable home. Our approach is trauma-informed and child-centered, ensuring you receive the very best preparation possible. We take great pride in empowering our prospective adoptive parents with the tools they need to thrive as they welcome a child into their lives.

4. Home Study

Starting your home study promptly is crucial, as it can take several months to complete. A current, valid home study is necessary before you can pursue a specific child. If you reside in a Gladney licensed state, we will complete your home study. If you do not live in a Gladney licensed state, your caseworker will assist you in identifying an appropriate home study agency.

5. Dossier Preparation

Your caseworker will guide you through the Dossier process. The Dossier consists of several documents required by the country. The Dossier includes, but is not limited to, home study, financial documents, clearances, medical information, USCIS approval, psychological evaluation, and more.

6. Submission and Approval

Submit your completed dossier for review and approval.

7. Travel to the Philippines

Prepare for your travel to the Philippines. Both parents are encouraged to travel to familiarize themselves with the child’s heritage. If only one parent can travel, additional paperwork will be necessary. Your caseworker will coordinate with NACC for travel arrangements.

Spend approximately 7 days in the Philippines to complete the necessary paperwork, including obtaining the Endorsement of Child for Inter-Country Adoption from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This endorsement allows NACC to arrange the child’s passport and US visa before your travel.

8. Post-Placement

Finalize the adoption process in your local family court system upon returning to the US with your child. Complete all required post-placement reports and commitments as outlined in the Post-Placement Report Agreement.

ADOPTION PROCESS – SPECIAL HOME FINDING

1. Complete Training

Families adopting from the Philippines complete Gladney’s pre-adoption training to understand the specific needs of children from the Philippines, ensuring they are prepared to offer the love and care these children need to thrive.

2. Home Study

Obtain a Home Study report from a licensed adoption agency. Note that home studies can take a while to complete, so it’s important to start this process as soon as possible. Check with your adoption specialist to make sure you’ve chosen a Gladney-approved home study provider.

3. Dossier Preparation

Once you have your Home Study report, prepare your dossier by gathering and notarizing the required documents.

4. Submission and Approval

Submit your completed dossier for review and approval.

5. Travel to the Philippines

Prepare for your travel to the Philippines. Both parents are encouraged to travel to familiarize themselves with the child’s heritage. If only one parent can travel, additional paperwork will be necessary. Coordinate with NACC for travel arrangements.

Spend approximately 7 days in the Philippines to complete the necessary paperwork, including obtaining the Endorsement of Child for Inter-Country Adoption from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This endorsement allows NACC to arrange the child’s passport and US visa before your travel.

6. Post-Placement

Finalize the adoption process in your local family court system upon returning to the US with your child. Complete all required post-placement reports and commitments as outlined in the Post-Placement Report Agreement.

Post-Placement Reports

Post-placement reports are critical for compliance with agency and country requirements, ensuring the child’s well-being, and maintaining transparency in the adoption process.

What Are Post-Placement Reports?

Post-placement reports are updates completed by your home study social worker to ensure the adopted child is thriving. These reports include:

• 6-8 photos with captions
• Details about the child’s health and well-being
• Information on how the family is adjusting

When Are Post-Placement Reports Due?

For adoptions from the Philippines, reports should be submitted at the following intervals:

• 1 month
• 3 months
• 5 months
• 8 months

Submission Guidelines

Post-placement reports are mandatory before finalizing the adoption. Reports inform the Philippines’ adoption authority about the child’s progress.

Common Questions

1. Who is eligible for adoption in the Philippines?

Children waiting for adoption in the Philippines are typically ages toddlers and older, though some younger children with more complex needs or who are part of sibling groups are also eligible. These children come from diverse cultural backgrounds and often face hardships such as poverty and abandonment. Many have special needs, including medical conditions or being part of a sibling group, and they require urgent care and attention from a permanent, loving family. While a significant number of children have special needs, there are also healthy sibling groups available for adoption. The need for adoptive families is especially great for those willing to open their hearts to children who have faced trauma and loss, offering them the stability, care, and support they desperately need.

2. Why is there an urgent need for adoptive families for children in the Philippines?

While these children receive excellent medical care, they need a family to provide them with individual love and attention, which is crucial for their overall development and well-being.

3. What adoption regulations apply to adoptions from the Philippines?

Adoption between the United States and the Philippines is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention, ensuring that all adoptions meet strict requirements to protect the best interests of the children.

4. Who is eligible to adopt from the Philippines?

There are specific criteria hopeful adoptive parents must meet to adopt from the Philippines. Married couples (legally married for at least three years, with no more than two divorces per couple) and single women are eligible to adopt children ages 9-15 years old from the Special Home Finding Program. Applicants must be at least 27 years old and at least 16 years older than the child.

5. Are there specific health and background requirements for adoptive parents?

Adoptive parents must be mentally and physically fit to parent, with no unacceptable medical issues such as severe diabetes, obesity (BMI over 35), cancer, kidney or major transplants, and other serious health conditions. They must have a stable family environment, a household income of at least $40,000 per year, and be financially stable.

6. What education and religious requirements must adoptive parents meet?

Adoptive parents must actively practice some form of religion to which they will expose their child and be open to and respectful of the child’s cultural background and heritage.

7. What training is required to adopt from the Philippines?

At Gladney, training is a key part of preparing families for a successful adoption. All prospective parents complete pre-adoptive training that covers the adoption process, common needs of children, and practical parenting tools. You’ll also participate in Gladney’s Pathways training — our in-person, trauma-informed program held at the Fort Worth campus — which offers deeper guidance and preparation.

These trainings, as well as child specific training, ensure you are well-equipped, supported, and ready to provide a safe, nurturing home for the child you will welcome.

8. How do I start the adoption process for a child from the Philippines?

Begin the adoption process by contacting an adoption specialist and starting the process of obtaining a Home Study report from a licensed adoption agency. Prepare your dossier by gathering and notarizing the required documents, then submit the dossier for review and approval.

9. What documents are included in the dossier for adopting from the Philippines?

The dossier may include the Home Study report, notarized reference letters, application form, birth and marriage certificates, physical and psychological evaluation reports, character reference letters, income tax return, police clearance, USCIS immigration approval, and other required documents.

10. What is the travel requirement for adopting from the Philippines?

Both parents are encouraged to travel to the Philippines to familiarize themselves with the child’s heritage. If only one parent can travel, additional paperwork is necessary. The stay in the Philippines is approximately 7 days to complete the necessary paperwork and obtain the child’s passport and US visa.

11. What are post-placement reports, and when are they due for Philippines adoptions?

Post-placement reports are updates to ensure the adopted child is thriving, including 6-8 photos with captions, details about the child’s health and well-being, and information on family adjustment. For Philippines adoptions, reports should be submitted at 1 month, 3 months, 5 months, and 8 months.

12. What is required to finalize an adoption in the US?

After meeting the post-placement reporting requirements, families must finalize the adoption in their local court, and provide the final adoption decree, US birth certificate, and US Certificate of Citizenship to the adoption agency.

13. Can I host a child from Philippines?

Yes, Philippines often offers a hosting program; however, availability can vary from year to year. We work closely with our partners in-country to determine whether hosting opportunities are in the best interest of the children in their care at that time.  Please visit our Hosting page for the most up-to-date information on upcoming sessions and to learn more about the process.

Adopting A Relative

Adopting A Relative or Identified child from the Philippines

Many families in the U.S. consider adopting a child who is a relative living in the Philippines. This is a common type of adoption, and by Philippine law, a ‘relative’ is defined as a child who is related to the potential adoptive parents within the fourth degree. For example, if a potential adoptive parent in the U.S. has a sister in the Philippines and wants to adopt her child, this would be a 3rd degree relative and so meets the definition. A child who is living with relatives in the Philippines who is either unrelated to the family or is beyond the 4th degree is considered an ‘identified’ child. Both of these situations will be reviewed by the country on a case-by-case basis.

To qualify for intercountry adoption, a child (whether a relative or not) must first be issued clearance for international adoption by the Philippines and it must occur before the child turns 15 years old, even if the child is part of a sibling group to allow for time to meet US immigration law. On average, this first process takes 1-3 years. Parents in the U.S. must prove how they are related to the child, and there must be strong evidence that the placement would be in the child’s best interest. This is solely determined by the Philippines.

The Philippines is looking for extenuating circumstances beyond poverty, job insecurity and providing a ‘better life’ in the U.S. when deciding whether a child will be declared legally available for international adoption. Abandonment, neglect, abuse and being orphaned are examples. Each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether there is justification for an adoption. If the child is declared eligible for international adoption, the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) in the Philippines will contact Gladney and invite the family to the next step of the process: preparation of a Dossier for consideration of approval to adopt the child.

The general steps are:

• Contact Gladney to discuss your unique situation.
• If invited, complete a Prospective Adoptive Parent form (PAP) on Gladney’s website for further screening.
• If invited, complete our online Application & pay a non-refundable fee.
• Complete NACC’s Questionnaire & related documents (e.g., family tree, birth, death & marriage certificates, and photos) & submit to Gladney.
• Gladney reviews & submits your case to NACC. NACC forwards the case to the regional office where the child lives. The Adoption Specialists investigate the family/child’s situation to decide if adoption is appropriate. (e.g., interviews with the family, verification of the child’s circumstances).)
• Once the regional office decides, NACC and Gladney are informed.
• If the child is cleared for international adoption, the family becomes an official Gladney client and starts a home study & dossier preparation.
• Gladney reviews & submits the Dossier to NACC. (NOTE: Submission of a Dossier is not an approval for the family to adopt the child. A final decision occurs after all documentation is reviewed and approved by NACC’s Board).
• If the Dossier is approved, NACC will send a child proposal inviting the family to adopt the child. The family will prepare a Letter of Acceptance and NACC will send the Official approval for the family to adopt the child.
• The family will submit paperwork to USCIS.
• The Philippines will prepare the child’s visa & travel documents; family travels.
• Post Placement visits occur over 6 months after arrival home.
• ‘Consent to Adopt’ paperwork is issued by NACC & the family hires an attorney and finalizes the adoption in local court.
• NACC & Gladney close the case.

Post-Adoption Services

Gladney’s post-adoption support is built on a “family for life” philosophy, recognizing that adoption is a lifelong journey and providing ongoing care well beyond placement. Their services include education and training for adoptive parents, access to nationwide support groups, and clinical counseling (in-person, virtual, and in-home) to address adoption-related challenges. They also offer specialized support for birth parents and adoptees, including lifelong counseling resources, support groups, and assistance with records, registries, and maintaining connections when desired. Many of these comprehensive services are provided at little or no cost, ensuring that every member of the adoption triad has access to resources, guidance, and community throughout all stages of life.