Domestic Administrative Adoption Process in the Philippines
Direct answer: Domestic adoption is now generally an administrative proceeding handled by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) through the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO), rather than a new adoption case filed directly in Family Court. Republic Act No. 11642 governs the process.
Domestic adoption process
- Contact the proper RACCO. Start with orientation, counseling and route screening where the prospective adopter resides.
- Complete the assessment. An adoption social worker prepares the home study, child case study and recommendations.
- Establish the child’s legal status. A Certificate Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption is required where applicable. Step-parent and relative cases follow special rules.
- Obtain required consents. Consent follows counseling and depends on the adoptee’s age, biological or legal custody, spouse and children in the household.
- Complete matching when required. Unrelated legally available children are matched with approved prospective parents. Qualifying step-parent, relative and adult cases do not undergo matching when the statutory household condition is met.
- Complete supervised trial custody if required. It may last up to six months, but may be shortened or waived following assessment in cases allowed by law.
- File the verified petition. File the petition and original supporting documents with the RACCO where the prospective adoptive parents reside.
- Undergo RACCO and NACC review. Interviews, document review and any further investigation are completed before the Executive Director decides.
- Register the Order of Adoption. The adopter must submit a certified copy to the proper civil registrar within 30 calendar days.
Where do you file?
The verified Petition for Adoption is filed with the RACCO of the city or municipality where the prospective adoptive parents reside. Starting with the wrong office or relying on an obsolete court-based guide can delay the case.
Is there a hearing?
The administrative process is non-adversarial. NACC decides from the petition, documents, case studies and interviews. An objection supported by evidence may nevertheless be filed before the Order of Adoption when undiscovered information could justify denial to protect the adoptee.
What happens after approval?
The NACC Executive Director issues an Order of Adoption. The civil registrar seals the original birth record and issues an amended birth certificate under the statutory process. Adoption records remain confidential, and NACC conducts post-adoption monitoring.
When the process becomes more complex
Get case-specific guidance for contested consent, a child whose legal status is unclear, a simulated birth record, foreign residence or migration, a deceased biological parent, inconsistent civil-registry records, or a pending court matter.
Related adoption guides
Use the Adoption in the Philippines hub for the full topic map and the complete adoption overview for an end-to-end explanation. Prepare with the document checklist and understand the adoption timeline.
Primary sources
- Republic Act No. 11642 — qualifications, consent, documents, administrative procedure, legal effects and rescission.
- National Authority for Child Care — current RACCO contacts, orientation and filing guidance.
Legal information only. Requirements depend on the facts and current NACC/RACCO instructions. This guide is not legal advice.
