Child adoption rate increases in Caraga
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) —“Legal child adoption continues to increase in Caraga region,” Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) Caraga Social Welfare Officer III (SWO) Juderiz O. Neri said in the recent Kapihan sa PIA at SM City Butuan as part of the yearly celebration of the Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week (AACCW).
“Republic Act No. 11642, also known as Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, contributed to the increase in the number of adoption orders being issued in the region,” he added. “In my seven years of experience of handling adoption cases in court, I witnessed only about one adoption order being issued per year.”
He further disclosed that with the implementation of R.A. 11642 in 2023, there was a significant increase. “In 2023, seven adoption orders were issued. In 2024, there were twelve, and as of date, we already have fifteen, totaling 34 adoption orders, a major increase compared to previous years.”
He emphasized that adoption is the last resort. “If the social worker’s assessment determines that adoption is necessary, only then do we proceed with the process.”
However, he explained that in cases when parents are unable to properly take care for the child, RACCO coordinates with the local government unit (LGU) to provide assistance or livelihood support so the child can remain with their family, stressing on the policy that the child should not be separated from their family.
“If the social worker’s assessment supports adoption, that is when the case elevates for further evaluation to determine whether the child is fit for adoption or should instead be reintegrated with their family,” said Neri. (KKG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
