DSWD Gives Support to Solo Parents Who Want to Adopt

There are no stereotypes, first impressions, and discrimination when it comes to adoption.

Who says that adoption is for couples only? The Department of Social Welfare and Development [through Ms. Sally Dagulo] expressed and extended adoption by supporting and giving assistance to solo parents now. Ms. Dagulo said that the solo parents should have the right motivation for adopting a child and can provide all the love and care the child needs.

DSWD also wants to lessen the misconception of adoption; one is the idea that adoption is for couples only; second is that adoption has a preferred sexual orientation and third is a long, difficult and expensive process. The DSWD is meticulous, but the process is not that complex, according to Dagulo. The DSWD is also pushing for legal adoption, which gives a child the same rights as a biological child of the adoptive parents, including the right to use their surname.

Speaking of a free sexual orientation, DSWD is gender-sensitive and does not judge the prospective parent based on his or her sexual orientation. As long as the applicant meets all the requirements and has shown the proper motivation for wanting to care for a child, he or she will be considered. Moreover, religion is also not a factor in allowing someone to adopt, she said. Religion only comes into consideration when the child to be adopted is over 6 years old, when the child usually already practices a religion

Adoption is not a measure of who you are and how much you have as a person. Adoption is heartfelt decision. You do not owe anybody an explanation, why you decided to adopt. As long as you are capable to raise the child and equip him with the positive values, that is more than enough of what is expected from you. To open your hearts is already an effort, but to raise the kid in a good family is a great leap. It is a good news that DSWD is very willing to help solo parents and couples look for a child that is matched to them. The government agency doubles their effort not just to provide families to abandoned kids, but to also shelter love and care to them.

By Catherine Cenal

(Full news article: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/144071/adoption-open-to-singles%E2%80%93dswd)