Considering Adoption? Here are 5 things to know about adopting in Singapore

Lim Han

13 May 2018

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Who can adopt
Of course, knowing whether you're eligible as an adopter is the first and foremost step in this process. In Singapore, both married couples and singles can adopt a child. They must be Singaporean citizens or permanent residents, or hold passes which the Family Justice Courts deem acceptable to qualify them as residents in Singapore. In terms of age, adopters must be at least 25 years old and a minimum of 21 years older than the child. They should also not be older than the child by more than 50 years.
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Who can be adopted
Adoptees must be below 21 years old and a Singapore resident. If a couple would like to adopt a foreign-born child, it's not impossible either. They must first complete a home study where they will be assessed on their eligibility and readiness. If and when they pass the home study report, they must apply for a Dependent's Pass for the child to remain in Singapore until the adoption is finalised.
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Costs of adopting
Expenses is a crucial factor of consideration in making this monumental decision. If a couple goes through an adoption agent to look for a child, the incurred fees can range from anywhere between $25,000 and $35,000. That's not including the average cost of raising a child from infancy to 21 years of age in Singapore, which is around $340,000. As heavy of a cost as this sounds, the experience of raising a child is certainly worth more than all the luxuries you can afford using that same amount of money.
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How to adopt
The adoption process is rather tedious, but not as complicated as one may think. The couple must first attend a mandatory Pre-Adoption Briefing held by a Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)-accredited agency, followed by a home study if the child is foreign-born, as mentioned earlier. After the couple has chosen a child, signed consent from the birth parents must be obtained, as well as the child's identification documents. After that, they can apply for a Dependent's Pass, if the child is foreign-born. Finally, an application must be submitted to the Family Justice Courts, which will hold a hearing to determine whether the adoption application is successful.
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Who to consult
Although it's possible to apply with the MSF and the Family Court by yourself, you are highly encouraged to consult a MSF-accredited voluntary welfare organisation, where trained facilitators can guide you through this sometimes tedious process. These are four of such agencies in Singapore you can turn to for help: TOUCH Adoption Services, Fei Yue Community Service, Lutheran Community Care Services and Apkim Centre For Social Services.

Thinking of welcoming a new member into your family? Here are some vital things to consider before you do!

Abandonment – something that not many of us have experienced before. But, for some children, it is a very real predicament. Many orphaned children don’t know what it’s like to have their mother kiss them on the cheek before bedtime or to snuggle up onto their father’s lap.

Thankfully, just because they’ve lost their parents doesn’t mean they’ve lost their chance of being in a family forever. Many orphans have been granted a fresh start in life by loving families who welcome them into their homes with open arms. For the first time in their lives, these children are able to experience the warmth and sense of belonging being in a family brings.

If you’d like to have your own children but can’t, or, even if you can, why not consider taking in a child that’s looking for a home? Not only would you be giving a child a new family, you’d be giving him/her a new life. Of course, adopting a child is an undeniably daunting journey filled with uncertainty and difficulties. But, it may also be one of the most fulfilling experiences in your life. To help ease you into this decision, we’ve collated a list of vital factors you should consider before adopting in Singapore. From established agencies you can turn to for advice to the details of the adoption process, we’ve got you covered. Head over to our gallery to find out more!

Lim Han

Photos: Getty Images

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