Philippines


Process

1. PRELIMINARY/FORMAL APPLICATION
Both applications must be completed before you can formally begin your Philippines adoption. The preliminary application is available on Bethany’s website, and the formal application is sent to you by your local Bethany branch once the preliminary application has been approved.

2. ADOPTIVE HOME STUDY
The Home Study is completed by a social worker from your local Bethany branch. Four documented meetings are required for submission of a dossier to the Philippines.

3. DOSSIER GATHERING
Several documents must be gathered and notarized for your dossier. More information will be provided to you by your Bethany social worker once you formally enter the program. Once the dossier is submitted, Bethany’s Philippines team in Grand Rapids, MI, will review your dossier and submit it to Inter-Country Adoption Board in the Philippines.

4. DOSSIER REVIEWED IN THE PHILIPPINES
Once your dossier is received in the Philippines, it will be approved within a few months’ time, and you will be added to the list of approved applicants waiting to adopt.

5. REFERRAL/TRAVEL
Referral and travel times are subject to change during your Philippines adoption. The current time frame is 24 to 48 months for a referral after your dossier is sent to the Philippines. Your child will typically be ready to travel 4 to 6 months after you receive a referral.

6. POST-PLACEMENT REPORTS
Once your child is placed in your home, your social worker will contact you about setting up a post placement meeting. Three post placement visits and reports are required. Reports are due at the following times: arrival, 3 months, and the final report is due at 6 months. After the six-month post-placement report is completed, ICAB will send the Consent to Adoption, and your adoption can be finalized.

7. FINALIZATION/CITIZENSHIP
Philippines adoptions are finalized in your local county court approximately six months after placement, when the post-placement requirements have been met. After your child's adoption is finalized, your child will automatically become a U.S. citizen. At that time, it is highly encouraged, although not mandatory, that you apply for proof of your child's citizenship by using the N600 form available from USCIS.

For more information about Bethany's Philippines program, please call 1.877.64.ADOPT, e-mail us at bcsinternational@bethany.org, or fill out our contact form.