TAGBILARAN CITY, February 19, (PIA)—In the age of sexual promiscuity and opportunism, chances of finding a foundling left in public places have recently become a common happening.
And when you happen to be one, social workers suggest: do not keep the foundling as yet, report it to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
At the Kapihan sa PIA, Thursday February 18, Bohol Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) social workers pressed the importance of DSWD knowing about it because the state has a policy making sure that a child is not separated from his parents, or at least from the nearest kin.
It is also necessary that a child, prior to be put up for adoption, would have to undergo legal process of determination to assure that he is not separated from parents or relatives. Absent that, then the state, through the DSWD must exert all efforts to locate the parents and inform the public that the child is legally available for adoption (CLAA) after they have exhausted all efforts, Atty Hilario Ayuban said.
Ayuban, Bohol SWAD legal consultant said the risk of keeping the child as their own would mean registering him via simulation of birth, which will certainly backfire.
By simulation of birth registration, the finders may go to the local civil registrar and register the child as their own by false claims.
When they do, it will most certainly be found out that the registration was faulty and the child would have a traumatic experience.
When adopting a child assures a young person of a name, nationality and a future, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) wants it done right.
Set in time for the Civil Registration Month, the Kapihan tackled adoption as the proper way for a child to be given name, nationality and a better future, and as a way to advance Adoption Consciousness Month.
SWAD social workers Rhea Marie Tubongbanua and Mary Cosete Bodomo assured would be adoptors of their help especially as the adoption process necessitate case studies which only licensed social workers can do.
A socio legal process which promotes the state principle that, if possible, a child is not separated from parents, legal adoption through the Republic Act 8552 or the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998 puts a child's relative to the 4th civil degree as priority for adoptive parents or guardians where an easier court proceeding can consummate the process, according to Atty Hilario Ayuban, SWAD Bohol legal consultant.
For those adopting non relatives, social workers at the radio forum on air said a longer and more tedious process is followed.
Besides, registration of births by simulation is a legal offense, the lawyer consultant warns.
Although seemingly easy, adoption may be more complicated than is thought, and the DSWD said they would be there to help make the adopted child gain a better life by making everything work for his ulterior good. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
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