Adoption Process

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Acting Minister for Social and Family Development (a) over the last three years, what were the average waiting times for adoption of (i) children from overseas; and (ii) foreign-born children from a Singaporean's foreign spouse's previous marriage; and (b) whether the processes between various agencies can be streamlined and coordinated to facilitate the process of adoption.

Over the last three years, adopting a child from overseas, including a foreign step-child, takes an average of seven months. This includes the time needed for applicants to undertake the Home Study Report, obtain the Dependant's Pass for the adoptive child, and undergo the Court procedures in Singapore.

It does not, however, take into account the time required for applicants to fulfil the legal requirements from the child's source country or to identify the foreign child. The process and time needed for these activities vary from country to country.

MSF regularly reviews the adoption processes within MSF and across Government agencies. A few years ago, MSF took over the issuance of Dependant's Passes from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority so that prospective adopters only need to deal with one Government agency. More recently, we revamped our adoption portal to enable applications for adoption briefings and Home Studies to be made online. The portal also provides comprehensive information on the adoption process and information workshops.

We will continue to review and streamline our processes, while ensuring the interest and safety of the children are protected.