Josamae M. Sedillo (left), the officer-in-charge of RACCO, and Pierce Adrian J. Curbilla (center), the Project Development Officer II, discussed the main role of RACCO and their advocacy for legal adoption and their week-long activities during the Kapihan on June 7. ( Photo: PIA Leyte)
TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — The Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) in Eastern Visayas has streamlined a legal adoption process by reducing the number of requirements and eliminating financial obligations.
In a recent Kapihan sa Leyte, Josamae M. Sedillo, the officer-in-charge of RACCO, clarified that the new law stipulates a streamlined document requirement and does not involve financial obligations for processing legal adoptions.
“We understand po kasi through judicial proceedings, we still need to get a legal officer, may ada po gihapon bayad ha court han processing; pero in this administrative proceeding, waray po involved na finances. They just need to submit documents nga notarized,” she said.
(We understand that in the past, you had to go through judicial proceedings and hire a legal officer, as well as pay for court processing. However, in our new administrative proceedings, you will no longer have to cover these expenses. You need to submit notarized documents.)
Following the enactment of the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, RACCO managed 12 cases in the region.
The first six cases have received an order for adoption, while the remaining six are awaiting certification from the National Authority for Child Care (NACC).
They also confirmed that 11 individuals currently intend to proceed with legal adoptions, and there are 54 licensed foster families.
The social workers from RACCO will conduct a six-month Supervised Trial Custody (STC) to observe and evaluate the child’s adjustment, interactions, and overall well-being while residing with the adoptive family and relatives at home.
During the STC, if challenges arise and it is not successful for both parties, a possible option is for the child to be temporarily returned to the residential care facility.
At the same time, another family is sought for the adoption process. It is vital to consider licensed families who are willing to provide temporary adoption for the child.
“We understand that the adoption process comes with challenges and may not result in immediate adjustments. Therefore, it’s important to provide advice, guidance, and support to the family to ensure a strong attachment and a positive impact of the adoption,” Sedillo explained.
RACCO recommends that local government units promote the term “adoption” to address any negative stigma associated with adopted children to encourage more families to provide a loving and safe environment for children in need. (JKPA, PIA Leyte)
