While international adoption becomes increasingly difficult for some families in the United States , it is important to note that there are options available in smaller, less known adoption programs. International adoption remains a viable and ethical way to create a loving, lasting family. Intercountry adoption has never been more ethical or more humane, and with the Hague Convention protocols, this legitimacy will only increase.

The Philippines have an outstanding international adoption program that is often overlooked by prospective adoptive parents. Besides having many wonderful children in need of forever families, the Philippines adoption program has several unique and positive attributes:

• Most people in the Philippines speak English

• All adoptions in the Philippines are overseen by an ethical government body.

• Siblings are available for adoption.

• Representatives of orphanages in the Philippines , who know the child best, select the family that best fits the child.

• Prospective adoptive families receive detailed medical and developmental information in a timely fashion.

• Travel and in-country stay is only 5-7 days and only one parent needs to travel.

• From start to finish, adoption from the Philippines can be as short as 18 months.

The Philippines has a social service system much like that in the United States .  When a birth family is unable to care for their child, a social worker of a public or private facility becomes involved.  Counseling is given to the birth family over a 6-month period to assure that adoption is the best plan for the child and family.

The children available for adoption reflect the many and varied ethnic groups which make up the Philippines from the traditional Filipino face to those with a hint of Spanish, Asian or Polynesian.  There are more boys than girls available.  The youngest children available are between the ages of 12-18 months. However, there are many school-aged waiting children and sibling groups available.

Although requirements may be flexible for families adopting older (above the age of 6 years) and special needs children, the general requirements to adopt from the Philippines are as follows:

• Married couples, married minimum of 3 years

• Second marriages, must be married 5 years

• Singles are eligible for children 5 years and older

• There must be no more than 47 years age difference between both parents and child

While there are only a few agencies with adoption programs in the Philippines , it is an option that has been around for many years, falling in the shadow of larger programs placing children from Asia , such as China and South Korea . This stable, well-run program deserves a 2nd look by families who are ready to open their hearts and homes to a waiting child. For more information on adoption from the Philippines , please contact agencies with Philippines Adoption Programs or Join the Adopt Philippines USA Yahoo Group. Explored your options and perhaps consider adopting a child from the Philippines. You'll be glad you did.