DSWD Sounds Alarm Over Illegal Child Offers Spreading Online
DSWD – The DSWD has issued a serious warning as illegal child adoption offers continue to spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a strong warning to the public regarding the growing number of illegal child adoption offers circulating online. The agency raised concern over individuals using social media and messaging platforms to facilitate unauthorized adoption arrangements, which they emphasized are strictly prohibited by law.
In a video statement released on Sunday, March 22, the DSWD reminded the public that adoption must follow a legal and regulated process. “Let us be clear: Adoption is never a private agreement between individuals,” the agency stated at the beginning of its message.
The DSWD further stressed that adoption cannot and should not be arranged through informal channels. “Hindi ito inaayos sa Facebook chat o kung saan mang messaging app. Kapag may nag-alok ng bata online, kahit pa sabihing tulong o pagmamalasakit, illegal adoption pa rin ‘yan; at sa ilalim ng batas, krimen ito at may parusang kulong,” the agency warned.
According to the DSWD, the legal adoption process exists primarily to safeguard the welfare of children. “Dahil ang adoption ay hindi tungkol sa kung ano ang gusto ng mag-aampon. Ito ay para sa proteksyon ng batang nangangailangan ng pamilyang magmamahal at kabibilangan niya,” they explained.
They also highlighted the serious dangers that children may face if adoption takes place outside the legal framework. “When adoption happens outside the legal process, children are exposed to serious risks—loss of identity, abuse, neglect, trafficking, and additional trauma,” the agency added.
To ensure proper and lawful adoption, the DSWD advised individuals to coordinate with the National Authority for Child Care through the Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCOs). These offices are tasked with guiding prospective adoptive parents through the correct procedures.
The agency underscored that children should never be treated as commodities. “Ang bata ay hindi bagay, hindi produkto, at lalong hindi transaksyon. Ang desisyon na mag-ampon ay isang pang-habangbuhay at makabuluhang desisyon,” they emphasized.
In closing, the DSWD urged the public to act responsibly and legally. “Hindi ito lukso lang ng damdamin o ng awa; kaya dapat dumaan sa legal na proseso ng adoption dahil ang bata ay buhay na dapat protektahan. Protect children, choose legal adoption,” the agency concluded.
Further details about adoption processes, including their types and long-term impact, are available on the DSWD’s official website.
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