The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) is making a stand against illegal adoption, specifically the growing trend of “online baby selling” on Facebook. With at least 12 groups facilitating this illegal activity and a following of 200,000, NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada is calling on the public to support administrative adoption and other forms of alternative child care.
Estrada emphasized that there is no reason to resort to illegal adoption, as government programs and services on adoption and alternative child care have been made simpler, faster, and less costly. The NACC does not collect any fees in relation to adoption and foster care.
Illegal adoption poses a threat to the welfare and safety of a child. A child may be trafficked for sexual abuse or exploitation, child labor, or even organ harvesting. Estrada stressed the need for the public’s help, especially Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs), to reject all forms of illegal adoption and curb “online baby selling.”
The NACC, established by R.A. 11642, exercises all powers and functions in the declaration of a Child Legally Available for Adoption, Domestic Adoption, Inter-Country Adoption, and other forms of alternative child care such as kinship care, foster care, family-like care, and residential care.
Section 57 of Republic Act No. 11642 designates every second week of June for the observance of the Philippine Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week (AACCW) nationwide celebration. AACCW advocates and promotes legal adoption and alternative child care for Filipino children who need the stability and the loving arms of a family.
Let us give hope and home for every abandoned, neglected, dependent, surrendered, foundlings, orphaned, abused, and exploited children. The NACC encourages everyone to participate in the nationwide Philippine AACCW celebration.
The NACC, along with its 16 Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCOs) and its partner LGU, has conducted nationwide the BISIG-Kleta and Fun Run for a Cause with over 6,300 participants. Adoption and foster care fora and help desks are also being conducted in shopping malls.
The NACC reinforces its call for the general public to open up their hearts and their homes to provide a nurturing environment through administrative adoption and other forms of alternative child care including the Philippine Foster Care Program (PFCP).
Since its establishment, the NACC was able to issue 1,063 Orders of Adoption for Domestic Adoption and entrust 418 children for Inter-Country Adoption. Meanwhile, 1,075 children are being cared for under the Philippine Foster Care Program (PFCP). As of June 13, 2025, the NACC was able to develop 1,997 adoptive and foster care families.
During the 1st National Congress on Adoption and Alternative Child Care last year, the NACC and 89 LGUs sealed a partnership agreement. The LGUs’ responsibilities include the development of adoptive and foster care parents and the provision of basic social services for the adoptive and foster care families.
What is AACCW?
Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week (AACCW) is an annual observance held during the second week of June, as mandated by Section 57 of Republic Act No. 11642 or the “Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act.”
This week-long celebration aims to raise public awareness and encourage the Filipino public to support legal adoption and alternative child care options such as foster care, kinship care, and residential care.
Promote awareness and acceptance of legal adoption and alternative child care. Encourage families to explore permanent and temporary child care options. Celebrate adoptive and foster families, social workers, and child welfare advocates. Highlight the role of the NACC in streamlining and improving child placement services.
Adoption & Foster Care Forums & Help Desks in various malls and LGUs nationwide
NACC’s Programs and Services
The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) is the central authority for adoption and alternative child care in the Philippines. Created under RA 11642, NACC consolidates and streamlines services previously handled by multiple government bodies.
Core Programs:
• Domestic Adoption – Now administrative in nature, simplifying the process and reducing cost and processing time.
• Inter-Country Adoption – For children whose best interest is served through international placement, in compliance with the Hague Convention.
• Alternative Child Care Includes foster care, kinship care, and residential care
• Issuance of CDCLAA – Declaring children legally available for adoption (CDCLAA) after exhaustive efforts to locate biological parents.
• Post-Adoption Services Including monitoring, counseling, and support for adoptees. adoptive families, and birth families.
Support Infrastructure:
• 16 Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCOS) provide localized access to services and case management.
• One-stop services for petitions, consultations, and status inquiries.
Milestones (2022-2025):
• From 75 to 636 committed NACC personnel nationwide
• Establishment of 16 Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCOS)
• Transition from judicial to administrative adoption
NACC Quickstats as of Jun 13, 2025 (data since 2022)
• Number of issued Certificates Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA) – 1,199
• Number of issued PAPA, ICA, OA – 2,469
• Orders of Adoption issued – 1091
Thru RA 11642 – 979
Thru RA 11222 – 112
• Status of cases withdrawn from courts
Issued with Order of Adoption – 151
Issued with Certificate of Finality – 108
• Children served – 2,689
• Prospective Adoptive Parents served – 1,295
