STI: Two welfare groups to handle all China adoptions

Mar 7, 2004

Two welfare groups to handle all China adoptions

ANYONE who wants to adopt a baby from China will soon have to go to either Touch Community Services or Fei Yue Community Services.

The two voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) will be in charge of vetting all applicants and dealing with the China Centre of Adoption Affairs.

This arrangement was settled between the Singaporean and Chinese governments, and takes effect from April 1, said the Ministry of Community Development and Sports yesterday.

It gave no reason for the move, which effectively cuts out private adoption agencies and other middlemen who look for children from China.

The private adoption market here is relatively unregulated, with about 45 registered agencies charging between $18,000 and $24,000 an adoption.

Fei Yue's deputy director Seah Kheng Yeow estimates that it will cost between $15,000 and $16,000 to adopt a child from China, excluding travelling expenses for successful candidates to pick up their adopted child.

Lawyers and social workers welcomed the new transparency in the adoption process, saying it will give those seeking a child greater confidence that their interests will be taken care of.

Lawyer Amolat Singh said: 'Many prospective adopters are at the mercy of the adoption agencies who may charge exorbitant prices. They are in no position to bargain.

'It's a 'take it or leave it' situation.'

The ministry said that Singaporeans adopted an average of 700 children a year, more than 60 per cent foreign-born.

The number from China was not available, but adoption agencies, reeling from the sudden announcement, said demand is high.

The rules for adoption have also been tightened. Among other things, prospective parents must be at least 30, with an annual household income of at least $32,000.

The two VWOs, which operate as non-profit organisations, will prepare reports on applicants for the China centre to match with a child from a state-run orphanage.

But the new age and income rules raised eyebrows.

Lawyer Gina Ho knew of a couple in their 20s who want to adopt a baby and a couple who are hawkers earning about $24,000 a year.

'Adoption is about more than money, it's also about the amount of time and love you can give the child. Why deprive the lower-income group of adopting?' she asked.

And Mrs Jane Tay, who was 27 when she adopted a baby from China in 1995, said: 'This age gap will restrict a lot of prospective parents. I think financial security and a good family background are more important.'

Asked why there was an age limit, a ministry spokesman replied: 'Younger couples are more likely to be able to have their own children. A minimum age also ensures that prospective adopters are ready for the serious responsibility of adopting a child.'