Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family, but it’s also a serious legal and emotional commitment. If you’re considering adoption in Singapore, it’s important to understand the process, the safeguards in place, and how to avoid pitfalls, especially in light of recent reports that 15 infants from a trafficking ring in Indonesia were adopted here since 2023. This guide walks you through the essentials, based on Singapore’s legal framework and the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) official guidance.

What Is Adoption and Why Does It Matter?

When a child is legally adopted in Singapore, their ties with their biological parents are severed, and the adoptive parents assume full rights and responsibilities. This includes decisions about education, healthcare, and daily care. Adoption is governed by the Adoption of Children Act 2022, which came into effect on 15 October 2024. The law ensures that every adoption is in the best interests of the child and that prospective parents are thoroughly assessed before being granted parental rights.

Who Can Adopt?

To adopt in Singapore, you must meet several criteria. You must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the child you wish to adopt. You must also have lived in Singapore for at least one year before applying for an Adoption Suitability Assessment (ASA). If you’re adopting jointly, one of you must be a Singapore citizen, and your spouse must be either a citizen, permanent resident, or employment pass holder.

What’s the Adoption Process Like?

The adoption journey typically involves six key steps:

• Attend Mandatory Briefings You’ll start by attending a Pre-Adoption Briefing (PAB) and Disclosure Briefing (DB), which help you understand your responsibilities and how to talk to your child about their adoption story.
• Undergo an Adoption Suitability Assessment (ASA) This is a detailed social investigation conducted by an Authorised Adoption Agency. It assesses your readiness and suitability to adopt, including your financial stability, mental and physical health, and home environment.
• Identify a Child to Adopt You may be matched with a child through an agency or identify one independently. If the child is foreign-born, you’ll need to apply for a Dependant’s Pass.
• Submit Your Adoption Application to Court You’ll file several documents with the Family Justice Courts, including the Originating Application, Adoption Statement, birth certificate, and consent forms. MSF must be informed of the proceedings.
• MSF Home Visit and Affidavit MSF will visit your home and prepare an affidavit, which typically takes 6–8 months. Once received, you’ll file a request for a further hearing.
• Attend the Court Hearing and Receive the Adoption Order You don’t need to attend the hearing in person if you have engaged a lawyer to represent you. Once the court is satisfied, it will issue an Adoption Order, finalising the process.

Why Are Safeguards So Important?

Unfortunately, traffickers sometimes exploit weaknesses in documentation and cross-border coordination. Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) verify travel documents and conduct biometric checks, but no system is foolproof. That’s why it’s critical to work only with authorised agencies and ensure every step is legally compliant.

What Happens If Trafficking Is Suspected?

If a child is suspected to be trafficked, MSF and ICA will intervene. The child may be placed in protective care while investigations are carried out. Decisions about repatriation or long-term placement are made based on the child’s welfare and legal considerations.

What Legal Reforms Are in Place?

Singapore has strengthened its laws to prevent trafficking and unethical practices. Agencies must now publish their fees, avoid deceptive consent practices, and cannot place children before suitability assessments are complete. Offences such as making improper payments, providing false information, or obstructing investigations carry serious penalties under the Adoption of Children (Prescribed Offences) Regulations 2024.

Consent Requirements

If you’re adopting a child, you must obtain written consent from relevant persons using Form ACA-2. This form must be signed in front of two independent witnesses and an authorised person, such as a solicitor. It confirms that consent is given freely and with full understanding of the legal consequences.

Adoption Is a Journey of Love and Responsibility

Adoption is not just a legal process, it’s a lifelong commitment to nurture, protect, and support a child. By following Singapore’s legal framework and working with trusted professionals, you can ensure your adoption journey is safe, ethical, and deeply rewarding.

For more information, visit the MSF Adoption Portal, or speak to our team, who specialises in family law and adoption matters. If you have questions or need guidance, our team is here to support you every step of the way.