What is Adoption?
Adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth (or biological) mother or father. An adoption order has the effect of serving the parental responsibilities and rights of the birth parent(s) and transferring those responsibilities and rights to the adoptive parent(s).
At Pearl Orphanage home adoption is free, however children are not released to adoptive parents except some conditions are met.
The adoptive parents need to visit the Adoption section of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
Who Can Adopt a Child?
Age limits
If you want to adopt a child, you must normally be at least 21. There is no legal upper age limit. However, Pearl Orphanage Home must also be confident that you will have the energy needed to bring up demanding children and that you health is good enough to be able to offer a stable home.
Couples
Any couple who are married, living together as well as people who are in civil partnership may apply to adopt a child.
Single people
You're allowed to adopt if you're a single person provided you have received approval from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare,
You can apply to adopt a child if you are divorced.
If you have other children
You can apply to adopt if you already have a child of your own.
Past convictions
You will not be allowed to adopt if you have been convicted of, or cautioned about an offence involving children. This also applies to any member of your household aged 18 or over. If you've been convicted of, or cautioned about any other type of offence, legally this will not prevent you from being able to adopt a child.
Employment Status
You do not have to be employed, or have a certain level of income to adopt a child. However, an adoption agency will want to find out if you can manage on your income. You must have what Pearl Orphanage Home considers is a sufficient income to provide for the child's requirements.
Health
When you apply to adopt a child, you are required by law to undergo a medical examination. You may have to pay for this. It is unlikely that you will be accepted for adoption of a baby if you have serious ill health, but you may be considered for adoption of an older child. Pearl Orphanage Home will want to ensure as far as possible that you will survive at least until the child reaches adulthood.
The Adoption Process
Visit the Adoption section of the Women Affairs and social welfare. Their office is in Ekpoma, Nigeria . They will put you through the series of interviews. Once they are satisfied with their investigations and interviews, a letter of authorization to adopt will be given to you. With this letter in your hand you can visit us at our head Office in Ekpoma . The result of our investigations and availability of babies will enable us grant your desires.
We will like you to consider the following conditions in Adopting a Child;
WE DO NOT CHARGE MONEY FOR ADOPTION.
WE DO NOT PROCESS ADOPTION WITHOUT SIGHTING THE ORIGINAL APPROVAL LETTER FROM THE STATE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL WELFARE, EDO STATE
WE DO NOT VISIT HOMES OF ADOPTERS AFTER ADOPTION UNLESS INVITED BY ADOPTERS; THEREFORE DO NOT ENCOURAGE ORPHANAGE STAFF TO VISIT YOUR HOMES. MONITORING OF ADOPTED CHILDREN IS DONE BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE OF EDO STATE.
WE WILL CARRY OUT MEDICAL TEST FOR THE CHILDREN AND ADOPTERS.
WE LOVE TO RECEIVE REGULAR REPORTS OF CHILDREN ADOPTED.
FINALLY, THE FINAL APPROVAL / RELEASE OF ANY ADOPTED CHILD WILL BE DONE BY THE FOUNDER BEFORE THE CHILD IS HANDED OVER TO THE ADOPTER AND A LETTER OF RELEASE ISSUED BY THE FOUNDER.
