Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his support in strengthening the partnership and coordination between the Philippines and receiving countries involved in adoption and alternative child care during the 17th Philippine Global Consultation on Child Welfare Services at the Hilton Hotel, Pasay City on Tuesday (October 10).

“We hold this global consultation every two years to discuss issues and address concerns to improve the policies, systems, and procedures on child welfare services. These discussions have paved the way toward better programs and policies for children,” Secretary Gatchalian said in his speech.

The DSWD chief, in his message, also emphasized the need to address emerging concerns on the processes of legal adoption and foster care.

“The task of supporting adoptive families and foster families must continue to be enhanced, especially in terms of strengthening the capacity of prospective adoptive parents about their new roles and other measures to prevent adoption disruption,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.

The DSWD chief added: “Moreover, it is also important to bolster our partnership and coordination to prevent the trafficking of children, especially with the ease of using social media to facilitate such criminal activity.”

The global consultation serves as a venue for central authorities, foreign adoption agencies, embassy partners, child caring and child placement agencies, as well as other allied professionals to discuss concerns and address emerging issues affecting the placement and adoption of Filipino children.

With the theme “The Premise and the Promise of Republic Act No. 11642”, the global forum focuses on Republic Act No. 11642 or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, which establishes a simpler and inexpensive process of domestic adoption and streamlined alternative child care services that uphold the best interest of children.

Organized by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) headed by Undersecretary Janella Estrada, the global consultation started on October 9 and will culminate on October 13. #