Republic Act No. 9523: An Act Requiring Certification of the DSWD to Declare a “Child Legally Available for Adoption” as a Prerequisite for Adoption Proceedings

Republic Act No. 9523 requires the certification from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to declare a child legally available for adoption as a prerequisite for adoption proceedings. This act ensures that the child's status is properly verified and documented, providing a legal safeguard for the adoption process. It aims to protect the welfare of children by ensuring that only those genuinely in need of adoption are processed, thereby preventing potential abuses and ensuring that adoptive placements are made in the child's best interests.