Certification Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption

Certification Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA) refers to a document issued by the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or the Secretary’s duly authorized representative as provided for by Republic Act No. 9523, otherwise known as “An Act Requiring Certification of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to Declare a ‘Child Legally Available for Adoption’ as a Prerequisite for Adoption Proceedings, Amending for this Purpose Certain Provisions of Republic Act No. 8552, otherwise known as the Domestic Adoption Act of 1998; Republic Act No. 8043, otherwise known as the Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995; and Presidential Decree No. 603, otherwise known as the Child and Youth Welfare Code, and for Other Purposes,” administratively declaring that a child is legally available for adoption which terminates the rights of the biological parents, guardian, or other custodian to exercise authority over the child upon issuance of the certificate. (Sec. 3(a), R.A. No. 11222)