Reducing Adoption Processing Times for Unmarried Mothers Adopting Biological Children

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for unmarried mothers adopting their biological children (a) what is the median time taken from application to completion; (b) whether the Ministry has received feedback from these mothers to reduce the time taken for such adoption; and (c) if so, how it will inform a review of the adoption process.

Answer:

             Since May 2026, in response to feedback, the Ministry has streamlined the adoption process for unmarried mothers seeking to adopt their biological children. Straightforward cases are expected to take about eight to nine months, about half the previous 18 months. The actual timeframe from application to completion depends on the complexity of each case and how promptly applicants respond.

2.          We will continue to review the process and make further improvements where possible.

3.          At the same time, adoption has permanent legal consequences. It ends the birth father’s legal rights, as well as the child’s right to seek maintenance from him. The necessary legal and administrative steps must therefore be carried out with due care.