Section 15Sec./Art. 15

Long-Term Foster Placement Authority. If a child has been under the care of a foster parent for a period of at least seven (7) years, the said foster parent may apply for Long-Term Foster Placement Authority (LTFPA), subject to the following conditions:

(a) The childs return to his biological parents or placement in an adoptive family is not imminent;

(b) The foster parent continues to possess the qualifications required under tins Act and a valid foster family care license for the entire duration of the foster care;

(c) The child, if ten (10) years of age or over, duly assisted by a social worker, gives written consent for long-term stay with the foster parent; and

(d) Aside from the regular monitoring visits, the DSWD shall reassess and reevaluate the foster home situation every three (3) years, to determine whether it is in the best interest of the child to continue living in the foster home on a long-term basis.

LTFPA grants the foster parent custody over the foster child without the requirement of the eventuality of adoption of the latter by the former. During this period, the foster child shall enjoy the rights of a child under Article 3 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code, and under other laws: Provided, That there shall be no mandatory rights of succession in favor of the foster child.