Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the term:

a. Inter-country adoption refers to the socio-legal process of adopting a Filipino child by a foreigner or a Filipino citizen permanently residing abroad where the petition is filed, the supervised trial custody is undertaken, and the decree of adoption is issued outside the Philippines.

b. Child means a person below fifteen (15) years of age unless sooner emancipated by law.

c. Department refers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Republic of the Philippines.

d. Secretary refers to the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

e. Authorized and accredited agency refers to the State welfare agency or a licensed adoption agency in the country of the adopting parents which provide comprehensive social services and which is duly recognized by the Department.

f. Legally-free child means a child who has been voluntarily or involuntarily committed to the Department, in accordance with the Child and Youth Welfare Code.

g. Matching refers to the judicious pairing of the adoptive child and the applicant to promote a mutually satisfying parent-child relationship.

h. Board refers to the Inter-country Adoption Board.

ARTICLE II

THE INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION BOARD