Section 6Sec./Art. 6

Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Board shall have the following powers and functions:

a. to prescribe rules and regulations as it may deem reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act, after consultation and upon favorable recommendation of the different agencies concerned with child-caring, placement, and adoption;

b. to set the guidelines for the convening of an Inter-country Adoption Placement Committee which shall be under the direct supervision of the Board;

c. to set the guidelines for the manner by which selection/ matching or prospective adoptive parents and adoptive child can be made;

d. to determine a reasonable schedule of fees and charges to be exacted in connection with the application for adoption;

e. to determine the form and contents of the application for inter-country adoption;

f. to formulate and develop policies, programs and services that will protect the Filipino child from abuse, exploitation, trafficking and other adoption practice that is harmful, detrimental and prejudicial to the best interest of the child;

g. to institute systems and procedures to prevent improper financial gain in connection with adoption and deter improper practices which are contrary to this Act;

h. to promote the development of adoption services, including post-legal adoption services;

i. to accredit and authorize foreign private adoption agencies which have demonstrated professionalism, competence and have consistently pursued non-profit objectives to engage in the placement of Filipino children in their own country: Provided, That such foreign private agencies are duly authorized and accredited by their own government to conduct inter-country adoption: Provided, however, That the total number of authorized and accredited foreign private adoption agencies shall not exceed one hundred (100) a year;

j. to take appropriate measures to ensure confidentiality of the records of the child, the natural parents and the adoptive parents at all times;

k. to prepare, review or modify, and thereafter, recommend to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Memoranda of Agreement respecting inter-country adoption consistent with the implementation of this Act and its stated goals, entered into, between and among foreign governments, international organizations and recognized international non-governmental organizations;

l. to assist other concerned agencies and the courts in the implementation of this Act, particularly as regards coordination with foreign persons, agencies and other entities involved in the process of adoption and the physical transfer of the child; and

m. to perform such other functions on matters relating to inter-country adoption as may be determined by the President.

ARTICLE III

PROCEDURE