Stuck in Limbo: Filipino Children Up for Adoption Face Long, Uncertain Wait . Given the lengthy, uncertain process and decline in adoption, care facilities often have to transition their wards to life without adoption.Extreme poverty, single parenthood and abuse are some top.
This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center. At a children's care facility in Cubao, north of Manila, 18-year-old Mel and her four younger siblings wait to be adopted. Mel, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, is already too old to be adopted. Her only option to join a family is to be adopted along.