The facts on adoption

The number of neglected or abandoned children in South Africa is rising, while adoptions are steadily declining.
World Adoption Day is celebrated on 15 November and is a global day to celebrate family whilst raising awareness about adoption. This day is a fundraising opportunity to assist families in their adoption process and is endorsed by ambassadors recognising the power and beauty of adoption bringing families together.

To celebrate World Adoption Day, draw a smiley face on the palm of your hand, take a photo and post on social media using #WorldAdoptionDay.

The National Adoption Coalition of South Africa (Nacsa), under their umbrella initiative AddOption, will be launching a campaign on World Adoption Day called “The Right Way to Adopt”. Through this campaign they will be delivering a simple, but important message on the process of adopting a child the correct and legal way.

Nacsa has, since its inception, worked in communities that put the needs and rights of adoptable children first in an attempt to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against children by 2030. Katinka Pieterse from Nacsa explained as follows: “Ensuring adoptions take place in a legally compliant manner is crucial in protecting the rights of the child, birth parents and the adoptive parents. One key issue we hope to address is the right way to adopt, ensuring the child’s best interests are met. We have to ensure there is a correct match between the child and the parents.”

It is not uncommon to see advertisements on social media from desperate mothers advertising their children for adoption or even unregistered or unaccredited baby homes selling children. Abductions and dealing directly with the birth parents without an accredited social worker, or accepting a child from a public service without going through the legal adoption process, is a reality that leaves children highly vulnerable to abuse.

Dee Blackie, who is an activist and child protection researcher, said the following: “Such ad hoc allocation of guardians to abandoned children is contradictory to the rigorous screening and government intervention that takes place during a formal adoption. Ultimately we need to educate people that
anything less than the right way to adopt amounts to child trafficking.”

Nacsa has developed a seven-step legal process to adopt, starting with application, moving through orientation, screening, the waiting list, and identifying a child for adoption, and ending with legalisation and finalisation.

Adoption is not a decision to be taken lightly – it will change your life forever and make your heart and family grow in ways you never thought possible. Although the application process involves a lot of red tape , paperwork and patience, it’s for a good reason – to ensure the process is right for you and is in the best interests of both you and the child.

For any queries or to learn more about the right way to adopt a child, go to www.adoption.org.za or call 0800 864 658.

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