Adoptions - House of Kindness SA

Discover Love: Adoption / Fostering Information

“Let’s do adoption right – our childrens future depends on it.”

In South Africa, the issue of child abandonment remains a poignant reality, with at least 250 children reportedly abandoned last year alone. This stark statistic underscores the pressing need to address the safety and welfare of these vulnerable young lives. As the numbers show a noticeable increase, our focus is unwavering: ensuring the well-being of every child through comprehensive support, including safe rehoming and fostering processes. It is our collective responsibility to provide a secure and nurturing environment for these children, offering them hope and a chance for a brighter future.

Adoption do's

In South Africa, legal adoption can only be pursued through two avenues:
collaborating with an accredited adoption organization or engaging an adoption social worker within the country’s sanctioned adoption framework.

Adoption don'ts

It is unlawful to acquire a child through the following means:

-Responding to social media advertisements.

-Purchasing a child from an unregistered or unaccredited baby home.

-Engaging directly with a birth parent without involving an accredited social worker.

-Accepting custody of an abandoned child from a public servant, such as a police officer, without completing the proper legal adoption procedures.

Who can adopt?

Those eligible to adopt include individuals who firmly believe in the importance of children being raised within families and who are ready to wholeheartedly embrace and support a child.

Eligible applicants include married couples, single individuals, step-parents, family members, and foster parents who are at least 18 years old and hold South African citizenship.

It is essential for prospective parents to provide stable emotional, physical, and financial support to meet the needs of children. This entails having good physical and emotional health with a positive life expectancy.

Prospective parents should also have realistic adoption preferences that align with the profiles of children currently within the adoption system.

Which children are available for adoption?

Children up for adoption are those who require a stable family environment for permanency, emphasizing the aim of placing a vulnerable child into a loving home rather than the reverse.

A thorough legal assessment conducted by a social worker ensures that no alternatives within the child’s biological family exist.

Referrals primarily reflect the demographics of South Africa, predominantly involving black South African children.

Children eligible for matching are typically between 6 and 18 months old, with some older children under the age of 6 also considered.

Their health statuses range from healthy to those with minor or severe special needs.

What is the process and Timeframe for adoption?

Here’s an overview of the adoption process and its timeline:

First, discuss your preferences and desires, and receive realistic feedback and insights. Following orientation, you can make an informed decision.

Next, undergo a psychosocial assessment, which includes medical evaluations and checks to ensure no history of sexual-related offenses. This process typically spans up to 6 months.

Attend a mandatory preparation workshop to gain knowledge, insights, and parental guidance.

Upon completion, join the waiting list to be matched with a child whose best interests align with your family’s unique qualities. The child will be legally available, with a comprehensive medical record.

Receive the anticipated phone call with a proposal, including legal and medical documentation along with photos. With support from your social worker, make an informed decision.

Arrange placement once all legal requirements are fulfilled; typically, the child may be between 6 and 9 months old at this stage.

Finalize legal procedures and register the adoption—now, the child is legally yours as if born to you!

What are the costs for Adoption?

The Act mandates a reasonable fee for adoption services, as full government subsidy may not always be available. Adoption social workers specializing in this field invest numerous hours in therapeutic sessions, court appearances, administrative tasks, and aftercare, all factored into a basic professional fee.

During your orientation session, we will discuss an income-based sliding scale that applies to national adoption applicants, taking into account subsidies available in your province and region.

Rest assured, we consider your financial circumstances carefully and do not want financial constraints to prevent a child from finding a loving family.