We cannot stop Fighting for Adoption
4 April 2019
We live in a society where most children do not enjoy the luxury of growing up in a household with at least one responsible parent. Most children in our country are raised by a single parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle. Sometimes the burden of care becomes too great for this relative and the Department of Social Development is called to intervene through child protection measures including Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs), foster care or adoption. However, the Department’s ability to render such services is currently under threat.
In late February, I condemned the notice of intention to introduce the Children’s Third Amendment Bill. I have campaigned against the third amendment Bill to the Children’s Act of 2005. Sections 249 and 259 of the Bill will make it nearly impossible for adoptions to be facilitated. Section 249 outlines the stakeholders who are able to charge fees in relation to adoptions whereas section 259 outlines those who are able to perform international adoptions. To see the gazette, click here. These amendments will make it impossible to facilitate adoptions because:
- Accredited child protection organisations, adoption social workers, lawyers, psychologists and other associated professionals will not be able to charge for their expertise - not even to reclaim costs.
- South African social workers have exceedingly high caseloads, well over 100 on average, despite norms and standards recommending a maximum of 60. Social workers in developed countries like the UK and US have far less, at around 20 to 30 children per social worker. Social workers will have to make more time for adoptions.