For all the differences between adoption and fostering, both offer hope to a child in need.
Adoption and fostering are two very different concepts but with the same ultimate goal: to provide a child with a better life. The key difference is that adoption is permanent. The two are also vastly different in process.
According to Alda Fourie, from Engo Free State, there are two ways to initiate the adoption process in South Africa. “Prospective adoptive parents can apply to a Children’s Court to adopt a specific child,” she said. “A clerk of the Children’s Court then completes an application form with the details of the prospective adoptive parents and the name of the adoptable child.”
The form is then processed by the Department of Social Services to register the adoption, and referred to the appropriate social worker for an investigation.
“When you adopt a child, you create hope for eternity!”
Another route would be for prospective adoptive parents to apply directly to a Child Protection Organisation accredited to handle adoptions, or their nearest Department of Social Services, and indicate their intention to adopt a child.
“Prospective adoptive parents must be assessed and evaluated by an adoption social worker against the criteria of honesty, integrity, reputation, competence, and the ability to be trusted with the care and/or protection of a child,” Alda explained.
She further added: “Adoption ensures a lifelong relationship between the adopted child and the adoptive parents. An adopted child is regarded as the child of the adoptive parents, and the adoptive parents are considered, for all purposes, to be the parents of the adopted child.
“When you adopt a child, you create hope for eternity!”
In other instances, fostering is an option for children in need. “In cases where it is found that children need care and protection, they must be removed and placed in alternative care,” explained (NAME NEEDED PLEASE) Kruger, a social worker with ChildLine. “This allows social workers to investigate the family circumstances.”
If it is determined that the child(ren) cannot be reunited with their family of origin, the child will need to be placed in foster care. “Children need a family that can provide a safe and nurturing environment,” she added.
To become a temporary safe-care or foster parent, there are certain criteria that must be met.
“he first step will be to undergo the necessary screening process where documents will be submitted to the relevant organisation to ensure that applicants meet the legal requirements”, explained Doné KRUGER?. Interviews and home visits are also conducted.
Foster care removes children from potentially unsafe or unstable situations and places them with foster families who can provide a stable living environment.
To learn more about adoption, contact Engo at 051 522 6914 or info@engo.co.za
For more information on fostering, contact ChildLine at 051 430 3311 or admin@childlinefs.org.za
Text: Warren Hawkins
