ADOPTION

If you are over 18 years old you may adopt a child if you:

• are married or have a life partnership with someone (this includes same-sex partnerships) or are part of or share a permanent home together;
• are unmarried, divorced or widowed;
• are the step-parent of the child;
• are the father of a child born out of wedlock.

Furthermore, certain criteria must be met that demonstrate that the prospective parent is financially, emotionally and mentally equipped to provide the type of home that would be conducive for the adopted child. The person must:

• be found to be fit and proper to be bestowed with full rights and responsibilities concerning the child;
• be able to demonstrate both the willingness and capacity to exercise and maintain such parental rights and responsibilities;
• Undergo an assessment by an adoption social worker.

• The first step in the adoption process is to approach an adoption agency or registered adoption social worker, that will provide advice regarding the legal requirements, and that will guide you through the process. A rigorous screening process will be conducted by the chosen agency or social worker.
• The next very important step after having been approved for adoption, is to be matched with the right child.
• Once the right match is found, the adoption procedure begins.

Before an adoption can proceed, the consent of the child's biological parents or legal guardians is required. If a parent of the child is still a child, then the parent’s legal guardian would need to consent to the adoption.

The consent of the child is also required if a child is older than 10 years old, unless the child does not have the capacity to understand the implications of the proposed adoption.