IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING OUR ADOPTION SERVICES
OUR ADOPTION TEAM
The PROCARE Adoption Unit consists of dedicated, experienced and accredited Social Workers in private practice. Apart from the passion for adoption work, our Social Workers share a vast pool of knowledge and skills.
Adoptions are done strictly in accordance with the Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005) as amended. We also adhere to the prescribed guidelines and good practice standards as set out by the Department of Social Development and the South African Council for Social Service Professionals.
It is our pleasure to provide you with some information regarding our Adoption service as well as an application form for your perusal. The Adoption process and our fee structure will be explained to you in detail during your Orientation session at PROCARE, should you decide to continue with the application.
THE ADOPTION PROCESS
Prospective adoptive parents must be screened according to the prescribed legislation in South Africa. The process of screening includes the following:
An orientation session to discuss the process and costs involved and to answer your questions regarding adoption.
Psycho-social assessment (General functioning, Emotional Wellness, Relationships, Employment, Personality etc.)
References will be contacted to verify your suitability and motives.
Face to Face Interviews (Individual and Couple) Might also include interviews with significant others/family members.
Medical assessment/reports.
Home study and Preparation session (Individual/Couple/Group)
SAPS clearance (SAPS 365) and National Child Protection Register clearance.
The Social Worker/s involved will complete the investigation and prepare a Screening report with a recommendation regarding your suitability.
A panel meeting (consisting of more than one Social worker and at least one Senior Accredited Adoption Social Worker) will discuss your application and expectations and will confirm your suitability.
Successful screening and a positive panel recommendation will allow you to continue to the statutory stage of the adoption process and the finalisation of the adoption.
In the case of a baby adoption, you will be asked to prepare a Profile for the purposes of matching and the placing of a suitable baby. Once a successful matching has been done, you will be prepared for the placement of the baby and we will assist you with legal procedures.
There will be no obligation on you to continue with the adoption process once you have completed the application form, attended the orientation session or even during the screening process, but you need to notify the Social Worker in writing as soon as possible if you are no longer interested in continuing with the adoption.
RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SCREENING OF PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
The following serves as Guidelines for our Social Workers when selecting suitable adoptive parents. If applicants do not meet the requirements, the individual merit of the application will be taken into consideration, bearing in mind that the best interest of the adoptable child should be served. Please note that if there is any doubt regarding the suitability of prospective adoption parent/s in the light of our adoption guidelines, the Social worker involved has the right to decline such application without entering into any form of communication regarding the reasons for the decline.
AGE
Applicants should preferably be between the ages of 25-45. The age difference between partners should ideally not exceed 15 years. We would however consider the merits of the application carefully. We do not discriminate solely based on age, it will depend entirely on the candidate/s ability to raise a child.
MARITAL STATUS
Single, married or living together for at least 2 years, but preferably 5 years.
CHILDREN
In the case of Baby adoptions, childless couples will get preference.
FINANCIAL ASPECTS
Applicants should be financially independent (capable to support themselves and a child) and able to provide proof thereof.
ACCOMODATION
Applicants should have suitable accommodation with enough space for a child.
HEALTH
Applicants should be capable to take care of a child (physically, as well as mentally).
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Applicants must be willing to allow Social workers to talk to family members and/or friends regarding the prospective adoption.
SAPS (SAPS 365) /National Child Protection Register (Form 30)
Clearance required.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU CONTINUE:
Our waiting list for White and Indian babies are currently closed due to the limited availability in South Africa. At this stage we can only accept applications for coloured, mixed race or black babies.
WE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY RENDERING ADOPTION SERVICES IN THE WESTERN CAPE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT OUR WESTERN CAPE OFFICE.