About applying for local adoption with intercountry element

If you are a foreigner living in South Africa and want to adopt a South African child, you must contact an accredited social worker or an organisation not necessarily those accredited for intercountry adoptions.

You must have been in the country for a period of five years and must submit proof of residence and work permit. You may lodge an application for the adoption and it would be regarded as national adoption.

Intercountry adoption is a placement of a child in a permanent care of a person residing in a foreign country, who is not their biological parent or guardian. It offers permanent family to a child whom a suitable family cannot be found in the country of origin.

What you should do

• Contact an your nearest appropriate adoption organisation.
• The  adoption organisation will conduct a screening/ home study to check if you are fit and proper to adopt a child.
• If the organisation is satisfied with the results, they will put you on a Register of Adoptable Children and Adoptive Parents (RACAP) while they help you search for a child who is available for adoption.
• If the child is available, they will call you to the offices to come and see the child and ask you if you are interested in adopting the child.
• If you agree, they will send your report to the Children’s court to finalise the adoption and issue an adoption order.
• The court report will be sent to the Department of Social Development so they can check if the procedure was followed and to record your details and the child’s details.

Timeframe

It differs from one case to another.

How much does it cost

You must pay to an accredited child protection organisation in respect of an inter-country adoption.

Group orientation	R2250.oo per session
Interview/counselling	R250.00 per hour
Home visits	R250.00 per hour
Home study report	R500.00 per report
Court processes	R500.00 per day
Birth registration	R170.00 per hour
Administration costs	R170.00 per hour
After care services	R500.00 once-off payment
Origin enquiry/tracing	R200.00 per hour

Forms to complete

All forms are available at your nearest Department of Social Development office.

Who to contact

Toll Free Line: 0800 60 10 11