Apply for national adoption

About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact

 

 

About applying for national adoption

If you are looking to adopt a child in South Africa, you must approach an adoption agency which will screen you and help you look for a child who is available for adoption.

You can only apply for national adoption if you are a South African citizen residing in South Africa and you want to adopt a South African child.

What you should do

  1. Go to any adoption agency in any province of your choice to apply.
  2. The adoption agency will conduct a screening/ home study to check if you are fit and proper to adopt a child.
  3. If the agency is satisfied with the results, they will put you on a Register of Adoptable Children and Adoptive Parents while they help you search for a child who is available for adoption.
  4. If a child is available, they will call you to the offices to meet the child and ask you if you are interested in adopting the child.
  5. If you agree, they will send your report to the Children’s Court to finalise the adoption and issue an adoption order.
  6. The Court report will be sent to the Department of Social Development so they can check if correct procedure was followed and to record both your and the child’s details.

How long does it take

It differs from one case to another.

How much does it cost

The cost will depend on the agency you use.

Forms to complete

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

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