It is My Adoption, But is Anyone Listening to Me?

Abstract

In South Africa, children have the right to family care or parental care, or to appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment, which may be achieved through adoption. Children also have the right to participate in matters affecting their well-being, and this article considers child participation in statutory adoption proceedings in South Africa. The conclusion that is arrived at is that the importance of the involvement of children in adoption is recognised, but that more can be done in this regard. Suggestions to increase child participation in the statutory adoption process are also made.