Adoption as a child protection mechanism for vulnerable children in

Southern Africa

Luke LamprechtJCAF

Child Rights

• We all have a negative obligation• Family as the primary vehicle for realising our

positive obligation:• 28. Children• Every child has the right – to a name and a nationality from birth;– to family care or parental care, or to appropriate

alternative care when removed from the family environment;

– to basic nutrition, shelter, …

Policy to practice

• Social development policy:– Recognition of the centrality of family– Family preservation– Family reunification– Biological and extended families– Psychological families (Legal options)

Cont…• “in need of care” and reasons for removal and

placement options– AAAA’s

• Care plan• IDP• Permanency plan– Reunification (biological and extended)– Adoption– Foster care/s– Institutionalisation– Timing is everything

Why is this important?• Nature vs Nurture• Attachment as the basis of personality

development and relationships• Relationships and the WAR cycle• The effects of institutionalisation on brain

development• Trauma (single and compound) as an

aggravating circumstance.• “Good enough parenting” as protective factor.

Brain imaging

Risk and Reward

• Needs of the child• Needs and expectations of the adoptive family• Screening and Matching• Systemic considerations: Legislation, register,

belonging, culture.• Expectations, support and “giving back” (The child

or to society)• Empathy and humanity• On-going support and therapy

Cont…

• Case 1: Adoption process as pregnancy and birth. (DS)

• Case 2: Adoption as a way to fill a hole (KN and W)

Conclusion