Child Adoption and Fostering
Child Adoption and Fostering
whites can adopt blacks too.
Adoption
is an enviable act of love. It must come from a desire to love a child. It must be motivated by our love for God. It must be because we want to raise a child for God as a demonstration of our love for God. Every child is a gift from God. Throughadoption & fostering, you can help a child develop and grow up to be an accepted member of the society. Through adoption & Fostering, you can make the child part of your family and lavish your love on him or her.Adoption / fostering Procedures
It is not without labour!
It takes nine months for a woman to bring a baby into the world. So adopters should be ready to go through the necessary procedures or fulfill the necessary conditions to adopt a baby.
The first thing we look for in our adopters is love. Compassion must be visible.
Adoption is an act of love. It must come from a desire to love a child. It must be motivated by our love for God. It must be because we want to raise a child for God as a demonstration of our love for God. Every child is a gift from God. Every child is an object of our love for God and for humanity. So if you want to adopt a child ,then be ready to love the child for the rest of your days. Be ready to be accountable for the success of that child. Be ready to be a good steward of the gift. Every child is a gift to humanity and if nourished properly will enhance the human race.
FIRST STEP
Visit the Adoption section of the ministry of Youth Sports and Social development in any state of your choice. They will put you through the series of interviews. Once they are satisfied with their investigations and interviews, a letter of authorization to adopt will be given to you. This is your key to joy and the patter of tiny feet! With this letter in your hand you can visit the orphanage home of your choice to complete the adoption procedures.Child adoption in Nigeria
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For an adoption to take place, the court has to grant an adoption order depending on the type of adoption taking place.The court also has the right to cancel an adoption process if it thinks or get reports that the adoptive parents applied undue pressure, favour or money to influence the adoption process. Section 2(2) states that ” an adoption order maybe made upon the application of two spouses authorizing them jointly to adopt a juvenile, but in no other case shall an adoption authorize more than one person to adopt a juvenile.”
This clearly do not support single parent adoption especially that of opposite sex because of cases of sexual abuses except in rare circumstances where issues of blood ties can be firmly established in such case, the court may justify making such order.
The simplest form of adoption is one by relatives or step parents, in cases like this, if one or both parents are dead, the grand parents comes first before any member of the family in having the court consent to take custody of the child/children. While in issues involving step parent, the spouse of the biological parent adopt the child/children of his/her spouse to create a closer relationship and become their legal guardian.
Since a biological parent lives in the household, background investigations are often waived. Adoption outside these is often complicated because detailed investigations into the background of the applicants will be conducted for history of child abuse, criminal activities, medical records, social lifestyle and financial status.
This is to ensure the safety, comfort and proper well being of the child. If the applicants are cleared then they can proceed with the adoption process.
The adoptive parents are expected to meet and fulfil the basic rights and duties of the adopted child. And in disbursing of wills and settlements, the adopted child must be treated as a lawful child of the adoptive parents and the same way as the biological child and not as a stranger. This is due to the fact that there have been cases in the past whereby at the demise of the adoptive parent(s), the adopted child is not allowed to share in their inheritance.
Trafficking Law in Nigeria
Though there are laws against illegal adoption, most people are not aware of it because of lack of information on it and because of this reason, unscrupulous people cash in on it to make quick money and manoeuvre things to their own favour.
Section 50 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, 2003 of Nigeria defines trafficking as including: “…all acts and attempted acts involved in the recruitment, transportation within or across Nigerian borders, purchase, sale, transfer, receipt or harbouring of a person involving the use of deception, coercion or debt bondage for the purpose of placing or holding the person whether for or not involving servitude (domestic, sexual or reproductive) in force or bonded labour, or in slavery-like conditions.”
The above definition is drawn largely from the definition in Article 3 of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons especially Women and Children. Before the enactment of the Anti-trafficking Law some provisions existed in various legislations including:
· The Childs Rights Act (Cap 198) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria which criminalises exploitative child labour and other forms of child abuse hitherto left unpunished by the Criminal Codes.
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Gaining Legal Custody of adopted child in Nigeria
THE process for finalizing the adoption (or gaining legal custody) in Nigeria generally includes the following:
Role of The Adoption Authority:
The social welfare office of the state where the child is located is considered the adoption authority. The application for adoption originates from the social welfare office of the state where the child is located. The Government office responsible for adoptions in Nigeria is the magistrate court of the state where the child is located.
Role of The Court:
In most Nigerian states, the adoption process begins when an application for an adoption order is made in accordance with local requirements and submitted to the registrar of the competent court. The court then assigns a guardian ad litem for the child to represent him/her in the adoption proceedings. The guardian ad litem is the social welfare officer in charge of the area where the juvenile resides, or a probation officer or some other person suitably qualified in the opinion of the court of assignment. The guardian ad litem investigates the circumstances related to the proposed adoption and files a report to the court. The guardian ad litem represents the child’s interests until the magistrate questions the prospective adoptive parents and grants the adoption order giving legal custody to the adoptive parents.
The guardian ad litem investigates the circumstances relevant to the proposed adoption and reports in writing to the court. Prospective adoptive parents must inform the social welfare officer of their intention to adopt at least three months before the court order is made. For at least three consecutive months immediately preceding an adoption order, the child must have been in the physical care and legal custody of the applicant parents in Nigeria. An applicant cannot have the child reside with another family member in lieu of living with the applicant, even if a Power of Attorney is in effect.
The social welfare officer visits the home of the adoptive parents until the officer is satisfied that the juvenile is settled and the prospective adoptive parents are capable of looking after him or her. In such a case, the social welfare officer reports in writing a positive recommendation to the court. The magistrate will meet the adoptive parents in court to confirm their suitability and will issue or deny the adoption order.
After the adoption order has been issued, adoptive parents should obtain a new birth certificate for the child listing them as the child’s parents. In some states, after the adoption has been granted, the adoptive parents must obtain the court’s permission to remove the child from Nigerian jurisdiction, either temporarily or permanently. In addition, the social welfare officer might be required to submit a letter to the Nigerian immigration office, stating that the adoptive parents are now the legal parents of the child. This letter then permits the adopting parents to apply for a passport to take the child out of Nigeria.
To link you up with Founders/matrons of orphanages homes in any state , we charge a consultation fee of N10,000.
Role of The Adoption Authority:
The social welfare office of the state where the child is located is considered the adoption authority. The application for adoption originates from the social welfare office of the state where the child is located. The Government office responsible for adoptions in Nigeria is the magistrate court of the state where the child is located.
Role of The Court:
In most Nigerian states, the adoption process begins when an application for an adoption order is made in accordance with local requirements and submitted to the registrar of the competent court. The court then assigns a guardian ad litem for the child to represent him/her in the adoption proceedings. The guardian ad litem is the social welfare officer in charge of the area where the juvenile resides, or a probation officer or some other person suitably qualified in the opinion of the court of assignment. The guardian ad litem investigates the circumstances related to the proposed adoption and files a report to the court. The guardian ad litem represents the child’s interests until the magistrate questions the prospective adoptive parents and grants the adoption order giving legal custody to the adoptive parents.
The guardian ad litem investigates the circumstances relevant to the proposed adoption and reports in writing to the court. Prospective adoptive parents must inform the social welfare officer of their intention to adopt at least three months before the court order is made. For at least three consecutive months immediately preceding an adoption order, the child must have been in the physical care and legal custody of the applicant parents in Nigeria. An applicant cannot have the child reside with another family member in lieu of living with the applicant, even if a Power of Attorney is in effect.
The social welfare officer visits the home of the adoptive parents until the officer is satisfied that the juvenile is settled and the prospective adoptive parents are capable of looking after him or her. In such a case, the social welfare officer reports in writing a positive recommendation to the court. The magistrate will meet the adoptive parents in court to confirm their suitability and will issue or deny the adoption order.
After the adoption order has been issued, adoptive parents should obtain a new birth certificate for the child listing them as the child’s parents. In some states, after the adoption has been granted, the adoptive parents must obtain the court’s permission to remove the child from Nigerian jurisdiction, either temporarily or permanently. In addition, the social welfare officer might be required to submit a letter to the Nigerian immigration office, stating that the adoptive parents are now the legal parents of the child. This letter then permits the adopting parents to apply for a passport to take the child out of Nigeria.
To link you up with Founders/matrons of orphanages homes in any state , we charge a consultation fee of N10,000.
BOOK ON ADOPTION
The ABC of Adoption A review of Adoption of Children in Nigeria
Written by Ojochide Atojoko-Omovbude Sunday, 22 July 2012 05:00
Publishers: Authohouse
Reviewer: Ojobo Atuluku
There has been recent developments in Nigeria in the past few months concerning children, especially infants. Reports have it that there are many illegal homes parading either as adoption agencies or as child miracle centres for childless couples. Some people are unintentionally lured into this evil of using any means possible to have a child and have as such woefully decended into the crime of buying children from perpetrators of this evil.
This brings to the fore, the need for adequate mechanisms to check these abuses and protect the rights of children, especially infants in our Society. One of the ways has been proffered by this lady, Ojochide Atojoko-Omovbude, who has written a book on adoption of children in Nigeria to aid people interested in providing care and succor to needy children.
The book consists of 211 pages, structured into thirteen chapters. The book states categorically and unequivocally that it is the welfare and best interest of the child that are mandatorily paramount in any consideration for the custody of a child whether with the original parent or the adoptive parent. She further explained that there is no unified law on adoption for the country and as such that has made adoption quite difficult in Nigeria as some states do not even subscribe to adoption at all.
Chapter one gives a description of the terms of adoption, custody and fostering of children. It explains the differences between the terms and gives meaningful insights into the implications of choosing any one of the doors to custody of children.
Chapter two explains the term ‘adoption’ in its simplest forms. It gives an insight into the various forms of adoptions that exists in Nigeria.
Chapters three, four , five , six and seven hold the main crux of the book as it breaks down all the requirements concerning adoption . They expose the reader to the various laws and the evolution of adoption laws in Nigeria.
The book also exposes the persons who can adopt and the categories of children that can be adopted while giving a little insight into adoption by foreigners and did a little expose and comparison of two states in Nigeria and the FCT as the third.
The rest of the chapters pertain to the procedures and documents needed and required for adoption as well as the court orders before a final adoption order can be granted.
As part of its Schedule, the book has the Adoption Laws of Lagos State, Enugu State as well as the Child Rights Act which Governs the FCT. It is a book that cuts across borders, a handy tool for lawyers, parents and people wishing to adopt a child.
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Guidelines For Adoption And Fostering
· Submission of application Letters.
· Interview with Director Social Welfare/Representative on appointed date
· Payment of prescribed fees.
· Complete appropriate forms and obtain list of requirements
· Administrative Processing/Screening Session
· Mandatory Pre-Counseling Session on appointed date
· Panel Session
· Post-Counseling (Proper Parenting) on appointed date
· Result
· Collection of child from Registered Orphanages.
· Legalization at the Family Court after 3 months.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ADOPTION
A LOCAL
Typed application letter stating the reasons for the adoption, duly signed by the adopters and addressed to
The Special Adviser
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
Attached to this, photo-copies of: -
· Birth certificate of adopters - 2 copies each
· Marriage Certificate of Adopters - 2 copies each
· Medical Certificate of fitness from a
Lagos State General Hospital - Original copies each
· Proof of employment including
(i) Photocopy of Identity Card - 2 copies each
(ii) To whom it may concern letter
From employer - 2 copies each
(iii) Letter of Employment - 2 copies each
(iv) Recent pay slips (6 months) - 2 copies each
(v) Statement of Account (6 months) - 2 copies each
· 4-coloured passport photographs each
· Tax clearance for the last 3 years - 2 copies each
·
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR FOSTERING
Typed application letter stating the reasons for the fostering to be signed by the prospective foster parents and addressed to:
The Special Adviser,
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
Photocopies of the under listed should be attached:
· Birth Certificate of Foster Parents -2 copies each
· Marriage Certificate of Foster Parents -2 copies each
· Medical Certificate of Fitness (original) -2 copies each
· 3-Coloured Passport Photographs each
· Tax returns certificate for last 3 years -2 copies each
· Letter from two guarantors and Sworn affidavit with their Passports Photograph attached.
· Statement of Account - Original (6 months) & Photocopy
· Proof of Employment
· Letter of Employment. -2 copies each
· Recent Pay slip. (6 months) -2 copies each
· Statement of Account (6 months) -2 copies each
· Photocopy of Identity Card -2 copies each
GUIDELINES FOR THE ADOPTION PROCEDURE
FOR NIGERIANS LIVING ABROAD
· Interview with the Director, Social Welfare.
· Submission of data page of International passport.
· Payment of Prescribed fees.
· Complete appropriate forms and obtain list of
requirements
· Submission of relevant documents.
· Administrative processing.
· Collection of Letter of Approval.
· Collection of Child from Registered Orphanage
· Legalization at the Family Court
PROCEDURE FOR INTERNATIONAL
ADOPTION THROUGH FOUNDATION
1. Identification of the child (for International Placement)
2. Notice brought to Adoption/Fostering Unit on intention about the Child
3. Investigation by the Division and Submission of case file by the Home
4. Approval for the Foundation to look for Prospective Adopters
5. Submission of all required documents on behalf of the Prospective
Adopters by the Foundation.
6. Arrival of Prospective Adopters for documentation, Interview and bonding with the Child.
7. Collection of the Approval Letters on behalf of Prospective Adopters
8. Legalization of the Adoption at the Family Court.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ADOPTION
A INTERNATIONAL
Typed Application letter, stating the reasons for the adoption, duly signed by the adopters and addressed to:
The Special Adviser,
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
Attached to this, photocopies of: -
· Birth Certificate of Adopters - 2 Copies each
· Marriage Certificate of Adopters - 2 Copies each
· Medical Certificate of Fitness (original) - 2 Copies each
· 4-Coloured Passport Photographs each - 2 Copies each
· Proof of Employment
· Photocopy of Identity Card - 2 Copies each
· Letter from Employer addressed “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN” -2 Copies each
· Letter of Employment - 2 copies each
· Utility Bill for the last three months
(Energy, Water, Gas, Telephone) -2 copies each
· 3 Months Salary Pay slip (Recent) - 2 copies each
· Statement of Accounts for 6 months (Recent) -2 copies each
· Photocopy of Data pages of your International Passport
(Coloured) - 4 Copies each
· Photocopy of Tax returns certificate for last 3 yrs -2 Copies each
· Home study report from country of domicile - 2 Copies each.
· Certificate of Naturalization - 2 Copies each
· Contact Telephone number of Adopter in Nigeria
· Law of Adoption from Country of Domicile - 2 Copies each
PROCEDURE FOR LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP
· Interview with Prospective Guardians/Collection of list of requirements.
· Administrative Charges
· Submission of Required documents
· Administrative Screening and processing
· Approval from Ministry
· Family Court
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARDIANSHIP
Typed Application letter, stating the reasons for the Guardianship, duly signed by the applicants and addressed to:
The Special Adviser,
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANTS:
· Birth Certificate of the Guardians - 2 Copies each
· Marriage Certificate - 2 Copies each
· Proof of Employment
· Photocopy of Identity Card - 2 Copies each
· To Whom it may concern letter from
Employer. -2 Copies each
· Letter of Employment - 2 copies each
· Utility Bill for the last three months
(Energy, Water, Gas, Telephone) -2 copies each
· 3 Months Salary Pay slip (Recent) - 2 copies each
· Statement of Accounts for 6 months (Recent) -2 copies each
· Photocopy of Data pages of your International Passport
(Coloured) - 4 Copies each
· Photocopy of Tax returns certificate for last 3 yrs-2 Copies each
· Home study report from country of domicile - 2 Copies each
· Certificate of Naturalization - 2 Copies each
DOCUMENTS FOR THE CHILD
· Birth Certificate - 2 Copies each
· School Report - 2 Copies each
· Death Certificate of Deceased Parents - 2 Copies each
· Consent of surviving parents - 2 Copies each
· Home Assessment to confirm the inability of the parents to take adequateCare of the child
· Interview with Director Social Welfare/Representative on appointed date
· Payment of prescribed fees.
· Complete appropriate forms and obtain list of requirements
· Administrative Processing/Screening Session
· Mandatory Pre-Counseling Session on appointed date
· Panel Session
· Post-Counseling (Proper Parenting) on appointed date
· Result
· Collection of child from Registered Orphanages.
· Legalization at the Family Court after 3 months.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ADOPTION
A LOCAL
Typed application letter stating the reasons for the adoption, duly signed by the adopters and addressed to
The Special Adviser
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
Attached to this, photo-copies of: -
· Birth certificate of adopters - 2 copies each
· Marriage Certificate of Adopters - 2 copies each
· Medical Certificate of fitness from a
Lagos State General Hospital - Original copies each
· Proof of employment including
(i) Photocopy of Identity Card - 2 copies each
(ii) To whom it may concern letter
From employer - 2 copies each
(iii) Letter of Employment - 2 copies each
(iv) Recent pay slips (6 months) - 2 copies each
(v) Statement of Account (6 months) - 2 copies each
· 4-coloured passport photographs each
· Tax clearance for the last 3 years - 2 copies each
·
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR FOSTERING
Typed application letter stating the reasons for the fostering to be signed by the prospective foster parents and addressed to:
The Special Adviser,
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
Photocopies of the under listed should be attached:
· Birth Certificate of Foster Parents -2 copies each
· Marriage Certificate of Foster Parents -2 copies each
· Medical Certificate of Fitness (original) -2 copies each
· 3-Coloured Passport Photographs each
· Tax returns certificate for last 3 years -2 copies each
· Letter from two guarantors and Sworn affidavit with their Passports Photograph attached.
· Statement of Account - Original (6 months) & Photocopy
· Proof of Employment
· Letter of Employment. -2 copies each
· Recent Pay slip. (6 months) -2 copies each
· Statement of Account (6 months) -2 copies each
· Photocopy of Identity Card -2 copies each
GUIDELINES FOR THE ADOPTION PROCEDURE
FOR NIGERIANS LIVING ABROAD
· Interview with the Director, Social Welfare.
· Submission of data page of International passport.
· Payment of Prescribed fees.
· Complete appropriate forms and obtain list of
requirements
· Submission of relevant documents.
· Administrative processing.
· Collection of Letter of Approval.
· Collection of Child from Registered Orphanage
· Legalization at the Family Court
PROCEDURE FOR INTERNATIONAL
ADOPTION THROUGH FOUNDATION
1. Identification of the child (for International Placement)
2. Notice brought to Adoption/Fostering Unit on intention about the Child
3. Investigation by the Division and Submission of case file by the Home
4. Approval for the Foundation to look for Prospective Adopters
5. Submission of all required documents on behalf of the Prospective
Adopters by the Foundation.
6. Arrival of Prospective Adopters for documentation, Interview and bonding with the Child.
7. Collection of the Approval Letters on behalf of Prospective Adopters
8. Legalization of the Adoption at the Family Court.
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR ADOPTION
A INTERNATIONAL
Typed Application letter, stating the reasons for the adoption, duly signed by the adopters and addressed to:
The Special Adviser,
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
Attached to this, photocopies of: -
· Birth Certificate of Adopters - 2 Copies each
· Marriage Certificate of Adopters - 2 Copies each
· Medical Certificate of Fitness (original) - 2 Copies each
· 4-Coloured Passport Photographs each - 2 Copies each
· Proof of Employment
· Photocopy of Identity Card - 2 Copies each
· Letter from Employer addressed “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN” -2 Copies each
· Letter of Employment - 2 copies each
· Utility Bill for the last three months
(Energy, Water, Gas, Telephone) -2 copies each
· 3 Months Salary Pay slip (Recent) - 2 copies each
· Statement of Accounts for 6 months (Recent) -2 copies each
· Photocopy of Data pages of your International Passport
(Coloured) - 4 Copies each
· Photocopy of Tax returns certificate for last 3 yrs -2 Copies each
· Home study report from country of domicile - 2 Copies each.
· Certificate of Naturalization - 2 Copies each
· Contact Telephone number of Adopter in Nigeria
· Law of Adoption from Country of Domicile - 2 Copies each
PROCEDURE FOR LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP
· Interview with Prospective Guardians/Collection of list of requirements.
· Administrative Charges
· Submission of Required documents
· Administrative Screening and processing
· Approval from Ministry
· Family Court
BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARDIANSHIP
Typed Application letter, stating the reasons for the Guardianship, duly signed by the applicants and addressed to:
The Special Adviser,
Office of Youth and Social Development,
The Secretariat,
Block 7, Alausa,
Ikeja.
DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE APPLICANTS:
· Birth Certificate of the Guardians - 2 Copies each
· Marriage Certificate - 2 Copies each
· Proof of Employment
· Photocopy of Identity Card - 2 Copies each
· To Whom it may concern letter from
Employer. -2 Copies each
· Letter of Employment - 2 copies each
· Utility Bill for the last three months
(Energy, Water, Gas, Telephone) -2 copies each
· 3 Months Salary Pay slip (Recent) - 2 copies each
· Statement of Accounts for 6 months (Recent) -2 copies each
· Photocopy of Data pages of your International Passport
(Coloured) - 4 Copies each
· Photocopy of Tax returns certificate for last 3 yrs-2 Copies each
· Home study report from country of domicile - 2 Copies each
· Certificate of Naturalization - 2 Copies each
DOCUMENTS FOR THE CHILD
· Birth Certificate - 2 Copies each
· School Report - 2 Copies each
· Death Certificate of Deceased Parents - 2 Copies each
· Consent of surviving parents - 2 Copies each
· Home Assessment to confirm the inability of the parents to take adequateCare of the child
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There are many children out there who need to be given a home and nurtured under the loving care of parents but this should be done in the proper way to ensure the safety of the children and verification of the adopting parents .With so many gory stories of the discovery of baby factories, selling and buying of babies like commodities, putting many children at risk under illegal adoption processes by giving them to high bidders whose intent of getting the children may be sinister , and many people still in the dark on right adoption procedures, it is expedient to know how to go about it. The Homefront spoke to Mrs Ojochide Atojoko-Omovbude, a lawyer and author of the book, “Adoption of children in Nigeria-practice and procedure” What is adoption?It is a legal process that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents including the right to inherit. Adoption occurs in a situation where a minor gains legal status as a member of a family and relinquishes all former rights to his roots. This link is permanently severed and he gains legal status as if he was originally and biologically born by the new adoptive parents. This is unlike guardianship, and fostering in the sense that this transfer is permanent and irreversible. It is a statutory process of terminating a child’s legal rights and duties towards the natural parents and substituting similar rights and duties towards adoptive parents.
How to adopt a child in Nigeria
- Category: Home Front
- Written by Ojoma Akor
There are many children out there who need to be given a home and nurtured under the loving care of parents but this should be done in the proper way to ensure the safety of the children and verification of the adopting parents .With so many gory stories of the discovery of baby factories, selling and buying of babies like commodities, putting many children at risk under illegal adoption processes by giving them to high bidders whose intent of getting the children may be sinister , and many people still in the dark on right adoption procedures, it is expedient to know how to go about it. The Homefront spoke to Mrs Ojochide Atojoko-Omovbude, a lawyer and author of the book, “Adoption of children in Nigeria-practice and procedure” What is adoption?It is a legal process that creates a parent-child relation between persons not related by blood; the adopted child is entitled to all privileges belonging to a natural child of the adoptive parents including the right to inherit. Adoption occurs in a situation where a minor gains legal status as a member of a family and relinquishes all former rights to his roots. This link is permanently severed and he gains legal status as if he was originally and biologically born by the new adoptive parents. This is unlike guardianship, and fostering in the sense that this transfer is permanent and irreversible. It is a statutory process of terminating a child’s legal rights and duties towards the natural parents and substituting similar rights and duties towards adoptive parents.
What is the proper way or laid down procedure in adopting a child in this country?
In Nigeria, there is no particular agency licensed to deal in adoption procedures. Hence the first step would be to contact the social welfare officer of the state where the child is. Usually, there are registered orphanages and foster homes by the government or by individuals where such children are taken to for care until they are given up for adoption. Once a child is sighted at any of the orphanages and an intention is declared by the adopter to adopt the child, the same is made known to the orphanage. In the FCT, until recently, an applicant will visit an orphanage to look for a child to adopt before going to the government agency to declare their intents. But now, the rules have changed as the Social welfare is now directly and fully involved from the beginning to the end of the adoption process.
The first point of call now is with the social welfare where an application for adoption will be lodged. The applicant(s) are interviewed to know if it is fostering they need or adoption. When it is adoption, the applicants are usually counseled and properly guided at the social welfare and made to fill forms giving all necessary details as well as a slight description of the kind of child they want to adopt. They have to signify sex, age, and try as near as possible give a picture of what traits they desire in a child. Where such child is available, and after deliberations, the committee which meets quarterly to determine applications may match such child with the applicant and begin the watch process to see if they bond well or not. The adoptive parent will have to apply to the social welfare to be found to be eligible to apply. The officer in charge will have to exert claim if the adoptive parent is eligible to adopt taking into consideration, the age, medical background, status, financial capability etc. This is to ensure that the child will be given adequate care and protection by the intending parents. This is often followed by visits by the welfare officers to the home where the child is to be brought. The visit is intended for inspection of the environment where the child will be brought up and to ascertain whether there is adequate provision for the child in question. When it is satisfied that all conditions are met, the officer in charge then gives his consent in writing to the adoptive parent to proceed with the adoption.
At the court proceedings, a lawyer will represent the infant as well as a guardian ad litem who is chosen by the court to act in such capacity. An adoption process is not concluded in one court sitting as there will always be needs for the court to adjourn and set details straight as much as possible. It has to follow a detailed order and procedure. The case has to be mentioned and all notices to the relevant parties issued and evidenced in court. Upon the mentioning, it will be finally set down for hearing when all parties have been put on notice. A procedure for adoption if unopposed will usually be concluded within three to six months. This period excludes the time taken by the social welfare and orphanages to conduct thorough investigations into the various backgrounds of the parties concerned. A process for adoption from start to finish may take about one year or more, depending on the circumstances of each case.
What is your take on child sale and buying in Nigeria?
It is really a very bad menace that is crippling our society at the moment. It is a taboo that may bring irreversible curse on the nation if something is not done about it quickly. A situation where children are now priced and bought like usual items off the shelves should be totally condemned and such perpetrators should be fished out and brought to book. The rights of children are being violated by these forbidden acts and the government must rise to the challenge and bring it to an end.
What can be done about orphanage homes illegally giving willing people children without due process?
The homes are in much confusion because they are not properly educated on the procedure to be followed. Most of these homes are run by individuals who do not get support from anywhere, they have children brought daily to the homes and are over stretched, the resultant effect is that they will be glad to give up these children to willing parents to reduce the load an create space to take in more helpless children. The government should endeavor to educate these home owners on the process and procedure for adoption. They should also try not to make the procedure too long and cumbersome for willing parents who wish to take a child home.
What is your advice on the issue of adoption?
Every Child has a right to life and that right starts with us all. We can manage with the security situation we are facing presently if we have shown great concern to kids living on the streets. If these kids have been properly cared for and educated, the situation would have been different today in Nigeria.
Let me also be quick to say as a final word that adoption is not about providing a child for a childless person or couple, but about providing a warm loving home and parents for a child. Its also not an option only for people in need of a child, but also for people who have children and as a way of giving back to the society decide to adopt a child ad bring him or her up as one of their own.
Adopt a child today! It is part of our vision to put smiles on childless families as well as give our children a better home where they can get a concentrated attention and fulfill their destinies.We believe in Adoption and we give out our children for adoption/ fostering. In fact over 20 of our children have gone out on legal adoption. Our adoption process involves a formal letter of request to the permanent Secretary, Ministry of social development youth and sport. Lagos State secretariat Alausa., Prospective adopter will be invited for interview and if successful a letter of approval would be given to search around for adoptable child in any of the Government approved homes including ours.  Thereafter a court order for the release of the child will be issued and the adopter would be allowed to go with the child for a probationary period of three months after which the child will be presented for legalization in the court and final approval granted for the adopter/ fostering family. For international adoption, the prospective adopt will first begin the process with Government of Country where they reside and obtain a formal approval. Thereafter, they will visit the Permanent Secretary. Ministry of Secretary. Ministry of youth.sport and social Development, block 18, state secretariat Alausa, Lagos. Who will peruse the document, interview them and if successful they will be issued approved letter and given contact addresses of approved orphanages. They will visit the orphanages and look for children of their choice as well as consent of the operator of the orphanage to assist them.The orphanage will forward the case history of the child, the juvenile police report and the medical report to the Ministry for social investigations after which a letter of authority to collect will be issued. Lastly, a family court order for release will be obtained before the child can leave the country. FAQs on Adoption Q. What is Adoption? A. Adoption is the word used, when an unrelated person takes up the care and parental responsibility of a child that can no longer live with his or her birth parents or extended family members. Q. What does it mean to adopt? A. To adopt means that you have made a decision to become the child's parents and take care and responsibilities for that child until he/she becomes an adult. Q. Where do our children come from? A. Our children were either found abandoned or brought to the orphanage by a parent, relation or the general public and placed in The Heritage Homes by the Police. Q. Who can adopt? A.?Anyone, who has assessed and approved as prospective adopter(s) by the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development, Alausa, Ikeja. You may be married or a single female with no children, or with a child or children and wish to extend your family through adoption. Q. What does it mean to be an approved adopter? A. To be approved means that you have been assessed by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Alausa, Ikeja and found to be a suitable person(s) to care for a child. A. How long will the whole adoption assessment process take? Q. It can take between six to nine months before you can become an approved adopter. The government wants top be sure of your suitability and commitment before you are approved top adopt a child (ren). A. Once I take the child home is he adopted? Q. No, the child is just placed. He will have to live with you for Three months while his progress is monitored. When the social worker is pleased with his progress and you also feel ready to take on the long term commitment of caring for him you will be advised to put your application into court, and it is only after the court's approval that the child will become legally adopted. A.? What happens in court? Q. The adopter(s) will attend court with the child. The judge will read the social worker's report on the child and how he has settled in with you. The judge will check that you know what is expected of you, if satisfied, you will be granted an adoption order and the child becomes yours forever! A. Will this child stay with me forever? Q. Yes, you have become his only recognized parent(s). His surname is changed to yours and he /she gets a new birth certificate naming you as parent(s). From that day on you have the same claim on the child as any other parent and we are hopeful that you would be there for the child throughout his/her childhood and beyond. Q. Do I have I to be married to adopt? A. No, single women can adopt but you will be vetted to confirm that you have the skills and the supportive network service to care for a child. You would be required to present a male role model for the child. This must be a committed matured family member that is willing top support you with the child. Q. If I later get married will my new husband automatically become her father? A.?No, your husband will have to be assessed and his name included in your report. You would both have to go back to court and re- adopt your child. Q. Is there an age limit for adopting a child? A. No, but as you know a lot of energy and time is needed to care for babies. The Heritage Homes would advise prospective parents above forty five years to adopt toddlers or older children. They can be as rewarding as babies to care for. Wee would advise you on the most suitable age having taken into consideration your own age and support network. Q. Can I adopt more than one child? A. Yes, but this will depend on an assessment of you and your prospective network. We will o0bviously want to place twins and sibling together where possible, it is advisable that you express you desire to the approving authority so it can be addressed in your assessment. Q. Can I take the child to live abroad? A. Yes, as soon as he/she is legally adopted you are free to take the child out of the country to live with you anywhere in the world. Remember as stated above you now have the same rights as other parents. Q. If I am married does my spouse have to agree to the Adoption? A. Yes, couples will have to be assessed together and it has to be a joint decision because raising a child(ren) in a relationship requires the commitment of both parents. It would be impossible if one parent does not wish to be involved; the placement would be at risk of breaking down and the child would become abandoned for the second time,. You must agree that this can not be in the child's best interest. Q. What if our extended family members are not supportive of our adoption plan? A. It is not in a child's best interest to have to live within a family where he is not wanted. Your family members must be willing to accept your child because it would be impossible to raise your child in isolation. Grandparents, uncles, aunts must be willing to play their roles. Make sure you involve your immediate family members on both sides in your adoption plan. Remember that no one is an island: they can make or break the placement. Q. Do I have to be rich to adopt? A. No, but you have to have a steady income, secure and adequate tenancy or your own home that is suitable for raising a child in. This will be considered inn your assessment. Q. After my first adoption. How long would I have to wait before I can return for a second placement? A. You would need time to adjust becoming a parent so we advice that a natural gap of two years after your first adoption is reasonable. Please note that you would have to repeat the adoption process but obviously it would not take as long. Q. How committed is the Heritage Homes to confidentiality in the adoption process? A. The Heritage Homes understands the sensitivity surrounding the issues of adoption and the need for confidentiality. Everyone involved in the adoption process in The Heritage Homes are mature, God fearing people who have proven themselves over the years in the society. They have also brought with them life experiences that can impact positively on the process. Q. How much does it cost to adopt a child from the Heritage Homes? A. Nothing. We at The Heritage Homes believe that children are a free gift from God and we are all just custodians of His precious gifts. Therefore there are no fees or hidden costs. Q. Will the biological parents of the child be given the adopters details? A. No, they are not given any details of adopters or any information that would identify the new parents of the child. Once a child is formally adopted, the birth parents loose all rights to the child. All children adopted through the Heritage Homes are placed there with the full knowledge of the law./ Adequate time is given for families to reclaim a child. It is only if this fail that the child is considered for adoption. Q. Does the law give the biological parents of a child the \right to reclaim the child at any time? A. No, once a child is formally adopted through the courts adopters are the only recognized parents. The birth parents loose their parental rights over the child and adopters' rights to the child can never be revoked. Q. There are so many questions about adoption I need to ask, how will I get the answers? A. the Heritage Homes offers counseling on care and adoption issue to prospective adopters before a child is placed. We are also willing to give ongoing support to you and your family at whatever stage you need or want it. FAQs on Fostering Q. What is fostering? A. Fostering means to care, assist and take responsibility for a child that is not related to you. Q. Will the child's identity change? A. No, foster carers are just to take care of the child on behalf of Heritage Homes Foster Service. Q. Will the child return to the family or the 'Home'. A. Yes. The child is not adopted so the child could choose to return to the family when he attains adulthood (18years). Q. Why place Children whose parents are alive with foster parents. Why won't they live with their parents? A. Poverty, lack of financial capability to do so. Young girls who had been abused may wish to go back to school but still love to keep the child. Q. What class of children could be fostered rather than adopted? A. Children with special needs and can not be adopted, older children who are not easily adopted but they also need to experience good, physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The best place for a child to grow up is a proper family setting. Q. Who can foster a child? A. Anyone who falls within at least 3 of the under listed? i. An experienced Parent |
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