Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

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Browsing Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities by Subject "Adopted children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape"

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    An exploration of the practice of cross- Racial adoption South Africa, East london
    (University of Fort Hare, 2014) Kausi, Nyasha
    The purpose of this research was to explore the practice of cross-racial adoption in South Africa using a case study of East London. The study was qualitative in nature and employed both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to collect data from six social workers, two managers, seven adoptive parents and five community members. These were most appropriate for eliciting relevant, valuable and rich information for analysis. The process of collecting data also made use of observations. Data was analysed qualitatively, using thematic analysis of the content of the data, which employed an interpretative approach, resulting in a presentation of data, which is textual rather than statistical. The study found that the practice of cross- racial adoption (CRA) in South Africa is a controversial, yet an increasing phenomenon in which most Black children are being adopted by White parents. In addition, race and culture were found to have a great impact on shaping the practice of CRA. The roles of social workers, managers and adoption agencies were examined in the following contexts: determining the adoptability of children; recruiting and selection of prospective adoptive parents; the provision of necessary information and counselling to biological and adoptive parents before consenting to the adoption of a child; helping with placement transitions and providing post-adoption services to ensure lasting and strong adoptive relationships. In addition, perceptions of issues such as cultural genocide, the well-being and the best interests of adopted children, racial identity, a colour-blind society, acculturation, racial consciousness and role modelling were also examined. The study concluded that although the practice of CRA is an acceptable form of custody for children in need of care and protection, despite any legislation pertaining to it, it is still an area which requires more attention from scholars and researchers. It should be a matter of national importance from relevant officials and policy makers in order to overcome the legacy of racial segregation, which characterised the era of apartheid rule, in which race was of great significance. On the basis of the findings of the study, pertinent recommendations have been made to various stakeholders, including social workers, the Department of Social Development and policy makers.