Discover the Life-Changing Gift of Adoption

Adoption is a legal process that involves a pathway consisting of the biological parents, the child, and prospective adoptive parents.

Biological parents are required to undergo an in-depth counselling process to fully understand the implications of adoption, as well as the various placement options available for their child.

A child may only be considered for adoption following a thorough investigation, with specific legal criteria used to determine the child’s adoptability status.

The primary goal of adoption is to find a permanent, loving family for a vulnerable child in need — it is about placing children with families, not finding children for parents.

Referrals of children in need reflect the current realities in South Africa and therefore are predominantly black South African children.

Prospective adoptive parents must undergo a comprehensive screening process to ensure they are fit and proper to assume the rights and responsibilities of adoptive parenthood.

Applicants must be South African citizens or have permanent residency, and must be over the age of 18. Single individuals and those in long-term relationships may also be considered.

A reasonable service fee is mandated by the Children’s Act. In the absence of full government subsidies, a sliding scale based on income is applied to national adoptions. Each applicant’s financial situation is carefully considered, and Engo will never deny a child a family based on an applicant’s inability to contribute financially to the process.

Origins enquiries refer to the process through which an adopted person, a biological parent, or in certain cases family members request information about an adoption, as well as the background, current circumstances, and possible contact of the parties involved.

Origins enquiries may be submitted at any time to obtain information about the other party. However, enquiries with the aim of a meeting may only be made once the adopted person has reached the age of 18. In terms of the Children’s Act, an adopted person over the age of 18 has the right to request information about his or her family of origin. Biological parents and adoptive parents may also, within the prescribed guidelines, request information.

Process

All origins enquiries are handled with the utmost confidentiality and are followed up according to a structured procedure. The process includes, among others, the following steps:

• Receipt of the enquiry by an Engo staff member, after which the requester completes the relevant prescribed questionnaires.

• Consultation of the Engo database and, if a record exists, retrieval of the relevant file from the archive.

• Compilation and provision of available background information to the requester, where possible.

• Personal and confidential discussions with the relevant Engo social worker, if required.

• If there is a request to trace the other party with a view to a reunion, thorough research is conducted and all possible sources are consulted to establish contact details.

• The Engo social worker facilitates initial contact with the other party to determine whether further contact is desired. If so, communication such as letters and photographs is initially managed by the Engo office until both parties are ready for a meeting.

• Meetings are arranged and facilitated by Engo, regardless of where in South Africa they take place.

• During the meeting, cellphone numbers and addresses may be exchanged, provided both parties agree.

Throughout the entire process, emotional support is provided to all parties involved.

Adopted persons and biological parents of adopted children often have many unanswered questions and emotions following an adoption. Origins enquiries offer a structured and supportive process to address these questions and are strongly recommended for both adopted persons and biological parents.

Basic Information Required to Start the Process

• Full names, surnames, and ID numbers of the adoptive parents, OR

• Full names, surnames, and ID numbers of the biological parents (as recorded at the time of the adopted child’s birth).

This service is provided by the Engo office in Bloemfontein.

Enquiries may be directed to: willie@engo.co.za / magda@engo.co.za.