Adoption, the principle of subsidiarity and the child's right to continuity: The case of South Africa.

Project summary

In Norway and several other European, adoption, not least intercountry adoption, has been a controversial issue and recently several countries, includ Norwayh, have established committees to investigate intercountry adoption practice. The debate is heated and highly polarised, although research on these matters are scarce. We lack knowledge on outcomes (e.g. multiple identity development, wellbeing, racism etc.) for adoptees in Norway, as well as on adoption systems and procedures in countries that Norwegian adoption agencies collaborate with. For instance, Norwegian authorities (Bufdir) have raised concerns related to South African adoption practices on subsidiarity. This qualitative project will address this concern by examining adoption, the principle of subsidiarity and continuity through the perspectives of social workers and temporary safety care mothers in South Africa. We use focus groups discussions and individual interviews to explore their views and experiences.