Abstract

LUYT, Jean  and  SWARTZ, Leslie. Implementation of adoption in South Africa: perspectives from practitioners in the Western Cape. Social work (Stellenbosch. Online) [online]. 2022, vol.58, n.2, pp.174-190. ISSN 2312-7198.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15270/58-2-1041.

In South Africa adoption as a form of alternative care had decreased despite a supportive legal and policy environment. This qualitative exploratory study explored adoption policy implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four social workers and two magistrates implementing adoption in the Western Cape. Data were thematically analysed using Lipsky's theory of street-level bureaucracy. Results indicate significant problems in implementation, including lack of adoption services by the Department of Social Development (DSD) social workers; overuse of foster care; and difficulties in registration of the birth of abandoned babies and babies assumed to be foreign. Recommendations for practice are provided.

Keywords : adoption; alternative care; legal and policy framework; policy implementation; practitioners; street-level bureaucracy.

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