A CULTURALLY RELEVANT APPROACH TO ADOPTION Chriselda Bunu Naledi Mahlobogoane

INTRODUCTION In looking at a culturally relevant approach to adoption, motivation is key as it has implications on the acceptance of the adopted child, which in turn results in openness about Telling There are various factors (reasons/motives) that influence the choice of adoptive parents to adopt. For the purposes of this presentation I will look at the following factors – Belonging – Fertility – Family and Religious / ancestral beliefs – Inheritance & Lineage

INTRODUCTION (CONT) I will also briefly look at some of the challenges / barriers to the effective culturally relevant screening of adoptive parents In the past few years we have seen a change in the profile of the adoptive parents from White Middle class to a more diverse group of adoptive parents from different racial and socio economical backgrounds

INTRODUCTION (CONT) Tied in with this is the understanding of formal adoption amongst Black families. Informal adoption within families and communities has always been recognized and accepted, and as a result some people still struggle with the notion of being screened and going through a formal / legal process of adopting a child.

BELONGING Having children is often seen as a ‘ badge of honor ’ and a form of acceptance. People often feel that society looks down on them when they don ’ t have children and they are often not allowed to have an opinion or say Often adoptive parents do not feel complete when they don ’ t have children and feel they cannot have a say / contribute to decisions Having a child gives then ownership and creates a new identity and relationship with family and society at large. Suddenly they can make decisions and contribute to important meetings etc.

FERTILITY There is still stigma amongst Black men about infertility Fertility is often linked to male identity and masculinity and seen as a way of showing one ’ s manhood Fertility is also linked to a man ’ s ability to carry on the family name / blood line. Hence men will generally not want to admit to being infertile

FERTILITY (CONT) Some will choose to go as far as lying about their infertility or allow their spouses (women) to take on the full responsibility for infertility Men are often encouraged by family to take a second wife who can produce a child We need to acknowledge this stigma and find creative ways of addressing this as non-acceptance will have a negative impact on the child, as they may not be told of their adoption to maintain the cover up (lie)

FAMILY & RELIGIOUS/ ANCESTRAL BELIEFS The belief in God and /or ancestors plays an important role in most people ’ s lives. These beliefs can at times be linked to or associated with one ’ s infertility. Most people believe that a child is a gift from God / ancestors and as such failure to have children can be seen as punishment/ curse or an individual not doing things right (lack of faith)

FAMILY & RELIGIOUS/ ANCESTRAL BELIEFS (CONT) The acceptance of the adopted child is key especially where people believe in ancestors and their say / acceptance of a child from a different culture Families often have expectations of the wife producing children (especially where lobola has been paid The view of the family is very important as it will determine the acceptance of the adopted child.

INHERITANCE & LINEAGE Often in Black families a boy child is expected to inherit and lead the family. So parents with only girl children may find themselves needing to adopt a male heir The boy child will also be expected to carry on the family name and heritage, hence the importance of the child being accepted by the family/ ancestors as this will have an impact on the child when the adoptive parents die Practice of disinheriting the adoptee by family when adoptive parents die – ‘ they are not family ’

CHALLENGES / BARRIERS The Children Act No 38 of 2005 – low income / accomodation The assessment toold used for screening including (but not limited to) psychological and marital assessments are often not culturally sensitive/ relevant and often do not address some of the issues discussed above

CHALLENGES / BARRIERS (CONT) We need to develop tools that will be culturally relevant whilst ensuring that all information is gathered and no relevant information is missed Prejudice – both from professionals and adoptive parents As professionals we often hold personal views and prejudices of what makes a ‘ good parent /family ’ (income, accommodation & education) and can thus unwittingly discriminate against people who do not fit this mold

CHALLENGES / BARRIERS (CONT) Our pre-judgments have an impact on how we motivate and screen adoptive parents Similarly adoptive parents & often their families have prejudices / pre-judgments about other cultures / groups of people, and if these are not addressed may impact negatively on a child from that background when placed with such family

CHALLENGES / BARRIERS (CONT) It is important that in screening we are aware of our own pejudices as well as those of our adoptive parents Challenges with transrace adoption – we need to look deper into the extended family and their view of the adopted child and how the child will be accepted and intergrated into the whole family.

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