Adoption process in Nigeria

What is Adoption?

A: Adoption is a  legal of placing a child permanently with a parent or parents other than the biological parents. In this process, the parental right of the birth parents are permanently terminated. By adoption, the adoptive parent then assume full legal responsibility for the child. The child thereafter gains the same legal rights as a  child born to the adoptive parents.

Adoption means that the relationship between the child and parent is legal and irrevocable by both parties. It makes it a crime for the adoptive parents to abandon the child.It also  gives the adoptive parents the legal right to make decisions that influences the child’s destiny, example: the religion of the child, what school to attend, an the modes of discipline that will be used.

A great deal of paperwork is usually involved in adoption. It is an unchanging agreement, Just like a parent-child relationship. However, for most families, adoption is ultimately an act of love and the desire to enrich their family and the life of the child who becomes a part of that family.

Q: What is the process of adoption in Lagos State?

A: Any prospective adopter must apply to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Adoption Unit in Block 18 at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Some guidelines are:

Submission of a formal letter of request to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development;

Prospective parents Interview with Director Social Welfare!/Representative

Collection of Letter of Approval to search for an adoptable child in government approved homes; Payment of prescribed fees;

Complete appropriate forms and obtain list of requirements; Administrative processes/ screening Session;

Mandatory Pre-Counselling Session (on appointments);

Panel Session;

Post Counselling (Proper Parenting);

Result;

Collection of the child from Registered Orphanage;

Legalization at the family court after three months.

 

Q: How much does the adoption process cost?

A: The ministry charges a certain amount for administrative purposes. The ministry explains that the fee is purely administrative.

Q: What are the types of adoption available?

A: (i)Local Adoption: In local adoption, the adopter must reside in the state and with evidence of tax payment.

(ii) Inter-country Adoption: this is adoption between Nigeria and foreign nationals as well as Nigerians in the diaspora.

Q. How long will it take?

A lot of patience is required for this process and it depends on the circumstances of the particular case.

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