Child Welfare Durban and District (CWDD) provides specialised, legally compliant adoption services that focus on securing permanent, loving families for children who are unable to remain in their biological families. Adoption is a legally recognised process through which parental rights and responsibilities are transferred to adoptive parents, ensuring long-term stability, care, and belonging for the child.

CWDD has offered adoption services since its inception and is accredited by the Department of Social Development to facilitate local, national, and inter-country adoptions. The Adoption Unit is one of the largest NGO-based adoption services in South Africa and is recognised both nationally and internationally for its ethical practice and child-centred approach.

All adoption services are guided by the principle that the best interests of the child are paramount. CWDD operates in strict compliance with South African legislation and internationally recognised protocols, including the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoptions (1993). These frameworks ensure ethical decision-making, prevent child trafficking and exploitation, and promote cooperation and safeguards between countries involved in inter-country adoptions.

CWDD’s Adoption Team provides comprehensive support throughout the adoption journey, including:

• Guidance and preparation for prospective adoptive parents

• Screening and assessment to ensure suitability and readiness

• Careful matching and placement of children with families

• Post-placement support, monitoring, and guidance to promote stability

In addition to adoption placements, CWDD plays a critical role in crisis care. Children identified by the Children’s Court as being in need of immediate protection are placed with screened and trained Crisis Parents who provide temporary safe care while legal and statutory processes are finalised.

CWDD also supports searching requests from adoptees and adoptive parents seeking information about birth families and adoption history. These services recognise the importance of identity, heritage, and connection, and are handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect.

Through its adoption services, CWDD has facilitated many successful and inspiring family placements, including for children with special needs. Each adoption represents a life-changing opportunity — transforming vulnerability into belonging and ensuring that children grow up in environments where they are loved, protected, and valued.