Just over a year after they were abandoned by their mothers at the CWM Hospital, two one-year-olds are in homes with parents happy to adopt them.

This was confirmed by the permanent secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Josefa Koroivueta on Friday.

He said the two baby girls were adopted by caring families after the Fiji Sun highlighted the incident of the two new-born girls being abandoned after birth on August 24, 2016.

One of the girls was born on August 18, 2016, weighing three kilograms to a Fiji National University student, 29.

The  other, was born to a 34-year-old unemployed woman, on August 7, 2016, weighing 3.2 kilograms at birth.

Dr Koroivueta said both babies were now in the care of loving families.

“They have been given a new lease of life with interested couples screened and approved to be their new parents. This is in the best interest of the children,” Dr Koroiveta said.

“On the process of adoption, in cases such as these, prospective parents wishing to adopt will need to fill an Application to adopt form from the nearest Social Welfare office,” he said.

Requirements for adopting a child

The forms are self-explanatory and the requirements are as follows:

•  Marriage Certificate;
•  Police Clearance ;
•  Income Statement;
•  References; and
•  Passport sized photos of applicants.

The completed form has to be returned to the Social Welfare office in their area where a Divisional Panel will process their application.

Matching a child to the new family depends on their given preference and this is done at the headquarters. Applicants will be advised on the status of their application depending on the availability of a child.

The Ministry has also witnessed cases of teenage pregnancies, where unfortunately, young mothers think that life stops after prematurely having to become a mother.

“We, as the department responsible for children’s welfare are adamant in seeing that young mothers are encouraged to look beyond their circumstances as there’s always a better side of life,” he said.

“For young mothers who have difficulties providing holistic care to their children, the Ministry has a programme, known as the Care and Protection Allowance. Assessment and assistance is on a case by case basis.

“They need the support of parents and families so that they are given the support in their time of need. They need the support to pursue their dreams and develop them to their full potential. Guiding them can lift them to ensure that they can be self-reliant and live independently.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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