Factors influencing child placement in adoption practices in South Western Nigeria: in the best interest of the child?

Abstract

Article 3 of the United Nations on the Rights and Welfare of Children provides that in all matters concerning children, the consideration of the best interest of the child must be primary. Placement of children must therefore be child-centred. The increasing use of child adoption as a management strategy for infertility results into creating a wide gap between the demand for child adoption and the available adoptable children. This raises a concern over the management of adoption request, particularly in ensuring the best interest of the child throughout the process. Using qualitative methods of data collection, factors influencing child placement in Southwestern Nigeria were examined. Findings revealed that tax payment history, adoption charges, adopter's neighbourhood characteristics, adopters' preferences, and adopters' demeanour were requirements for placement decision. Although these factors were designed to enhance the best interest of the children, they at times produce dysfunctional consequences owing to its perversion. The study therefore makes a case for a more child-centred placement structure.