Interracial and intercultural adoption

The best interests of the child are paramount in every matter concerning the child. This applies in the case of adoption of a child as well, and when the adoption is intercultural, culture has to be taken into account. This study is undertaken to consider the role that culture should play in a decision whether an adoption is in the best interests of the child. Interracial adoption also needs to be focused on, as intercultural adoption is often also interracial. The research for this work is done from a South African legal perspective, although some interdisciplinary and international research (New Zealand and Botswana) is undertaken as well. This work should provide some guidance to those involved in the adoption process with regard to the factors that are important in determining the best interests of the child in an intercultural adoption.