Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, recently addressed Parliament regarding a significant issue facing vulnerable children in Fiji: over 400 children are currently waiting for adoption. This situation underscores a troubling backlog in processing adoption cases across multiple agencies. As of October 2025, the Department of Children reported 184 pending adoption cases, while the Legal Aid Commission indicated 273 pending files, which include 212 cases from 2024 and 61 from the current year.
Kiran emphasized the need for urgent reforms in the adoption process, stating, “All in all, more than 400 children who could be placed in stable homes are being denied this opportunity.” To tackle these challenges, she introduced the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2025, designed to streamline the procedures and address administrative obstacles delaying adoptions.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance clarity, consistency, and efficiency in adoption proceedings to safeguard the welfare of children. A key change to Section 18 clarifies procedural requirements and defines the roles of all agencies involved in adoption cases, including granting courts the authority to appoint guardians independently, a power currently limited to the Director of Social Welfare.
Another significant proposal is the amendment to Section 58, which seeks to strengthen enforcement measures and increase administrative transparency. This amendment would empower the Chief Justice to set rules governing pre-trial proceedings for adoption cases. Kiran asserted that these reforms are intended to resolve current operational challenges and facilitate the comprehensive implementation of the Adoption Act.
The ultimate goal of the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2025 is to prevent children from waiting unnecessarily for a safe and permanent home. The bill is set to be debated in Parliament soon, signaling the potential for significant changes in the adoption landscape that may bring hope to numerous children yearning for loving families.
These legislative efforts align with broader initiatives in Fiji aimed at enhancing the welfare of vulnerable children. Minister Lynda Tabuya has previously outlined the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024, which focuses on family preservation and emphasizes preventive strategies to decrease the number of children needing residential care. Collectively, these initiatives reflect a strong commitment to nurturing children and fostering their well-being within supportive family units.
As stakeholders unite in support of these essential changes, there is hope that meaningful progress will be made, paving the way for a brighter future for children in Fiji and ensuring they find the loving homes they deserve.