Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran informed Parliament that over 400 children in Fiji are currently awaiting adoption, highlighting a troubling backlog in the processing of adoption cases across various agencies. As of October 2025, there are 184 pending adoption cases with the Department of Children, while the Legal Aid Commission has reported 273 pending files—212 from 2024 and 61 from this year.
Kiran remarked, “All in all, more than 400 children who could be placed in stable homes are being denied this opportunity,” emphasizing the urgent need for reform in the adoption process. In response to these challenges, she introduced the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2025, aimed at addressing the procedural and administrative hurdles that have hindered timely adoptions.
The Minister articulated that the bill’s urgency lies in providing clarity, consistency, and efficiency in adoption proceedings to ensure the child’s welfare remains the priority. Among the proposed changes, the first amendment to Section 18 seeks to clarify procedural requirements and define the roles of all agencies involved in adoption cases. This includes granting courts the authority to appoint guardians independently, a responsibility currently designated solely to the Director of Social Welfare.
Additionally, the second proposed change to Section 58 aims to enhance enforcement provisions and administrative transparency, introducing a new section that would empower the Chief Justice to issue rules governing pre-trial proceedings for adoption cases. Kiran stated, “These amendments are designed to address the current operational challenges and enable the full and effective implementation of the Adoption Act.”
The overarching goal of these reforms is to ensure that no child is left waiting unnecessarily for a safe and permanent home. The Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2025 is scheduled for debate in Parliament soon, promising a potential transformation in the adoption landscape that could bring hope to many children awaiting loving families.
These reforms resonate with broader efforts in Fiji addressing the welfare of vulnerable children. In recent discussions, Minister Lynda Tabuya outlined initiatives such as the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024, which prioritizes family preservation and emphasizes preventive measures to reduce the number of children requiring residential care. Together, these legislative efforts signify a collective commitment to nurturing children and enhancing their well-being within supportive family environments.
As stakeholders rally for these crucial changes, there is optimism that meaningful progress will pave the way for a brighter future for children in Fiji, providing them with the loving homes they deserve.