SOCIETAL PERCEPTION OF ILLEGAL CHILD ADOPTION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN ENUGU METROPOLIS SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
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Date
2018
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Department of Social Work
Abstract
Illegal child adoption is one of the contemporary issues that is affecting the Nigerian society. Several studies have been conducted on adoption especially in Nigeria; yet little is known regarding views of the public on illegal adoption especially in Enugu Metropolis, south-east, Nigeria. This study tends to fill this significant gap. Data collection was undertaken through focus group discussion (FGD). The participants for the study were adults who were 18 years and above resident in Enugu Metropolis (N = 60). The collected data were analyzed in themes. The study findings revealed that majority of the participants perceived illegal adoption with disdain; and an unholy act which is similar to human trafficking. However, factors such as economic hardship, lack of knowledge of the legal process of adoption and corruption amongst others are associated with illegal adoption. This study therefore recommended that Nigerian government should create more employment opportunities especially for young ladies and also to harmonize adoption laws that will put some control on the operation of some orphanage homes. Social workers also should take up a public enlightenment programmes to educate the public on legal processes of adoption in Nigeria.
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Keywords
Contemporary issues, Illegal child adoption, Metropolis, Societal perception, Social workers