Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran provided a concerning report to Parliament today, revealing that more than 400 children in Fiji are currently awaiting adoption due to a significant backlog in case processing across various agencies. As of October 2025, 184 cases are pending with the Department of Children, while the Legal Aid Commission reported an additional 212 pending cases for 2024 and 61 more cases this year, totaling 273 pending files.
Ms. Kiran emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “All in all, more than 400 children who could be placed in stable homes are being denied this opportunity.” In response to the backlog and procedural challenges, she introduced the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to streamline the adoption process and resolve long-standing administrative issues.
During her speech in Parliament, Ms. Kiran pointed out that the proposed amendments are intended to clarify procedural requirements and better define the roles of all agencies involved in adoption cases. One of the key changes involves granting courts the authority to appoint accruing guardians, a responsibility currently held solely by the Director of Social Welfare.
The bill also seeks to enhance administrative transparency and strengthen enforcement provisions, introducing a new section that would empower the Chief Justice to issue rules governing pre-trial proceedings in adoption cases. Ms. Kiran asserted, “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 Bill is set to be debated in Parliament tomorrow, representing hope for a more efficient adoption system that could significantly change the lives of many children in need.
This proactive approach from the government reflects a commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children and a desire to expedite the adoption process, ultimately paving the way for brighter futures for those waiting for family care.
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