CRC Article 21 · CEDAW Article 16

Adoption has strict safeguards

Adoption must consider family tracing, consent, culture and your best interests. You can ask for time and an independent lawyer.

How you can use it

1. 1Ask for an independent lawyer or advocate who is not making the adoption decision.
2. 2Say: “Please explain what adoption means, who decides, and whether my views are required.”
3. 3If you feel pressured, say so privately and ask for a review before anything is final.

What a violation looks like

Adoption goes ahead without explanation, consent, cultural safeguards or your views.

Words you can use

“Please explain adoption and give me time. I want an independent lawyer.”

If speaking is hard, write it, draw it, send a message, or ask a trusted adult to say it with you.