In Nigeria, fostering is often a precursor to adoption or a temporary solution for children in need of care due to the incapacity or absence of biological parents. This affidavit acts as a sworn record of the foster parent's commitment to the arrangement.
Fostering vs. Adoption
It is important to distinguish this from adoption. Adoption is a permanent legal severance of ties with biological parents and the creation of new parental rights, usually sealed by a court order. Fostering is generally temporary or custodial without altering the child's surname or inheritance rights automatically. This affidavit is often used during the probationary period required by state Social Welfare departments before a full adoption is granted, or for long-term informal care arrangements.
Legal Requirements
Under the Child Rights Act and various state laws in Nigeria, the welfare of the child is paramount. While this affidavit is a personal declaration, it is usually supported by approvals from the State Ministry of Gender Affairs or Social Development. The affidavit must state the name of the child, the circumstances leading to the fostering, and the foster parent's undertaking to provide shelter, education, and moral guidance. It effectively makes the foster parent the liable party for the child's actions and well-being during the fostering period.