PODCAST | A Journey of Separation: Why are these American families stranded in SA?

Right now, a handful of American citizens find themselves trapped within South Africa.

Due to uncertainty at the Department of Home Affairs over the citizenship of the five local children they have adopted, these families have waited in limbo for months.

The situation is so dire, the US Department of State has advised American adoption services to refrain from referring South African children to US families for now.

Parent24 caught up with Debbie Wybrow, a specialist children's rights lawyer at Wybrow-Oliver Attorneys who is championing their cause, so she could explain what has led to this situation, and why these families are unable to leave.

Further complicating the issue is the fact that several of the adopted children have special needs, and need specialist care. 

We also spoke to Chrissie Duncan, Lea Denlinger, Amanda Kick and Jen Rozema, four of the mothers who are currently waiting in limbo.

Listen to their stories here: 

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Read more:

No one is listening: Adoptive families trapped by South African home affairs

USA recommends that American adoption services refrain from referring South African children