LEGAL AND PRACTICAL CHALLENGES OF LATE ADOPTION

Abstract

Late adoption, defined as the adoption of children and adolescents over the age of three, is a complex and challenging reality in Brazil. This study proposes an analysis of the legal and social obstacles that hinder this process, seeking to understand the challenges faced by both adopters and adoptees. The research focuses on investigating the legal and social obstacles that hinder late adoption, proposing measures and public policies that effectively guarantee the right to family and community life. The relevance of the topic is highlighted by the vulnerability and lower chances of adoption faced by children and adolescents in this age group. The study aims to analyze the legal barriers, identify gaps in current legislation and investigate the stigmas and social prejudices associated with late adoption. The methodology adopted was qualitative, including bibliographic review and documentary analysis, with the search for specific data sources on the research object, such as scientific articles, books, laws and official websites of the Brazilian Government. It was possible to understand that, in the Brazilian context, the institution of adoption has evolved significantly since its establishment in the Civil Code of 1916. However, the research shows that late adoption in Brazil still faces a series of challenges, ranging from procedural delays to prejudice and lack of resources. Furthermore, from the analyses it was possible to conclude that with the collaboration of several entities and the promotion of programs such as family foster care, it is possible to create a more favorable environment for late adoption. The aim of this work is to contribute to the academic and technical debate about measures that can minimize the obstacles that still hinder late adoption in Brazil, and thus cooperate in guaranteeing the rights of thousands of children and adolescents in this country.