Permanent Alternative Families: The Permanent Alternative Families, and Specialist Alternative Families,
were considered to be the final option, when reunification of child and birth parent was considered to
be impossible. These specially selected families (see below) would effectively become adoptive parents to
the child. Importantly, selection criteria was especially strict—a break from the traditional practice of prospective
adopters visiting Maygoma orphanage and simply choosing a child.
Identification and selection of Emergency and Permanent Alternative Families
EAFs would be selected after close assessment by social workers of the home environment, and interviews
with the family concerned. Many were identified by previous contacts with statutory authorities as being
well-placed to provide short-term care for children.