P a g e | 39 Further, there is a list of approximately 300 prospective adoptive parents in receiving nation States at any one time, waiting to adopt a Basotho child. If more international adoptions were processed each year by Lesotho, the number of parents wanting to adopt Basotho children would be likely to increase further. There is no doubt, given lengthy waiting lists in other countries for adoptive children, that if Lesotho had a greater supply of children, that demand would increase to at least meet it. Throughout a Commission of Inquiry into Adoptions in 2007, Lesotho suspended its inter-country adoptions until the findings were released in 2009. Overview of the adoptions system to ensure Hague Convention compliance coupled with Central Authority staff trainings have improved the standard of adoptions processing measurably. The authority being specialist in the area of adoptions now keeps better records and better assesses the suitability of prospective adoptive parents, on a more objective basis. 6.6 Abuse, neglect and exploitation of the child including the physical and psychological rehabilitation and social integration of the child (Article 16 and 27) Legislative As previously mentioned the Constitution of Lesotho protects all persons, including children, from abuse and degrading treatment. The CPW Act in section 23 states a child is in need of care and protection where they are at risk of or have been abused, neglected & exploited. Section 46 defines neglect as leaving a child without proper supervision and care. It is an offence punishable by community service. Section 15 protects a child's right to protection from exploitative child labour. The Penal Code at section 30 makes an offence of abuse where consent will be no defense. Administrative The Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) provides for detention of boys only under the age of eighteen(18) years where they have had custodial sentences imposed. They also provide rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law through provision of vocational and life skills. LCCU is a non-governmental organization which provides temporary shelter to Basotho children who are experiencing all types of abuse. Children are provided with psychosocial support in relation to the trauma suffered, so as to reintegrate them back into the community. Touch Roots Africa, church groups and JTC all offer limited amounts of psycho-social support.

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