Children in need of care and protection Proof of paternity The births of orphaned and abandoned children must be registered by a social worker. Where a child is being registered by parents with different citizenship, or by an unmarried South African father, the father could be referred to the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) for DNA proof that he is the biological father of the child. Requirements - A DHA 24 form (notice of birth) The Children’s court order in terms of section 156 of the Children’s Act which finds the child to be in need of care and protection A certified copy of the social worker’s ID card or passport and visa Where available, a certified copy of the ID card / passport / visa or permit of the parents of the child. Where available, a certified copy of the death certificate of the parents of the child. The social workers’ report that was presented to the children’s court. DHA Circular 5 of 2014 requires DNA proof only when: ¯ ¯ The child’s parents are not married, AND One parent is South African and the other is non-South African. DNA proof is required in practice when an unmarried father registers the birth of the child without the mother present, because she is deceased, unwilling or unavailable to attend to the registration. DNA testing costs R750 per person being tested, amounting to at least R1500. If a father cannot afford to pay for the test, he may approach a Children’s Court to apply for one of the following: An order recognising him as the father of the child (a paternity order in terms of section 26 of the Children’s Act (38 of 2005). An order recognising that he has parental rights and responsibilities in terms of section 21 of the Children’s Act. 12 HOW TO GET DOCUMENTED HOW TO GET DOCUMENTED 13