Catholic Women's League - Adoption Agency

The Catholic Women's League Adoption Society (CWLA) is one of South Africa's longest-standing adoption organisations, established in 1952. Despite the name, it is an entirely non-denominational organisation — open to all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds. For over 70 years, their qualified social workers have provided compassionate, professional guidance to birth mothers, prospective adoptive parents, adoptees, and families navigating the deeply personal journey of adoption.

For survivors of sexual violence or intimate partner violence who are pregnant and considering their options, CWLA offers a private, sensitive space to explore every possibility — without pressure, without judgement, and without any obligation to make a decision until you are ready.

What They Offer Survivors and Families

Counselling for Birth Mothers If you are pregnant as a result of rape or abuse, or are in any crisis pregnancy situation and considering adoption, CWLA's professional social workers offer counselling before and after your baby's birth — helping you explore all options and make the decision that is truly best for you and your baby. You will never be pressured. You will be heard.

Support Through Every Option CWLA helps you look honestly and carefully at all paths available to you — including keeping your baby, placing your baby in foster care, or choosing adoption. Whichever direction you go, they walk it with you.

Adoption Facilitation For babies and children who need a permanent home, CWLA facilitates adoption — both locally and internationally — matching children carefully with screened, prepared adoptive families. Every step follows the Children's Act and South African law.

Screening and Support for Prospective Adoptive Parents Families wanting to adopt are thoroughly assessed, educated, and prepared by CWLA's social workers — before and after placement. The process is intensive because the stakes are high: a child's entire future depends on the right match.

Post-Adoption Counselling Adoption is not a single event — it is a lifelong journey for birth mothers, adoptees, and adoptive families. CWLA provides ongoing counselling to anyone involved in an adoption who needs support at any stage of that journey.

Tracing and Identity Services for Adoptees Adult adoptees (18 and older with consent, 21 without) who want to know more about their birth parents or origins can access CWLA's tracing services. Social workers search for birth certificates, ID documents, and birth family information — and can help facilitate reunion where it is sought.

If you are in Johannesburg and facing a crisis pregnancy or have questions about adoption, contact CWLA directly via their website: www.cwladoptions.org.za. All enquiries are strictly confidential.