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Abstract
This article investigates the colonialist definitions of the terms “orphan” and “adoption”, contrasting them with how the traditional practice of child circulation in Fiji cared for orphaned children. I examine whether the terms “orphan”, “adoption” or “informal adoption” are equal to (or even appropriate) when describing child circulation practices in Fiji, and whether these terms and practice have had an effect on the status of the child with these labels within their own community.
This presentation was given at the Alternative Care Workshop in Bangkok in November 2005. It provides an overview of the situation of children without parental care, or primary caregivers, in Fiji and the child welfare system in the country.