Client Profile
- Primary Client: Adult female (mother), early–mid 30s
- Secondary Client: Female child, 17 years old
- Family Composition: Mother is married, two younger children, 17-year-old resides with paternal family
Background
The client was referred to BYL Solutions seeking assistance with her 17-year-old daughter’s identity documentation. Shortly after the child’s birth, the mother entrusted the child to the paternal family due to personal and socio-economic challenges. The child was primarily raised by her paternal grandmother, who assumed the role of primary caregiver.
At birth, the mother lacked a valid South African ID and registered herself under another person’s name to access maternity services. Consequently, the child’s birth was recorded under incorrect maternal details. Over the years, the grandmother also changed the child’s surname for daily use and when accessing health services, creating discrepancies between official records and clinic documents.
Presenting Problem
As the child reached adolescence, the absence of a birth certificate and inconsistent surnames created barriers to accessing:
- A South African ID
- School registrations and post-school opportunities
- Social and health services
This discrepancy raised significant concerns around legal recognition and identity verification.
BYL Intervention
- Verification of Birth Records: Contacted the hospital to confirm the child’s birth details.
- Assessment of Family Dynamics: Reviewed relationships and caregiving arrangements.
- Guidance and Advocacy: Provided the mother with steps to rectify the child’s documentation, including Late Registration of Birth (LRB), affidavits, and possible DNA testing.
Psychosocial Considerations
- The child experienced emotional distress and anxiety about her legal identity and future opportunities.
- The mother expressed remorse for past decisions and concern for the child’s wellbeing.
Challenges Identified
- Incorrect maternal identity used at birth registration
- Unauthorized surname change by caregiver
- Delayed intervention due to lack of awareness
- Legal and administrative delays
- Emotional impact on the child’s sense of identity
Conclusion
Undocumented births and informal caregiving arrangements can have long-term consequences. Coordinated interventions between families, healthcare institutions, and Home Affairs are critical to restore legal identity and ensure access to essential services.
Recommendations
- Proceed with Late Registration of Birth through Home Affairs
- Obtain sworn affidavits from mother, paternal grandmother, and hospital representative if required
- Align all records under one verified surname
- Provide ongoing psychosocial support to the child
- Educate the family on the importance of legal documentation for children