This study explored the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the practice of cross-racial adoption (CRA) in East London, South Africa. Method: A qualitative research design was used. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus group discussions from 23 participants. The data were analyzed qualitatively, using thematic analysis. Results: The results show that there are mixed perceptions among the participants, with White participants more likely than participants of other racial groups to support the practice of the CRA. The findings also revealed that the practice of CRA is a controversial, yet an increasing phenomenon in which most Black children are being adopted by White parents. Conclusion: It is concluded that although the practice of CRA is an acceptable form of custody of children in need of care and protection, it is still an area that requires more attention from scholars and researchers. Pertinent recommendations have been made to various stakeholders. Keywords adoption, cross-racial adoption, child in need of care and protection, children's rights, parental care, adoptive parents

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Globally, regionally, nationally and locally, foster care placement remains a practice that is mired in controversy and complexity, specifically with regards to its implication upon the total wellbeing of the child and the effectiveness of such placement in meeting the best interest of the child. South Africa is regarded as the leading nation with the premier dominance of children in need of care and protection in Southern Africa and is regarded as a guru in championing and promoting child custody within foster care placements. Accordingly, this paper through a systematic review of literature pitted the perfidy and panacea of foster care against the best interest of the child in South Africa. The paper also recommends the child welfare system to contemplate promoting and advising immediate families to take the responsibility of caring and protecting those children in need of care and protection. Likewise, the paper also indorses the need to support and monitor the functioning of non-relative foster care placements so that they adhere to the requirements on the best interest of the child.