The National Council of Justice (CNJ) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have been working together since 2020 to modernize the Brazilian Justice system through the Justice 4.0 Program. The innovative technology and tools developed through this partnership—including the improvements to the National Adoption and Foster System (SNA)—aim to make justice in Brazil more efficient, transparent, and accessible. This collaboration seeks to uphold rights, reduce discrimination, and promote equality. 

From Zero to Four Children

Nathalia Fernandes and Peter Leidens Domingues always envisioned having adopted children. Over nearly a decade together, the young 27-year-old couple from Rio Grande do Sul nurtured their dream of starting a family.

In 2021, they officially entered the adoption process. "When filling out our profile, we indicated we would consider up to three children, aged 0 to 5, from Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, or Paraná,” Peter explains, referring to three states in the South of Brazil. But their plans evolved when, already registered as eligible parents in the SNA in 2023, they accessed the active search function.

Active search, a feature added to the SNA through the Justice 4.0 Program, helps eligible parents connect with children and adolescents who have exhausted all adoption possibilities on municipal, state, national, and international levels. These “hard-to-place” profiles often include sibling groups, older children, or those with specific needs. Through active search, prospective parents can view profiles with photos, videos, and essential information about the children.

Nathalia was the one who found the children’s profile: four siblings from Rio de Janeiro, aged 1 to 8. "I showed Peter and said, ‘Look! This is very close to what we had in mind. How would you feel about adopting four kids?’”

The couple expressed interest the same day, and just five days later, they received the call. After speaking with the case’s psychologist and social worker, Nathalia and Peter packed their bags, preparing for the journey to meet the children. After spending a month in Rio de Janeiro with them, they received temporary custody and brought them home to Rio Grande do Sul.

Nearly a year and a half later, the family has settled into their new life together, eagerly awaiting the finalization of the adoption. Nathalia and Peter know each of their four children well and cherish each unique personality. “Ana Clara (9) is very bright, empathetic, and caring with everyone. Luís Miguel (6) is outgoing, funny, and already a fantastic gymnastics athlete. Gabriel (4) is incredibly smart, affectionate, determined, and a bit shy. And Maria Flor (2) is so sweet, smart, and strong-willed,” they say, smiling.

Looking back, Nathalia and Peter can’t imagine their lives without their children. “Without active search, we wouldn’t have found our kids,” Nathalia reflects, recalling how the children’s ages, number, and location were initially outside their criteria. “Active search opens people’s eyes to children they might otherwise never have considered. Seeing their little faces—our hearts were won over,” adds Peter.

From the Amazon to São Paulo

On the other side of the country, in the northern state of Amazonas, Natan, a young boy from the Tikuna indigenous group, spent his early years in a shelter in Manaus. Born with a congenital digestive condition, he also found a loving family thanks to the active search feature of the SNA. This time, the family included two mothers from São Paulo: Tamiris Machado da Costa and Natane Xavier de Oliveira.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first four months of bonding took place virtually, followed by an in-person visit to Manaus. Even as a baby, Natan immediately recognized his mothers. “When we first met Natan, we knew he was our son. I broke down in tears. He came to my arms, then to Tamiris’s. It was a perfect match—he was waiting for us,” recalls Natane.

After 30 days of bonding, Natan moved with his mothers to São Paulo. His medical needs continued; daily care includes managing an ostomy pouch to aid his digestive process. But these challenges haven’t hindered his adjustment to family life, school, and a new routine where he thrives with growing independence. Now, at nearly five years old, Natan is preparing for his 15th and possibly final surgery.

“Natan is incredibly resilient in everything he does. He’s a remarkable child—a true fighter. Doctors once doubted he’d walk, but he runs, jumps, and has even learned to write,” Tamiris proudly shares. Above all, Natan is loved, encouraged, and has a future full of possibilities.

Today, there are 1,431 children and teens available for active search in Brazil. Since this tool was added to the SNA in 2022, 917 children have been adopted through it. “Active search ensures that children who previously exhausted their chances for adoption have a new opportunity to find a loving, dedicated family. Hundreds of children and adolescents have been given a second chance—it's a significant number that demonstrates how innovation is reaching the population leaving no one behind,” says Andrea Bolzon, Program Specialist in Governance and Justice for Development at UNDP. Comprehensive data is available in the SNA Monitoring Panel, updated daily.