Thinking About Adoption?

Adoption is unique to each and every person, and no birth mother or adoptee is alike. It’s a time filled with joy and happiness for some, and great strength and struggle for others.

“LOVE RECOGNISES NO BARRIERS. IT JUMPS HURDLES, LEAPS FENCES, PENETRATES WALLS TO ARRIVE AT ITS DESTINATION FULL OF HOPE."

– MAYA ANGELOU

Adoption provides a family for a child who is unable to live with their birth parents.

There are hundreds of people waiting to adopt children in Australia, but very few children placed for adoption. This is partly because adoption has a negative reputation due to the way things were done some decades ago. However, adoption is very different now with birth parents and adoptive parents able to negotiate levels of contact and sharing of information.

Australia now practices open adoption, whereby children who are adopted grow up with an understanding that they have been adopted and, where possible, are supported to have a relationship with or knowledge of their family of origin and cultural heritage.

Many birth mothers negotiate and choose to what level they keep in touch with the adoptive family, access information, and even see their child after the adoption. Some birth mothers choose to have regular contact, while others prefer to have limited or no contact.

It is crucial that birth mothers fully understand their rights concerning adoption. A birth mother may remain undecided throughout her pregnancy about raising her child herself or relinquishing her child for adoption. In that case, she has plenty of time to make sense of her feelings and choose the right decision for her. The definitive decision to place her child up for adoption is not made until after birth. A birth mother may also consider placing her baby in pre-adoptive foster care. This is temporary and gives her more time to consider options.

If you're considering adoption, we understand that the decision you will make about your baby's future is important. We're here to help you make sense of all the information so that you can confidently and bravely pick the best option for you and your baby. You can search for a local pregnancy support service or call the 24/7 Helpline 1300 139 313 anytime.

Additional information;

Queensland

www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/adoption

New South Wales

http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/docs_menu/parents_carers_and_families/fostering_and_adoption/adoption.html

Australian Capital Territory

http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs/adoptions

Victoria

http://www.cyf.vic.gov.au/adoption‐permanent‐care/more‐resources/publications/considering‐adoption

Tasmania

http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/children/adoption/adoption_services

South Australia