The key focus of the study is to improve knowledge about the extent and effects of past adoption practices, and to strengthen the evidence available to governments to address the current needs of individuals affected by past adoption practices, including information, counselling, search and contact services, and other supports. The practices in Australia around the...

Among other recommendations, this paper argues that the Commonwealth should take the earliest opportunity to apologise publicly to those affected by former forced adoption policies and practices. On 15 November 2010, the Senate referred to the Community Affairs References Committee an inquiry into former forced adoption policies and practices. The motion covered more than just...

This Facts Sheet provides a summary of the ways in which adoption currently operates, past adoption practices, and the potential impacts adoption has on those involved. There are three types of adoption currently operating in Australia: Intercountry adoptions are of children from other countries who are usually unknown to the adoptive parent(s). Since 1999-2000, most...

In Australia, adoption is one of a range of options used to provide permanent care for children who are unable to live with their birth families. This report presents the latest data on adoptions by Australians of Australian children and children from overseas in 2010–11. It also highlights important national trends in adoptions. Key findings...

Understanding the grief, loss and ongoing trauma associated with past practices is essential to be able to provide appropriate services to meet the needs of those affected. As past adoption practices cannot be 'undone', one of the steps in the journey for both mothers and children given up for adoption is the choice around reunion...