What is Adoption

Adoption is the legal process by which children become members of adoptive families in situations where they are unable to be taken care of by birth parents or extended families.

The child is usually voluntarily placed for adoption by the birth parent/s and a new birth certificate is issued when the Adoption Order is made. The adopted child becomes a full member of the new family, taking their surname and assuming the same rights and privileges as a birth child, including the right of inheritance. However, most Australian-born children in adoptive families continue to have some contact with members of their original families.

There are currently very few Australian-born children placed for adoption.

Click here for a list of Adoption and Permanent Care Services in Victoria

Intercountry adoption is the legal process through which arrangements are made for children in overseas countries to become part of Australian families. The number of children available for intercountry adoption in Australia continues to decrease.

Click here for information on Intercountry Adoption

Click here to access the Hague Protocol on Intercountry Adoption

Click here to access the Australian Adoption Statistics