Local Adoption

A few things you need to know about Local Adoption in Australia.

Yes, contrary to what you all believe, 'local adoption' fortunately does still exist; providing a real opportunity for those wanting to have a family yet face obstacles that prevent them having biological children.

Please place your votes on the home page - How many babies do you think are adopted Australia wide each year? I will post the answer once the poll has closed.  Thanks

I honestly thought there would be more interest as to how many local babies are actually adopted within our own country.  For all those that are interested here is the magic figure based on 2008/09 local adoptions Australia wide - 68 adoptions with both NSW and Qld having the highest number at 20 a piece, (this figure does not include known or intercountry adoptions).  So if you are thinking adoption, then you could be one of 68 couples who are lucky enough to strike it as parents - we did!

27 September 2010 - I found the following info. on a search and thought it would be helpful for those living in the southern region of Melbourne considering adoption.  Read on! 

Connections Adoption Program

Connections Adoption Program facilitates stable and secure family lives for children who cannot live with their own family for various reasons.  For further enquiries contact: Permanent Care & Adoption Programs on: foreverfamily@connections.org.au

People who can access the service:

• Parents who may be considering relinquishing their child for adoption.

Children placed by our Adoption Program are usually aged from two months to one year. Children with special needs, such as those with disabilities, are also placed for adoption.
Couples or families who wish to adopt a child and live in the southern region of Melbourne.
How the Adoption Program works:
This program provides relinquishment counselling to parents who may be considering the adoption of their child. People may access counselling at any stage of a pregnancy and from birth onwards. Relinquishment counselling involves discussion of all the options available, from parents caring for the child to adoption.
Children placed by Connections Adoption Program are usually aged from two months to one year. However, the program also places older children with special needs for adoption.
Connections recruits, trains and assesses prospective couples or families from the southern region who wish to adopt a child. Approved applicants are committed to supporting ongoing contact between the child and their family of origin where required. Once approved, the applicants are considered for links with children requiring placement.
Where possible, birth parents are also involved in the selection of caregivers for their child. Following placement of the child with an approved applicant, Connections provides ongoing support and assistance to these adoptive families.