The AIHW collects annual statistics on all finalised adoptions in Australia. These data are provided by the state and territory departments responsible for adoptions, according to definitions and technical specifications agreed to by those departments and the AIHW.
The Adoptions Australia series presents the latest data each year on adoptions of children from Australia and overseas, and highlights important trends. It also includes information on the characteristics of adopted children, adoptive families and birth mothers, and access to information by parties to an adoption. See the latest version (Adoptions Australia 2011-12) or previous editions (Adoptions publications).
Each state and territory government in Australia has its own legislation, policies and practices regarding adoption. They are responsible for processing adoption applications and approving prospective adoptive parents. The Australian Government Attorney-General's Department has primary responsibility for managing Australia's intercountry adoption programs, and works closely with the state and territory governments to manage these programs.
For information on adopting a child, please contact the department responsible for adoption in your state or territory:
- NSW, Adoption and Permanent Care Services
- Victoria, Child Protection, Placement and Family Services
- Queensland, Adoption and Specialist Support Services
- WA, Fostering and Adoption Services
- SA, Families and young people services
- Tasmania, Adoption and Permanency Services
- ACT, Adoptions and Permanent Care Unit
- NT, Office of Children and Families, Adoption Unit
- Attorney General's Department, Marriage and Intercountry Adoption Branch
- Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)