Adoption

Adoption is one of a range of options used to provide care for children who cannot live with their birth families. It is the process whereby the legal relationship between a child and their biological parents is severed, and the legal rights of the child are as if he/ she had been born to the adoptive parents.

Adoptions Data

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 counting rules agreed to by those departments and the AIHW.

The Adoptions Australia series, published annually, presents the latest data on adoptions of children from Australia and overseas, and highlights important trends. Information is included on the characteristics of adopted children, adoptive families and birth mothers, and access to information by parties to an adoption. Adoptions Australia 2007-08 is the latest publication in this series. For previous editions, please follow the publications link to the left.

Adopting a Child

Each state and territory in Australia has its own legislation, policies and practices regarding adoption. The state and territory governments are responsible for processing adoption applications and assessing and approving prospective adoptive parents. The Australian Government Attorney-General's Department has primary responsibility for the management and establishment of Australia's intercountry adoption programs, and works closely with the state and territory governments in managing these programs.

For more information about the process of adopting a child, please contact the department responsible for adoption in your state or territory (see 'Children and youth links' to the left).

Last reviewed by September 2009