Known child adoptions refer to adoptions of children who were born or permanently residing in Australia before the adoptions, who have a pre-existing relationship with the adoptive parent(s) and who are generally not able to be adopted by anyone other than the adoptive parent(s). Known child adoptions include adoptions by step-parents, other relatives, and carers. The diagram below presents a simplified overview of the known child adoption process for step-parent and relative adoptions (Figure 3) and carer adoptions (Figure 4).

Note: The number and order of the steps may vary between jurisdictions.

Note: The number and order of the steps may vary between jurisdictions.
Known child adoptions are administered and/or recorded by the department responsible for adoption in each state and territory. The aim of this type of adoption is to provide the child with a clear legal position, status, and stability within the family arrangement. In some circumstances, the adoption may be finalised after the adoptee is legally considered an adult. The majority of known child adoptions are by step-parents adopting their partner’s children, or by long-term carers, such as foster parents, of children placed in their care.
Adoptions by relatives other than step-parents are less common. This is because most states and territories have policies that promote the use of parental responsibility orders rather than adoption when a child is to be permanently cared for by another relative, such as permanent care and guardianship/custody orders. Known child adoptions by people who are not carers or relatives, such as by commissioning (surrogate) parents, are uncommon in Australia.