What is Adoption?

Adoption is a process through which the legal rights and responsibilities for a child are transferred from the child’s parents to the adoptive parents. In New South Wales, adoptions are made legally binding by the Supreme Court. Adoption is permanent and lasts for all of the child’s life.

Following an adoption, the child will become a legal member of the adoptive family and their adoptive parents will be able to make all of the parental decisions about the child’s upbringing. The child will be issued with a new (amended) birth certificate and can take and legally use the adoptive family’s last name. The child will have the same rights and responsibilities as any other child in the adoptive family.

Both parents must consent to the adoption of their child, however, there are some circumstances in which an adoption can proceed with only one parent’s consent, such as when the other parent is unable to be contacted despite considerable efforts.

The adoption process takes time and is not something that can be rushed.  Consent to adopt cannot be given until at least 30 days after a child’s birth. Pre-adoption counselling and registered counselling must first be completed and it is not uncommon for a child to be a few months old before they are adopted. Sometimes children can be cared for by a temporary foster carer for a period of time following their birth, to allow the birth parents time and space to consider their decision.

Parents will always have a biological and emotional connection to their child but after adoption, they stop being legally related to them. Although the legal relationship changes, it does not need to end a relationship or ongoing connection between the birth parent and child.

Adopted children are raised with an understanding of their past, and where possible, are encouraged to have a relationship with their biological family. Where appropriate, this involves ongoing regular contact with their birth family either in person or via phone or mail.  Children understand that they have two sets of parents and they have an awareness of their cultural background and family history.

Adopting a child is a major life decision and being linked with an Adoptions Counsellor provides you with the knowledge and support to consider what is right for you and your child. If you need support around adoption, you can speak to the team at Zoe’s Place, or alternatively another service like Catholic Care, or Family and Community Services.