National Research Study on the Service Response to Past Adoption Experiences
National Apology for Forced Adoptions
On Thursday 21 March 2013, the Prime Minister of Australia delivered the National Apology for Forced Adoption. The government announced $5 million to improve access to specialist support and records tracing for those affected by forced adoptions (working with the states and territories to improve these services) and $5 million so that mental health professionals can better assist in caring for those affected by forced adoption. The National Archives will also be given $1.5 million to record the experiences of those affected by forced adoption through a special exhibition. Services to assist with tracing--and connecting with-- family; and responding to the mental health needs of those affected by the trauma of past adoption experiences were key themes that emerged from respondents to the AIFS 2012 report of the National research study on the service response to past adoption experiences.
For more information about the Apology, see:
Transcript of the Prime Minister's speech
Background
In late 2009, the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) commissioned the Australian Institute of Family Studies to write a review of the research literature on past adoption practices in Australia Impact of past adoption practices: Summary of key issues from Australian research.
As a result of this review, in 2011 FaHCSIA commissioned the Institute to conduct a research study to build on the existing research and evidence about the extent and impact of past adoption experiences.
Study design
The aim of the National Research Study on the Service Response to Past Adoption Experiences was to strengthen the evidence available to governments to address the current service needs of individuals affected by past adoption practices, including the need for information, counselling and reunion services.
The study targeted a wide group of those affected by past practices, including mothers, fathers, adoptees, adoptive parents (and wider family members), as well as professionals currently working with affected individuals.
The study involved large-scale surveys and qualitative studies of persons affected by past adoption practices. Over 1500 people responded to the surveys and many also took part in focus group discussions. We are very grateful to the individuals who participated.
Study results
The Past Adoption Experiences: National Research Study on the Service Response to Past Adoption Practices was published on 17 August 2012.
The key needs identified by the study included:
- acknowledgement, recognition and increased community awareness of and education about past adoption practices and their subsequent effects;
- specialised workforce training and development for health and welfare professionals to appropriately respond to the needs of those affected;
- review of the current search and contact service systems, with a commitment to develop improved service models;
- improved access to information through the joining of state and territory databases, governed by a single statutory body;
- improved access to and assistance with costs for mental, behavioural and physical health services; and
- ensuring that lessons from past practices are learned from and translated where appropriate into current child welfare policies, and that adoption-specific services are created or enhanced to respond to the consequences of past practices.
Further information
Read more about the National Research Study on the Service Response to Past Adoption Experiences
A media backgounder Reporting on adoption is available. It is intended for journalists, news commentators and other media presenters including bloggers.
Read the AIFS Facts Sheet Past and present adoptions in Australia
Read about the Senate Inquiry into the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices and the committee's final report
10th Australian Adoption Conference, October 2012
Read about the History of Adoption Project being conducted by Monash University