considering adoption for your child
There are all sorts of reasons parents consider making an adoption decision for their child. Often, this decision is made during a very emotional and difficult time. You should always discuss your thoughts with a qualified and experienced worker (contact DoCS’ Adoption and Permanent Care Services on 02 9716 3003 or email adoption@community.nsw.gov.au).
alternatives
If you feel you can't cope with a new baby or your child, adoption is not the only alternative. There are many other alternatives which allow you to keep your child by providing you with support and help – see alternatives to adoption.
illegal adoptions
It is illegal to arrange private placements for your baby.
All adoption placements must be arranged by an approved adoption agency or by DoCS, who can make full enquiries about the prospective adoptive parents.
All adoptions must be agreed to by the Supreme Court.
process of adoption
Find out what happens during the adoption process, and what you need to do.
get advice
Even if you're only considering adoption as one of several options open to you, it's a good idea to get informed advice and counselling as soon as possible.
There may be a social worker at the hospital where you plan to have your baby or where your baby was born who can discuss adoption and other options available to you. If your child has special needs, your disability worker can also assist you.
You may choose to have contact with a DoCS adoption worker. All aspects of adoption and the processes will be explained to you before you make up your mind. Adoption workers can refer you to a range of written information about adoption, and put you in touch with other women who have experience of adoption.
Although preparations for the adoption can begin before your child is born, nothing will be definitely arranged until after the birth. You'll be completely free to change your mind.
temporary arrangements
If you feel you are unable to care for your child while you are thinking about adoption, you could sign a Temporary Care Agreement which allows a foster parent to care temporarily for your child. Ask your adoption worker, health or social worker.
You will be able to stay in contact with your child while they are in temporary foster care.
take some time
If your child is newborn, you can't give your consent to the adoption until at least thirty days have elapsed from the birth of your baby.
During that time, you must receive a Mandatory Information pack which fully explains adoption and the alternatives to adoption. You must also be seen by a Registered Counsellor before you can give a consent to adoption of your child. This is to make sure you are fully aware of what adoption means for you and your child before you give consent.
If you're considering adoption because your baby has been born with a disability, you will need time to cope with the shock and feelings of loss most people experience in this situation before deciding whether or not you can manage your child's special needs. To give you time to recover, your consent may not be taken for two to three months after the child's birth.
If you're under 18 or an Aboriginal parent, we can provide more advice. Talk to your worker about this or contact DoCS’ Adoption and Permanent Care Services on 02 9716 3003 or adoption@community.nsw.gov.au.
older children
Each year a number of parents ask for their older baby or child to be adopted. This is a very difficult and painful decision and it is only taken when a parent has had great difficulty in providing their child with the kind of family life they need. Children moving into adoption at an older age need careful preparation and specialist workers are available to assist you.
