alternatives to adoption
If you feel you can't cope with a new baby or your child, adoption is not the only alternative. There are a lot of support options out there, many of which are provided by Community Services and our community partners.
For more details on any of these options, contact Adoption and Permanent Care Services on 02 8855 4900, email adoption@community.nsw.gov.au
help with raising the child yourself
Financial assistance, accommodation, parenting support, and day care services are available to help parents care for and raise their child.
If your child has special needs or a disability, you could also obtain disability support services and respite care. Some of these services are also available for other family members should they offer to care for your child.
See Centrelink’s support for parents or guardians.
temporary foster care
You could get temporary care for your child, usually with a foster family, while you sort out accommodation, financial or other difficulties.
During voluntary care arrangements you remain the child's guardian and can have access to your child. Temporary care is usually limited to several weeks to minimise the effect such a separation will have on your relationship with your child.
long-term foster care
If your child is in long-term foster care, you will lose legal guardianship and/or custody, but will still be your child’s legal parent.
Your child's birth certificate will not be changed.
You need to keep in mind that children often become emotionally attached to their foster family. There can be no guarantee the Court would return the child to your care when you are ready.
See our section for birth parents on foster care.
residential care
If your child has special needs and requires a high level of physical care, you could consider long-term residential care.
Residential care centres are usually staffed by registered nurses. They often have a waiting list and some require you to be in a private medical fund.
