adopting locally
DoCS is the government department responsible for the provision of adoption services in NSW. We work with birth parents who are considering adoption for their child and families who wish to adopt.
We are responsible for locating the most suitable families for adopted children to ensure the best interests of the child both in childhood and later life.
adoption of children under two years of age
Only around 15-25 babies (children under two) are adopted through DoCS each year, so only a small number of couples are included in the local adoption pool of approved applicants.
who can adopt children under two?
There are some standard criteria (See Thinking about adoption) which we consider for every type of adoption. However, adoption of a local baby has some additional criteria:
- birth parents are involved in the selection of adoptive parents for their child. They usually request placement with a mother and a father, so it's unlikely that single people or same sex couples would be selected for placement
- although infertility is not a requirement, couples presently pursuing fertility treatment will need to complete treatment prior to consideration.
adopting an older child (two-12)
Only a few children are referred to our older child program for placement each year.
Some of the children will be under the parental responsibility of the Minister for Community Services and will need long term foster care rather than adoption.
The children may range in age from two to 12 years.
who can adopt children over two?
Some of the children will have come into our care only recently, at their birth parents’ request, and others may have been in care for several years, and have experienced several foster care placements.
Previous experience with children, either through work or community settings or direct parenting experience is a definite advantage as these children's needs can be challenging.
the adoption process
The process of adoption varies according to the child and placement program – see Thinking about adoption (PDF).
other agencies
There are a number of accredited adoption agencies who also provide adoption services in NSW.
Centacare Adoption Services
ph: 02 8709 9333
Anglicare Adoption Services
ph: 02 9890 6855
Barnardos Australia Adoptions
Adoption of children over two years
ph: 02 9281 5510
You may express interest with a number of agencies or programs, but you can only have an application with one program at one time.
support
Adoptive Parents Association of NSW
P.O. Box 629
Top Ryde 1680
ph: 02 9837 6760
email: apansw@gmail.com
The Adoptive Parents Association of NSW is a support group for couples and families in the NSW local adoption process.
Also see support organisations or support & counselling numbers.
