Forced adoption

About forced adoption

Forced adoption refers to the unethical and often illegal removal of babies from their mothers.  

The practice of forced adoption was widespread from the 1950s and 1970s. Young and unwed mothers had their babies taken. The babies were then placed with married couples.  

Forced adoption practices caused significant and ongoing harm to mothers. This is also the case for people who were adopted. Many still experience wide-ranging impacts and significant loss of their relationships.  

Australian Government action

National Apology for Forced Adoptions

The Australian Government delivered a formal apology to people affected by forced adoption practices. Former-Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the National Apology for Forced Adoptions(Opens in a new tab/window) in the Great Hall at Parliament House, Canberra, on 21 March 2013.

The National Apology for Forced Adoptions acknowledges the experiences of those affected by forced adoption. This practice created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering. The National Apology for Forced Adoptions parchment was unveiled on the first anniversary. It remains on display in the Members Hall of Parliament House.

A video and transcript of the speech is available on the Parliament of Australia website(Opens in a new tab/window).

The Senate report on the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices recommended the National Apology.

Read the Senate report on the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices(Opens in a new tab/window) to find out more about other research on forced adoption.

Australian Government initiatives

The Australian Government responded(Opens in a new tab/window) to the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry report. This followed the National Apology in March 2013.

The Government committed $11.5 million to help those affected by forced adoptions. This funding was provided over 4 years to 30 June 2017.

Funding of $5 million went to improve access to specialist support services. This included counselling and record tracing for those affected by forced adoption.

Funding of $5 million went towards:

• develop guidelines and training materials for mental health professionals. These help with treatment and care of those affected by forced adoption practices. The funding also included courses developed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS)(Opens in a new tab/window):
  • 8-hour online course(Opens in a new tab/window) - Mental health professionals completing this course can claim Continued Professional Development points
  • 1-hour overview course - ‘Understanding past forced adoption policies and practices(Opens in a new tab/window)
  • 2-hour course for general practitioners(Opens in a new tab/window) with guidance on delivering effective care.
• Increase mental health services to meet a possible ‘surge’ in demand after the National Apology for Forced Adoptions. This was through the former Access to Allied Psychological Services program. It also made clients affected by forced adoption a priority for these services. Primary Health Networks(Opens in a new tab/window) provides more information about accessing mental health services.

Funding of $1.5 million supported the National Archives of Australia Forced Adoptions History Project website(Opens in a new tab/window) and exhibition. This documented the experiences of those affected by forced adoption. It also helped to increase awareness and understanding in the community.