National Research Study on the Service Response to Past Adoption Experiences
About this study
The purpose of this research is to understand the current needs of people affected by past adoption experiences, particularly the closed adoption processes in place until the 1980s.
Input has been sought from people who were involved in any way, such as:
- People who have been separated from a child by adoption;
- People who were adopted;
- Adoptive parents;
- Any other family members (including other children, spouses and grandparents); and
- Professionals servicing current needs of people affected by adoption (e.g., counselors, psychologists, etc).
The surveys are now closed. Thank you to the individuals who completed the survey.
What period does the study cover?
The researchers are seeking to compile a complete picture of adoption experiences, from the times of closed adoption, to get a reliable understanding of the current needs for support and services.
This research is focused on the period of closed adoption in Australia and its effects. Closed adoption is where an adopted child’s birth certificate was sealed and an amended birth certificate issued that established the child's adopted identity and relationship with their new adopted family. This practice changed gradually across Australia through the late 1970s, 80s and 90s.
This includes people subjected to unauthorised separation from their child, which then resulted in adoption (often referred to as forced adoption).
The study will help to identify the current service needs resulting from people’s experiences of this time. It will also examine the types of services and support that individuals may have previously sought.
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.