| MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE |
(PDF 94KB) |
| |
| Recommendations |
(PDF 30KB) |
| |
| Chapter 1 - Introduction |
(PDF 260KB) |
The language of adoption
The scope of this inquiry
Adoption in Australia
Previous relevant inquiries
Other current inquiries into adoption
Examination of records by this committee
Evidence given by submitters
Acknowledgements
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| Chapter 2 - Attitudes towards adoption |
(PDF 70KB) |
Early twentieth century: adoption as an alternative to institutionalisation
Post-war period: clean break theory
Post-war period: adoption practices
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| Chapter 3 - The experience of forced adoption |
(PDF 243KB) |
Introduction
Mothers' experiences of pregnancy in maternity homes
Mothers' experiences of pregnancy at home and in the community
Mothers' experiences of birth and hospitals
Consent
Conclusion
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| Chapter 4 - Effects of forced adoption |
(PDF 139KB) |
Introduction
The experience of adopted people
Ongoing effects on mothers
Conclusion
|
| Chapter 5 - Commonwealth role: social security and benefits system |
(PDF 119KB) |
Introduction
Commonwealth constitutional head of power (s 51(xxiiiA))
Commonwealth social security legislation
Availability of information on Commonwealth social security benefits
Analysis of the benefits available
|
| Chapter 6 - Commonwealth role: development of model legislation |
(PDF 165KB) |
Introduction
Initial adoption legislation in Australia
Model adoption legislation
Commonwealth role
Conclusion
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| Chapter 7 - Model adoption legislation: social welfare considerations |
(PDF 211KB) |
Introduction
Preparation for the initial meeting of child welfare officers
Child Welfare Ministers' goals for model adoption legislation
Public debate about adoption law reform
1960s adoption legislation
Consent provisions
Adoptive parents
Private adoption agencies
Record keeping and privacy
Offences and penalties
Discussion
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| Chapter 8 - The need for a national framework |
(PDF 88KB) |
Introduction
Changes to adoption across Australia
Why a national framework?
Suggested content of a national framework
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| Chapter 9 - A national framework: apologising for past wrongs |
(PDF 133KB) |
The need for an apology
What constitutes an effective apology
Apologies to date
What should be apologised for?
Taking responsibility
Reparation through concrete measures
Conclusion
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| Chapter 10 - A national framework: counselling and support services |
(PDF 110KB) |
Introduction
Need for counselling and mental health support services
Support services
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| Chapter 11 - Redress for former forced adoption policies and practices |
(PDF 84KB) |
Compensation
Formal grievance and complaint mechanisms
Legal avenues for redress
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| Chapter 12 - A national framework: access to information |
(PDF 191KB) |
Registering births
Access to documentation and information management systems
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| Chapter 13 - Where to from here? |
(PDF 36KB) |
Public acknowledgement and awareness
Intercountry adoption in Australia
National Principles of Adoption
Learning from the past
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| APPENDIX 1 - Submissions received by the committee |
(PDF 99KB) |
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| APPENDIX 2 - Public hearings |
(PDF 33KB) |
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| APPENDIX 3 - Additional information, correspondence and answers to questions taken on notice received and published by the committee |
(PDF 35KB) |
Additional information
Correspondence
Answers to Questions on Notice
|
| APPENDIX 4 - Australian adoption statistics 1950–2010 |
(PDF 134KB) |
