Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices

29 February 2012

View the report as a single document - (PDF 3264KB)

View the report as separate downloadable parts:

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Chapter 10 - A national framework: counselling and support services	(PDF 110KB)
Introduction Need for counselling and mental health support services Support services
Chapter 11 - Redress for former forced adoption policies and practices	(PDF 84KB)
Compensation Formal grievance and complaint mechanisms Legal avenues for redress
Chapter 12 - A national framework: access to information	(PDF 191KB)
Registering births Access to documentation and information management systems
Chapter 13 - Where to from here?	(PDF 36KB)
Public acknowledgement and awareness Intercountry adoption in Australia National Principles of Adoption Learning from the past
APPENDIX 1 - Submissions received by the committee	(PDF 99KB)

APPENDIX 2 - Public hearings	(PDF 33KB)

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)

For further information, contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Phone: +61 2 6277 3515

Fax: +61 2 6277 5829

Email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au

Phone:	+61 2 6277 3515
Fax:	+61 2 6277 5829
Email:	community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au