Australian Adoption System
Why Australian Adoption Deserves a Spotlight
Families are diverse and come in many shapes and sizes. For many Australians, adoption is a way to provide a safe, loving home for children in need. The adoption process is not as effective as it could be because of significant systemic barriers, such as red tape, inconsistencies between jurisdictions, and delays. What is the outcome? The outcome?
Deborra Lee Furness, an Australian actor and adoption activist, has been raising the alarm for years. She’s working with organizations such as Adopt Change and movements like My Forever Family NSW to overhaul adoption and foster care systems so that every child can grow secure, connected, and loved.
This blog examines the adoption of out-of-home care in Australia. It also explores the real-world obstacles in the U.S., as well as abroad. The philosophy behind open adoption is explored, along with alternatives such as restoring contact to birth families. It also highlights Change, a national initiative that drives reforms for better outcomes.
1. Adoption and the State of Adoption in Australia
Australia has more than 40,000 children living in out-of-home care. More than 32,000 of these children have been in this arrangement for two years. This is a staggering number that highlights the instability in young lives. In 2017, only 315 adoptions were finalized (both domestically and internationally). This is a 13% increase from 2016. However, it still represents a small number compared to how many children are in need.

These aren’t simply statistics. These are Australian children who have to deal with anxiety, grief, and uncertainty due to the dislocation of their families. They also need and deserve a sense of belonging and permanence.
Why Are There So Few Adoptions
Policies that are rigid and fragmented
Australia does not have a national policy on adoption. Each state has its own set of regulations. The inconsistencies between regions, especially when it comes to age restrictions, financial requirements, and local or interstate adoption, create confusion for prospective adoptive parents.
Long and costly licensing processes
The following factors can cause delays for potential parents:
- Background checks and police clearances
- Home inspections and interviews that are thorough
- Training that is multifaceted and must be updated annually
Although safety is a priority, long bureaucratic processes have caused many applicants to withdraw from the process or doubt their ability.
Open vs. Closed Adoption with Historical Sensitivities
Due to abuses in the past, Australia does not endorse closed or secret adoption. An open-adoption model encourages post-placement contact with birth families, but that adds layers of complexity–requiring long-term planning, legal frameworks, and cradle agreements between adoptive parents and children’s origins.
2. Adopt Change – A Voice for Australian Children
Origins of the Movement
Deborra Lee Furness started Adopt Change in 2008, motivated by her conviction that no Australian child should be left without roots. From the beginning, the goals were to raise public awareness, lobby legislators, and shine a spotlight on the thousands of children in foster care.
She has worked with:
- National Adoption Awareness Week
- Host forums for prospective parents and policymakers
- Building coalitions between politics, health care, and civil society to effect change
Deborra Lee’s Platform
Deborra Lee is a powerful public figure who has used her platform for:
- Share your personal stories from individuals who have experienced care.
- Adopting policy reform is a priority for state and federal leaders.
- Funding support is needed for adoption agencies that facilitate safer and smoother adoptions.
- Stress and instability can cause emotional harm.
The goal is not just adoptions, but system-wide transformation. This includes enabling safe reunions between birth parents and adoptive families, supporting foster families for a long time, and increasing domestic adoption options.
3. Seven Barriers to Adoption in Australia
Complex Jurisdictional Rule Across States
The eligibility rules for each Australian state are different. Example:
- Age Limits for Adoptive Parents (variable)
- Residency requirements can impede interstate applicants
- Measures that are inconsistent with the criminal past and family structure
In some states, parents may qualify for a state-funded program, but not in others. This can lead to confusion and frustration.
The Prolonged Approval Procedure
The time it takes to conduct home visits, perform criminal checks, run health screenings, and complete mandatory education modules is often months long. Families spend thousands on uncertain outcomes, and during this time, children are still living in temporary homes.
Shortage of Approved Parents
There are not enough families certified to adopt children, even when there is room and resources available. The current adoption rate of 300+ per year cannot keep up with the demand. This prolongs placements for many children.
Intercountry Adoption
Australia has partnered with 13 other countries to facilitate intercountry adoption. But the process is global and involves:
- Dual nation bureaucracies
- Waiting lists in the United States
- Independent evaluation and strict criteria
The placements abroad are costly, emotionally draining, and scarce. This again points to the need for a domestic focus.

Costs Financial and Temporal
Australia, like many other countries, does not offer government-sponsored incentivesadoptiveting families. Adoption becomes a private venture without tax breaks and subsidies. This limits access to many people who would otherwise be eligible.
Foster Care System Under-resourced
Children are often placed in short-term foster care homes, which lack the stability needed for long-term care.
Due to a lack of caregivers, some children currently in the out-of-home care system are living in hotels and are cared for by a rotating staff of workers.
The lack of caregivers directly contributes to the instability and harm caused by institutions.
Trauma-informed Care is Rarely Standard
Children who enter care are often traumatized and require specialists with training in attachment, emotional resilience, and early attachment. However:
- Only a few caregivers are trained in trauma-informed parenthood
- Carers are stressed out by the lack of training resources
- Support after placement is inconsistent
Children who do not receive trauma-focused care may be at risk of perpetuating cycles of instability or behavioral strain.
4. Think Beyond Adoption to Alternative Models
Reconciliation with the Birth Parents
Priority is given to reuniting children with their biological parents when it’s safe. This requires:
- Support services intensive
- Child-focused therapy
- Monitoring for safety and well-being
In many cases, restoration doesn’t mean permanence. But reunification can be the best option for a child to maintain their identity and emotional well-being.
Long-Term Fostering and Guardianship
Adoption is not always the best option for all children. Long-term fostering provides stability, without ending the relationship with the birth family. There are also options for guardianships available to those who need permanent homes but do not want adoption.
Mixed-Model Open Adoption
Australian practice strongly supports open adoption.
- Continued visits or letters
- Professional mediation and emotional Support
- Contact agreements that are tailored to the child’s preferences and age
Deborra Lee and Adopt Change claim that this hybrid approach promotes emotional safety and identity strength, as opposed to previous “closed practices”.
5. Advocating Change: Adopt the Change Strategy
Systemic Advocacy
Adopt Change engages state and federal legislators, pushing for:
- Harmonising criteria across jurisdictions
- Administrative delays are reduced
- Approvals for cross-state transactions can be streamlined
- First-time foster and adoptive families receive increased funding
Public Awareness Initiatives
- National Adoption Awareness Week amplifies the voices of those affected
- Children, parents, a nd adoptees all share their real-life experiences
- Social media campaigns to reduce stigma and simplify narratives
My Forever Family NSW – Training and Recruitment
My Forever Family NSW was launched on the 2nd of July.
- Recruitment: Raising awareness among potential carers
- Training Trauma-Informed Support and Parent Education
- Ongoing Assistance: Emotional and financial services
According to Deborra Lee:
I have to believe we can come up with smart and effective solutions that will meet the needs of children at the highest levels. This issue requires urgent attention in the political and human rights agenda.”
6. What You Can Do: A Call to Action
Adopt or Foster a Child
For information on eligibility, training, a nd the open adoption philosophy.
Advocate for Legislative Reform
Write to your local MP. Write to your local MP and ask for unified national standards, faster processing, and more caregiver support.
Raising Public Awareness
Share stories of successful permanent families. Include stories about adoptive families who are LGBTQ+, Indigenous cultures, and working parents.
Donate or Volunteer
Support carers financially or by mentoring them. Donations to Adopt Change and partner agencies can help fund vital training, outreach, and education.
Participate in Awareness Activities
Attend events during National Adoption Awareness Week. Bring your story and show solidarity to children who need forever families.

7. What Would Change Mean for Australia’s Children?
Reduced Temporary Care Time
Increased placements would mean fewer children faced repeated moves that disrupted education, social connections, and developmental stability.
Improved Emotional Outcomes
The permanent identity, knowing who is with you, leads to better mental health and fewer behavioral issues.
Reduced Health & Behavioral costs
Statistically, children who have experienced trauma in childhood are more likely to require long-term care. Early planning for permanent solutions can reduce future costs.
A National Culture for Support and Inclusion
A public that values permanent child security will foster resilient communities and a safer future for both adoptive parents and children.
Conclusion
The Australian adoption system has been criticized for being complex and under-resourced. This leaves thousands of children in temporary extended care. Reform is gaining momentum thanks to the leadership of people like Deborra Lee Furness and Adopt Change. The push to find a loving, permanent home for every child is underway. This includes streamlining adoption policies across states, supporting open adoption, and trauma-informed care.