Welcome to Adoption and Permanent Care services in Victoria

Woman and a child
Children are our most precious asset. There is no more serious commitment in life than raising and nurturing children; to share their joys and sorrows, to honour their love, to pass on your experience to a new generation. These aren't just the privileges of parenthood; they are duties and obligations.

Sometimes, for many different reasons, children need to be raised by a family other than the one they were born into. This enables them to benefit from the commitment of parenthood.

Adoption is not the only way of bringing a child into your family. Permanent care is another. Both options provide children with the care and love they need to grow and prosper.

Thank you for visiting this website. This website provides information about the local adoption and permanent care program.

We hope it helps you understand a journey thousands of generous families have taken before you; one of love, joy and compassion, as well as fulfilment, satisfaction and achievement.

Please contact us for more information.

Features

Eastern region newsletter - APC Update Winter 2009
Winter 2009 edition includes: Staff news, Budget helps vulnerable, New books for P.C. children, Adoption facts, Role of grandparents, Inside case planning, Riddles, Forever mum, The first: helping children, When the questions is "Why?", Health news, Adoption conference material, Disabled goods market, Families needed, Diary dates.
Permanent placement for your child
Sometimes a child or young person may need to live permanently with a family other than their birth family. These arrangements are based on an understanding that children's development is promoted by stable, secure and nurturing relationships, which are intended to be permanent.
Baby Bonus and Maternity Immunisation Allowance for Adoptive Parents
There are important changes to some families payments that came into effect from 1 January 2009. If you are the parent of an adopted child, there are changes to Baby Bonus and Maternity Immunisation Allowance that you need to be aware of. For information about these changes and how they may affect you, visit www.centrelink.gov.au.
Step Children and Adoption
Step Children and Adoption (for parents considering adoption of a step child)
Adoption or Permanent Care - the difference
Permanent care and adoption both offer children the opportunity to live permanently with families who offer them love, shelter and security. Permanent care involves as much a commitment and lifelong relations as adoption.

 

This document was last updated on 31/08/2009

Children Youth & Families, Department of Human Services (DHS), 10/50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3001
Email: contact_cyf@dhs.vic.gov.au
Authorised by: Executive Director, Children Youth & Families Division, Get Adobe Reader