Adoption or Permanent Care - the difference

Adoption

Adoption is the process by which a child becomes legally a member of the adopting family. The child's name changes and a new birth certificate is issued, and inheritance rights are the same as if the child was actually born into that family.

Adoption has a long history in Victoria. At present there are few infants available for adoption. On average, over the last four or five years, about 20 infants have been placed for adoption each year. Although it is a small program, families are needed so this is an option you should still consider.

Another important option: Permanent Care.

Many children go into permanent care with Victorian families every year. Permanent care, as its name suggests, is a legal arrangement in which the child lives permanently with a family that becomes responsible for his or her custody and guardianship. Carers make a permanent commitment to the child placed in their care, and the bonds of love and affection formed between children and their permanent parents are as strong as those formed in adoptions.

Permanent care and adoption both offer children the opportunity to live permanently with families who offer them love, shelter and security. Permanent care is as much a commitment, lifelong relations as adoption.

To find out more about what is involved, you are welcome to register for an information session.