Adoption and Family Records Service
Adoption is now seen as a lifelong process during which adopted persons, birth parents, relatives, and adoptive parents often need and want information about, and contact with, one another. Today, providing information to all involved in an adoption is seen to be a positive and mutually beneficial process.
The Adoption Act 1984 gave people who were adopted in Victoria the right to obtain information about their adoption. More than 32,000 people have now registered with the Adoption Information Service. After registering, adult adopted persons are entitled to receive information about their origins, including the names of their birth parents. Other parties may only receive non-identifying information initially.
Pamphlets
Pamphlets are available on the following topics:- Discovering You Are Adopted
- Information About Your Adoption
- Information for Adoptive Parents
- Was Your Child Placed for Adoption in Victoria?
- Services for Former Wards assists with counselling, searching and mediation to people who have been wards of the state in Victoria, and their families.
Application forms
Adoption Information Application Form [PDF 52kb]
Former Ward Service Application From [PDF 35kb]
Who should I contact?
The Adoption and Family Records Service (AFRS) can help all parties to adoption to get the information and support they need.
Direct your enquires to:
The Duty Worker
Phone: (03) 8608 5700
20, 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000
Enquiries can also be made on 1300 769 926 (for the cost of a local call)
The Duty Worker is available without appointment between 8.45 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday.
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8.45 am – 5 pm
You can also contact the Adoption and Permanent Care Team in your area.
The Adoptive Families Association of Victoria (AFAV) can give you information about adoption from an adoptive families perspective.
The Intercountry Adoption Service and Parent Support Groups can provide assistance in obtaining information about past adoptions from overseas.