Information for Birth Parents

Seeking Information and Making Contact

Adoption is now seen as a lifelong process during which adopted persons, birth parents and relatives often need and want information about, and contact with, one another.

The Adoption Act 1984 gave Victorians involved in the adoption process easier access to this kind of information. The timely introduction of the Act challenged old ideas about permanent separation, confidentiality and privacy. Today, providing information to all involved in an adoption is seen to be a positive and mutually beneficial process.

Birth parents, like others involved, are not always prepared for the implications of access to information. This brochure outlines the information and services available for birth parents through the Adoption and Family Records Service (AFRS), non-government Adoption Information Service's and self-help and support groups.

What Are My Rights?

Birth parents are entitled to non-identifying information about their child's placement and relevant adoptive family history, which is obtained from the adoption records.

In Victoria, if you want current information, an AFRS counsellor will make an approach on your behalf. In our experience, most people agree to exchange information, and adopted persons often express the wish that their birth parents would look for them.

You are entitled to leave information about yourself, with a note saying you would like contact if your child is willing.

If you do not want to be contacted, you can register your wishes with the AFRS Register. You can include a letter providing some personal details, such as your health, education, occupation, and the reasons for not wanting contact.
This helps your child to understand your need for privacy, and not misinterpret this as a rejection. This does not guarantee that they will not contact you, but it makes them aware of your feelings.

You may wish to leave information explaining the circumstances of the birth and relinquishment.
If you used a false name when you had the child, or relinquished them in unfortunate circumstances, you may wish to leave information explaining this. AFRS counsellors are aware of the difficulties faced by many birth parents.

How to Apply for Information

For information and assistance, you can apply to the AFRS or to one of the non-government adoption agencies listed below.

The AFRS at DHS (telephone: (03) 8608 5700 or 1300 769 926) is the best place to start if you are not sure that there was an agency involved or if the agency has since closed down.

The Interview

All applicants attend one interview with an approved counsellor before receiving information.
The AFRS offers group or individual interviews-you can choose the type of interview you prefer.
The interview is not a personal assessment. It is more like an information session to explain how the AFRS, and support and self-help groups can support and assist you. You will be told if your child had previously made an enquiry about their adoption.
The aim of the interview is to support you in achieving your goals while taking into account the feelings of the other parties involved.

What Information Can They Receive About You?

Adopted persons over the age of 18 years can find out the following information:

• The name of the birth mother shown on records.
• The age of the birth mother at the time of the birth.
• The place of birth of the birth mother.
• The birth father's name and occupation, if recorded.
• Notes about birth parents recorded on agency files.
• Your wishes about information exchange and contact, if you have registered with the AFRS.

To receive the above information, the adopted person must first attend an interview with the AFRS. With this information, the adopted person could locate and contact you.

Birth relatives and adoptive parents may also apply for information about the adoption, but they are not given identifying information.

If You Are Contacted

Birth parents who are contacted by their child experience a range of feelings-from extreme concern to joy and delight. Shock is a normal first reaction.

Excitement It's a dream come true.

Uncertainty There's so much to consider.

Fear No-one knows...I can't let them find out now.

Anger The law should never have changed. We were told this could never happen.

Handling these feelings on your own can be difficult. Sharing them can help the adjustment process. AFRS and the agencies listed on the back of this brochure have counsellors who understand adoption issues and can help you deal with any concerns you might have about access to information and contact. You can ask for the counsellor who has interviewed your son or daughter.

The support groups and the agencies listed are happy to discuss your concerns over the telephone or in person. You do not need to give your name or commit yourself to further action. In the support groups, there are people whose lives have been touched by adoption. Other birth parents have had similar experiences and can appreciate your feelings.

Further Information

Adoption and Family Records Services (AFRS)
Department of Human Services
20/570 Bourke Street
Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 8608 5700 or 1300 769 926