Adoption and Permanent Care - Statistics

Statistics

Since 1928 when the first legislation for adoption was introduced, approximately 64,000 people have been adopted in Victoria. Only 10 infant adoptions took place in 2003-04, and this reflects a range of changes in society over the past 30 years. the following statistics illustrate the dramatic decline in local infant adoptions in recent years, and the increase in adoptions from overseas.

Number of infant adoptions The decrease in the number of adoptions since 1996 has been the result of a number of interrelated Increasingly tolerant community attitudes towards exnuptual births and single parenthood. Improved contraception The widespread availability of pregnancy terminations. The introduction of government benefits for single parents in 1972 is the most significant identifiable factor in this pattern.

Types of placements over the last 16 years The most notable change in adoption and permanent care patterns over the last ten years is the decrease in infant adoptions. The greatest number of placements for children born in Victoria is in the special needs area. This reflects the philosophy that children who are unable to grow up within their birth family are placed in permanent alternative families wherever possible.

Intercountry adoptions Currently,Victoria has working arrangements with various countries for the purpose of intercountry adoption. Each country can change the number and age of children available for adoption as its requirements change. New arrangements may be developed with other countries by mutual agreement when the need to place children outside their country or origin arises.

There were 100 children placed for intercountry adoption in Victoria in 2003-2004. Children come from a number of countries including Chins, Korea, India, Thailand, Ethiopia, Fiji, Philippines and Hong Kong.

Some facts about the Adoption and Family Records Service (A&FRS) Since 1984, more that 29,000 people have registered for information with the Adoption and Family records Service (A&FRS). Two thirds of these are people who were adopted; the others are birth parents, adoptive parents and other relatives. In 2002-2003, approximately 800 people received information fro the service. Most people contacted by A&FRS agree to contact or the exchange of information. After an initial leap in enquiries when the A&FRS opened in 1984, requests for information have gradually increased each year until 1990-1991. the enquiry level is now relatively stable.