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Forced Adoption Support Service

We recognise the lifelong impacts of childhood trauma.

We recognise those who had children taken away from them.

 

Free and confidential counselling, support and information for people affected by forced adoption.


About forced adoption

Between 1940 and 1990, many Australian women and infants were separated. This was known as ‘forced adoption’ and was unethical and often illegal.

In 2013 the Australian Government formally apologised to everyone who was affected by forced adoption.

They also set up Forced Adoption Support Services around Australia. These services help people affected by forced adoption.

Relationships Australia Victoria provides a Forced Adoption Support Service in Victoria.


Learn more about forced adoption

The Australian Government Department of Social Services website has information about forced adoption and where to get support.

Visit their website


Who our service is for

Anyone affected by forced adoption can use our service. This includes mothers, fathers, adopted individuals and other family members.


How we can help you

We can:

  • talk to you about how you feel
  • talk to you about managing hard things in your life
  • answer your questions about forced adoption
  • give you information about other services that can help you
  • explain how you can find records (information) about you and your family
  • explain how you can search for family.


How we provide services

When you first contact us, we'll make a time to call you and talk about how we can help.

Opening hours

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (Victorian local time).

Contact us

If you're Deaf/deaf or find it hard to hear or speak on the phone, you can contact us through the National Relay Service. Visit accesshub.gov.au

If you speak a language other than English, you can contact us through the Translating and Interpreting Service. Visit www.tisnational.gov.au or call 131 450.

 

Forced Adoption Support Services Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services

Forced Adoption Support Services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Related resources

Brochures & flyers
Forced Adoption Support Service - Brochure
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pdf, 653KB

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More information

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Finding and contacting family
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Contacting other professional support services
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I’d like help with strengthening relationships
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Helping yourself
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Small grant funding

Crisis support

We are not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, call 000 (triple zero).

For urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, SuicideLine Victoria on 1300 651 251, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Send us an enquiry

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Personal information collected by Relationships Australia Victoria is treated as confidential and is protected by the Privacy Act 1988. All personal information that is collected is stored securely and made safe from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, modification or disclosure. More information is available at www.rav.org.au/privacy. Please tick the box to confirm that you understand and give permission. *

Please note: Once you click ‘Submit’, your enquiry may take 5-10 seconds to process before taking you to a confirmation screen. Please do not click ‘Submit’ again, or refresh your page, as this can interrupt the form submission.