Adoption
Helpful information when you are considering alternative care for your baby
Facing a pregnancy where you feel you cannot care for the child can be a stressful and complicated time, with many issues to consider.
If you are considering adoption as an option for your baby, the following information may be helpful.
The Social Workers at the Royal Hospital for Women are available for counselling, support and information throughout your pregnancy.
The Adoption Process
The process of placing a child for adoption in NSW is guided by the Adoption Act 2000, which puts the best interests of the child before any other consideration.
Adoption is an important and final legal process, and so there are many safeguards in place to protect the rights of birth parents and children.
A birth parent who is thinking about placing her baby for adoption, must have several mandatory information and counselling sessions with a registered counsellor. This is to help you explore all the aspects of adoption and any other alternatives for care of your baby.
While counselling sessions take place, you may care for your baby at home, or sign an agreement for voluntary foster-care.
The actual formal consent for adoption cannot be taken until the adoption counsellor and you agree that you are ready for this step. There is then a further 30 days for you to continue thinking about your decision.
The baby’s father will usually be involved in discussing plans for the adoption of his baby. He must give his consent to the adoption.
Regardless of your decision in the long term, you will need to register the birth of your baby. The name you give your baby at birth will continue to be the baby’s given name if you decide on adoption.
You and your baby’s father can have a lot of input in discussing the kind of family you would like your baby to be living with. Cultural and religious heritage will be respected. Even after the baby has been adopted, the law allow exchange of information and contact, so that you can know how your child is growing.
Planning for the Birth
Your hospital Social Worker will help you to plan the birth of your baby so that you and baby feel most comfortable with arrangements.
You may want to think about these questions:
· Do you wish your midwives and doctors to be aware that you are considering adoption?
· Would you like to book in to an antenatal class, or have some individual discussion with a midwife, to prepare you for the birth?
· Who would you like to support you at the birth?
· What plans would you like to make for your stay after the baby’s birth?
· Have you been able to reach agreement with the baby’s father about his visits to you / baby in hospital – or would you like some help to do this?
· Have you thought about having a store of memories of your baby – photographs, cot cards, etc? We can help you with this.
Adoption Agencies
Your hospital Social Worker will help you make contact with an Adoption Agency which suits your needs. The Agency Social Worker will give you all the necessary legal documentation and opportunity to discuss your adoption plans as fully as possible.
Department of Community Services
Adoptions Branch
4-6 Cavill Avenue
Ashfield NSW 2131
Ph: (02) 9716 3000 Fax: (02) 9716 3001
http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/parents_cares_families/fostering_and_adoption/adoption
Anglicare
19A Gibbons Street
Telopea NSW 2117
Ph: (02) 9890 6855 Fax: (02) 9890 3700
http://www.anglicare.org.au
Centacare
Level 1, 8 Jacobs Street
Bankstown NSW 2200
Ph: (02) 8709 9333 Fax: (02) 8770 3390
http://www.catholiccare.org
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to the hospital social workers:
Social Work Department
Royal Hospital for Women
Barker Street, Randwick 2031
Monday – Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm
Ph: (02) 9382 6670 Fax: (02) 9382 6220
© Social Work Department, Royal Hospital for Women, April 2012