Image: The forced adoption memorial in Western Australia “Empty Arms - Broken Lives” was commissioned by the Association Representing Mothers Separated from their Children by Adoption, known as ARMS and was funded by the Australian government. It was unveiled in the Town of Victoria Park on 21 March 2019, to mark the sixth anniversary of the national apology offered by the Australian government on 21 March 2013. The Western Australian state apology was delivered in the WA Parliament on 19th October 2010. These sculptures are a symbolic acknowledgement of the pain and trauma suffered by all people separated by forced adoption.
This Sunday 19 October marks the 15th Anniversary of the WA Apology for Forced Adoptions.
In 2010, the Parliament of Western Australia apologised on behalf of the WA Government to people affected by forced adoption or removal policies and practices.
From the 1930s to the 1980s, authorities failed to gain free and informed consent from mothers prior to removing their newborns.
The significant and ongoing impact of forced adoptions continues to be felt by many people today.
In 2024, an Inquiry Report was released identifying 39 recommendations to support the healing and recognition of people impacted by forced adoption.
The WA Government supported the majority of the recommendations and immediately announced the establishment of the WA Forced Adoption Reference Group to ensure people with lived experience of forced adoption have a central role in shaping changes to policy, practice and legislation.
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