- Cook Government providing free counselling services for people impacted by
forced adoption
- Specialist services will be available State-wide, including telehealth
appointments for residents living in regional and remote communities
- Cook Government remains committed to supporting survivors of forced
adoptions
The Cook Government has announced a funding agreement with the Adoption
Research and Counselling Service (ARCS) to provide free specialist therapeutic
services for people impacted by forced adoption.
Over the next two years, ARCS will receive funding to provide trauma
informed, fee-free counselling to those impacted by forced adoptions, which
will also be available for the siblings, partners and children of those survivors.
Available services will include in-person therapeutic consultation in
addition to telehealth services, which will enable a State-wide service for
eligible clients living in regional and remote areas.
ARCS is an independent, not-for-profit
community agency offering professional counselling, support, education,
research and information to anyone affected by an adoption experience or
separation from family.
The State Government recognises people
affected by past adoption practices and remains committed to providing support
to survivors of forced adoptions.
Forced Adoption Support Services are also delivered by Relationships WA which
offer referral and information and support services for anyone who has been impacted
by forced adoption.
Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Sabine Winton:
"Past forced
adoption practices have impacted a number of Australians and caused significant
pain for the families involved.
"The Cook
Government recognises that people affected by past forced adoption practices
have a need for ongoing trauma-informed support, which this fee-free
counselling will help to provide.
"This
service will also help ensure that ongoing counselling support is more
accessible."
