Forced Adoption Support Services

Information about support services for those impacted by forced adoption.
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Support services

Adoption Research and Counselling Services Inc (ARCS)

ARCS is an independent, not-for-profit community agency offering professional counselling, support, education, research and information to anyone living with the reality of adoption and/or being separated from family.

ARCS provides fee-free counselling for people impacted by historic forced adoptions.

ARCS provide specialist services that are responsive to the complex issues faced by those affected by adoption, loss of relationship with family and the challenges of reconnection.

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Forced Adoption Support Service (FASS)

FASS is for anyone who has been affected by forced adoption. This is a free service funded by the Department of Social Services.

FASS provides a referral and information service that includes:

  • support to meet individual needs
  • assistance with record searching
  • referrals for long term support.

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Peer Support Groups

Peer support groups are community-based groups run by volunteers and are independent of the Department of Communities.

Association Representing Mothers Separated from their Children by Adoption Inc (ARMS)

ARMS provides emotional support to people separated by adoption and educates the public of the lifelong effects of adoption.

ARMS is a self-help group providing support services to all parties affected by adoption separation.

ARMS meetings are held monthly in Perth and work to change adoption laws.

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South West Adoption Group Supporting Survivors

Adopted people, birth families, and relatives share experiences, discuss challenges, and offer mutual support in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Regular group meetings held in Bunbury.

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Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation

Yorgum Healing Services offers a variety of support services for Aboriginal people. This is a free service.

Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation provides Link-Up services to Aboriginal people affected by past government policies relating to the removal of children, including adoption.

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Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides anxiety, depression and suicide prevention support. This is a free service.

Beyond Blue is a national support service that provides mental health resources, information about support groups and how to find help, as well as 24-hour telephone counselling support.

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Lifeline Australia

Lifeline Australia provides 24-hour telephone suicide prevention and mental health support and emotional assistance. This is a free service.

Lifeline is a national support service that provides mental health telephone counselling support and resources.

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GP Mental Health Care Plans

You can talk to your General Practitioner (GP) about a Mental Health Care Plan.

Mental Health Care Plans are a federal government initiative to improve access to mental health professionals and treatment.

You can find out more by visiting Services Australia mental health care and Medicare and by talking with your GP.

Private Counselling Services

Adoption Services has a list of independent counsellors who you may find helpful.

Please email adoptions@communities.wa.gov.au or phone 1800 182 178.

These practitioners are independent and are not employees or representatives of the Department of Communities.

Fees are determined by the service provider.

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