This page contains information relating to historical forced adoption practices that may be confronting or distressing.
A note on language
The Department of Communities acknowledges that using certain language when referring to adoption may continue to negatively affect people who have experienced forced adoption. While efforts have been made to sensitively use language, there are instances, for the purposes of clarity, where terms such as mother, father, adoptive parent(s) and adopted people/person are used. We recognise that language plays an important role in acknowledging people’s experiences and that not everyone will identify with this language or terminology.
Historical forced adoption
From the 1930s to the 1980s, forced adoption occurred whereby authorities failed to gain free and informed consent from mothers prior to removing their newborns.
Forced adoption practices were shaped by the societal attitudes, patriarchal systems and government policies of the time.
The Government expresses deep regret for the historic forced adoption policies and practices that forcibly, and often illegally, separated mothers, fathers and adopted people and inflicted life-long trauma, enduring grief and suffering.
It is important that people impacted by historic forced adoption are heard and supported, and that current and future policies and practices consider what has been learned to ensure harmful practices are never repeated.
At the Department of Communities, we are committed to supporting those impacted by forced adoption to share their experiences, obtain information about their adoption and access trauma-informed supports.
Further information about the history and practices of forced adoption can be found by clicking on the tiles below.
History and timeline
Western Australia Inquiry and Government Response
Western Australian Forced Adoption Reference Group
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