Inquiry into past forced adoptive policies and practices
From 22 February 2023 to 22 August 2024 the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs conducted an Inquiry into past forced adoptive policies and practices in Western Australia (the Inquiry).
The Inquiry was an important opportunity for people with lived experience of forced adoption to share their personal experiences and to provide their voices and perspectives on future reforms.
On 22 August 2024, the Committee released the final report of the Inquiry, 'Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives: report on the inquiry into past forced adoption in Western Australia’.
WA Government Response
The Government acknowledges the extraordinary courage and determination of the many mothers, fathers, adopted people and their families who shared their experiences throughout the Inquiry as well as the many people who were unable to participate in the Inquiry but continue to carry the trauma of their experience with them.
On 22 October 2024, the Government provided a formal response to the Report and the 36 recommendations directed to Government, confirming its support for 19 recommendations to address the impact of past forced adoptions.
Among the supported recommendations is the establishment of a Western Australian Forced Adoption Reference Group which has a central role in supporting the implementation of the Government Response.
The Reference Group includes individuals with direct lived experience of forced adoption and representatives from local peer support groups. More information can be found on the Western Australian Forced Adoption Reference Group webpage.
Other supported recommendations include improving access to adoption information and records, the introduction of integrated birth certificates, improvements to public awareness, service design improvements and the repeal of contact and mediation licenses.
WA Government First Annual Implementation Progress Report
On 22 October 2025, the Government released the First Annual Implementation Progress Report of the Government Response to Report 66 – Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives.
In the first 12 months of implementation, 75 per cent of recommendations have either been completed or are underway. Seven of the initial 19 supported recommendations have been completed. Work has progressed on a further 20 recommendations that were either supported or for further consideration.
Important changes have been made to improve awareness of and access to information and records, increased transparency in adoption data and provision of information on the legislation, improved awareness of available mental health and support services, and improved consistency in service delivery.
Following a review of four recommendations regarding the conversion of existing contact vetoes into statements of objection, the Government has finalised its position and supports these recommendations. The implementation of these recommendations will be included in a proposed suite of amendments to the Adoption Act 1994. People impacted by the reforms will be provided referrals to specialised counselling services to support them through the transition.
The change of status of the contact veto recommendations and one other recommendation related to adoption records increases the number of recommendations supported by the Government from 19 to 24.
Eight recommendations remain for further consideration. In the last year, policy work has been progressed on four of these.
The Department of Communities is the government agency coordinating the implementation of recommendations from the Government Response. The Department of Communities’ Forced Adoptions Inquiry Implementation team are happy to speak with you or provide more information about:
- the Government Response and First Annual Implementation Progress Report
- requesting a hard-copy of the Government Response or First Annual Implementation Progress Report to be sent to you by mail
- registering your interest in updates on the progress of implementation of the Government Response
- registering your interest in updates on the progress of the Western Australian Forced Adoption Reference Group or other opportunities that may arise for consultation.
Please contact the team on 0403 137 530 or via forcedadoptionsinquiry@communities.wa.gov.au
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