Support for those involved in adoption

The Adoption Services team at the Department of Communities can help you with information, support and counselling related to the adoption of a child. 
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In addition to contacting Adoption Services, you may wish to make contact with the following organisations; it can be a great way to meet other people in similar circumstances to you. Through these organisations, you can benefit from the experience and skills of others and hear how other people have managed the adoption process.

Adoption Services also has a list of independent counsellors who you may find helpful. Please email us us adoptions@communities.wa.gov.au or phone 1800 182 178.

Parenting support can also be provided by calling:

Adoption Research & 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 provide professional counselling, support and information to anyone dealing with the challenges and opportunities in:

  • adoption
  • pre-adoption
  • unplanned pregnancy
  • search, mediation and reunion
  • anyone affected by separation from family
  • step and blended families
  • foster families
  • families created through assisted reproductive technology.

 

Adoption Support for Families & Children Inc (ASFC)

ASFC will help you with up-to-date information regarding adoption in Western Australia as well as details of ASFC's activities, upcoming events, overseas aid and child sponsorship programs.

ASFC is a voluntary, non-profit organisation whose membership is made up of prospective adoptive parents (PAPs), adoptive families - both intercountry and local and adult adoptees.

ASFC aims to:

  • aid, assist and support prospective and post adoptive families in WA
  • provide information regarding adoption with approved countries with whom Australia has agreements
  • produce a bi-monthly newsletter for members
  • promote networking support between our members through a variety of social activities such as playgroups, coffee evenings, picnics, cultural celebrations, etc
  • provide educational opportunities for members to discuss and learn about adoption and parenting issues
  • liaise and lobby with local, national and overseas adoption organisations
  • provide child sponsorship programmes in various overseas countries
  • provide aid to overseas children's organisations to help in the relief of poverty
  • work for the improvement of WA practices and policies regarding intercountry adoption.

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

ARMS provides emotional support to mothers separated from their children 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.

Everyone is welcome.

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

Forced Adoption Support Service (FAAS)

FAAS is for anyone who has been affected by forced adoption.

FAAS provides a referral and information service that includes:

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

You can visit Relationships Australia WA for more information on FAAS.

InterCountry Adoptee Voices Community (ICAV)

ICAV, previously known as ICASN (InterCountry Adoptee Support Network) began in 1998 in Sydney, Australia as a support network created by intercountry adoptees for intercountry adoptees, of any country of origin.

ICAV provides a platform for adoptees to connect in, share, educate, and advocate to the wider public about the issues faced – political, social and emotional, including the not so positive aspects of intercountry adoption.

Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation

Yorgum offers a wide variety of support services for Aboriginal people.

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

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