Anglicare Victoria provides information and counselling to those considering placing a child for adoption, information, training and support for those applying to adopt a child, and an Adoption Information Service for adopted persons and their family members.

Adoption services involve the placement of a child with adoptive parents which is followed by a legal process transferring all parental rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents.

Children placed via Adoption are entitled to ongoing contact with their natural family. Contact and information exchange between the child and their natural family is an integral part of an Adoption arrangement, as it enables children to develop or continue relationships that are important to them.

Adoption information and counselling

For parents who are considering placing a child for adoption, options counselling is a good way of working through the information and feelings that might impact on the decision.

If you are considering placing a child for adoption, a counsellor will support you with information to help you make this decision.

Counselling can begin at any time, before or after the child is born.  You cannot give consent to the adoption until 16 days after your child’s birth.

Once you sign consent, there is also a period of time during which it can be withdrawn or extended.

If you do go ahead with the adoption, you will have the opportunity for ongoing contact with your child after adoption.

Anglicare Victoria operate adoption services in Melbourne’s West, Gippsland and Loddon Mallee regions.

Adopting a child

Adoption is the long-term care of a child aged 0-12 months who has been relinquished by their natural parents. Children placed in Adoption are offered a secure and nurturing home environment to live permanently with a family other than their natural family.

AV runs information sessions, education groups and facilitates assessments of applicants who wish to adopt a child.