Support organisations
Adoptions
Open Adoption Hotline
1800 003 227
Adoption and Permanent Care Association of NSW
02 8091 5157
E: president@apansw.org.au
http://www.apansw.org.au/
FaceBook: Search @australianadoption (Closed group)
Anglicare
02 9890 6855
E: adoption@anglicare.org.au
Barnardos Australia Adoptions
02 9281 5510
1800 663 441
https://www.barnardos.org.au/adoption/adoption-enquiry-form/
Family Spirit
13 18 19
https://www.familyspirit.org/about-us/contact-us/
https://www.familyspirit.org/our-services/domestic-adoptions/
International Social Services
02 9267 0300
1300 543 396
E: icasupport@lifeworks.com.au
Link Up Family Services (NSW)
02 9837 2200
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
(02) 9421 4700
1800 624 332
E: Linkup@nsw.link-up.org.au
E: Familylink@nsw.link-up.org.au
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
13 77 88
Origins Inc
02 8786 1035
Supporting people separated by forced adoption
(02) 9604 1950
Post Adoption Resource Centre
02 9365 3444
1800 236 762
E: customercare@benevolent.org.au
See support organisations for intercountry adoptions.
Support organisations
Adoption can be a challenging and exhausting experience for many couples. Fortunately, there are a number of support and information groups across NSW which can help you through the process.
Membership of an adoption support organisation is not a requirement for a successful adoption, however applicants are encouraged to join these groups.
Intercountry adoption
Intercountry Adoption Australia
1800 197 760
Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
The Australian Government created Intercountry Adoption Australia to help guide people wanting to adopt a child from overseas.
Intercountry Adoption Australia is a national service and central point of contact for people at all stages of the intercountry adoption process. For people already in the process, or considering applying to adopt a child from overseas, the service will connect them to a variety of resources and services.
More support organisations are listed below:
International Social Service Australia
Intercountry Adoption Family Support Service
Contact: Sarah Burn
02 9267 0300
sarah.burn@iss.org.au
E: issnsw@iss.org.au
Australian-African Children’s Aid and Support Association Inc (AACASA)
Country: Ethiopia
Representative: Carmel Stormer
0415 785 976
carmelstormer@optusnet.com.au
Australians Caring for Children Inc (ACC) (Support Organisation)
Countries: all (ACC has a wide membership of families that have adopted from a range of countries- including Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, Guatemala, China, Philippines, Fiji, Australia, Brazil, India, Sri Lanka)
info@accau.org
http://www.accau.org/
Families with Children from China - Australia (FCC Australia Incorporated)
Country: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Representative: Caroline Regan
0421 069 492
caroline.regan@sydney.edu.au
E: info@fccaustralia.com.au
W: https://www.fccaustralia.com.au
Friends of F.A.N.A
Country: Colombia
Representative: Henry and Karoline Brodaty
02 9337 2146 or 02 9388 8686
kbrodaty@yahoo.com
M: 0400 814327 (Karoline)
NSW Thai Adoption Support Group
Country: Thailand
Representative: Tina Marie Sheil
cosmic.lolly@gmail.com
Playgroups and social groups
The Central West Adoption Support Group
For information contact:
Kristina Loxley mkloxley@bigpond.com
Cathi Pirani info@bellinitravel.com.au
Carolyn Dunn - 0459 388 847
This group meets bi-monthly at different locations across central western NSW. The group has been formed by families who have adopted children from overseas or within Australia and those who are considering or in the process of adopting. They offer support, encouragement, information and the opportunity for children of all cultures and ages to get together and play.
Shoalhaven Adoptive Families Support Group
Linda Sandry 0401 098 139
Charli Taylor 0410 420 873
Monthly meetings and a fortnightly playgroup.
Pandaroos
A Mandarin/Chinese cultural social group meeting monthly at the Chinese Australian Services Society in Campsie.
Children participate in craft, language and other activities led by people of Chinese background or adult adoptees. All families of children adopted from China or Taiwain are welcome, as are prospective adoptive parents.
Email pandaroos@live.com.au for more information.
Playful Pandas
A ‘Families with Children from China’ (FCC) Mandarin playgroup run every Saturday morning from 10am - 12pm during school term at Dee Why. Songs, games, Chinese cultural activities and great support and information for those currently going through the adoption process.
Contact Mandy van den Elshout on 02 9997 6954 for more information.
Northern Rivers Adoption Support group family get-togethers
Call 02 6687 8213 or 0402 278 655 for more information
Betty Honey tel. 0411 282 265
ACC PLAYGROUP 2012
Held on the first Wednesday of the month (in school holidays this may change), from 10am onwards
Leanne Hampel
0438 878 969
leanne@hampel.com.au