The adoption process for birth parents
Information about signing the consent form for adoption, what to do if you change your mind, your child's name before and after adoption, what personal information you can give to your child, and your say in who the adoptive parents are.
Before you can consent to your child's adoption
You officially make an adoption decision for your child when you sign an Instrument of Consent, also known as the consent documents.
Before you can sign the consent documents, you will need to:
- read mandatory information on adoption
- see a registered (adoption) counsellor, who will ensure you understand the legal and emotional effects of adoption on you and your child.
Mandatory Written Information on adoption
Parents who are considering adoption for their child will receive a document called Mandatory Written Information on adoption - Information for parents to help them make an informed decision. Information provided in this document includes:
- possible emotional effects of making an adoption decision
- legal effects of an adoption order
- adoption process
- alternatives to adoption
- contents of an 'instrument of consent'.
Additional information is available for parents considering adoption for their child who is currently in out-of-home care and those considering adoption by step parents or relatives (intrafamily adoption).
Information is also available for siblings with a brother or sister in care who is being adopted.
Parents who are considering the adoption of their child who is either Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are required to read the following documents:
For Aboriginal parents
Written Information on intrafamily adoption - Additional information for parents of an Aboriginal child
This booklet provides important information for parents who are considering the adoption of their child who is Aboriginal. It is to be read in addition to the Mandatory Written Information on intrafamily adoption - Information for parents.
Additional written information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs and culture for children in OOHC and their parents
This booklet provides important information for parents who are considering the adoption of their child who is Aboriginal and is currently living in out-of-home care. It is to be read in addition to the Mandatory written information on open adoption for parents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.
Information is also available for siblings of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander brother or sister in care who is being adopted.
For Torres Strait Islander parents
Written Information on intrafamily adoption - Additional information for parents of a Torres Strait Islander child
This booklet provides important information for parents who are considering the adoption of their child who is Torres Strait Islander. It is to be read in addition to the Mandatory Written Information on intrafamily adoption - Information for parents.
Additional written information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs and culture for children in OOHC and their parents
This booklet provides important information for parents who are considering the adoption of their child who is Torres Strait Islander and is currently living in out-of-home care. It is to be read in addition to the Mandatory written information on open adoption for parents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care.
Information is also available for siblings of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander brother or sister in care who is being adopted.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents can receive more advice by contacting:
Adoption and Permanent Care Services
02 9716 3003
adoption.permanentcare@facs.nsw.gov.au