13th Anniversary of the Victorian Apology for Past Adoption Practices

23 October 2025

Saturday 25 October 2025 marks the 13th Anniversary of the Victorian Parliamentary Apology for Past Adoption Practices.

The Victorian Parliamentary Apology recognised the experiences of those affected by forced adoption. Between 1940 and 1990, many Australian women and infants were forcibly separated. These practices caused significant and ongoing harm to both mothers and children, with many still experiencing wide-ranging impacts.

As we reflect on this anniversary, we continue to stand in solidarity with those impacted by forced adoption and acknowledge how many people today are still living with trauma, grief and loss.

In response to this history, Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) has been a proud provider of the Forced Adoption Support Service for Victoria, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. Through this service, we offer free, confidential support to anyone affected by past forced adoption practices. Services include counselling, assistance with accessing records, support for reunions, and community education.

This service reflects RAV’s ongoing commitment to acknowledging the past and supporting healing.

‘Supporting mothers and adoptees impacted by forced adoption is deeply humbling. The courage it takes to revisit such profound injustice, to seek truth and healing, is extraordinary. Bearing witness to that strength is one of the greatest honours of this work.’ – RAV Therapeutic Services counsellor

Our Open Place Support Service also supports Forgotten Australians impacted by forced adoption practices by providing counselling and records searches.

If you or someone you know is affected by forced adoption, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Find out more about our Forced Adoption Support Service, and our Open Place Support Service for Forgotten Australians.

We are also proud to endorse the 13th Anniversary event, hosted by the Association Representing Mothers Separated by Adoption (Victoria) and VANISH.

Forced Adoption Support Services are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

The Open Place suite of services is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and the Australian Government Department of Social Services.