Victorian Apology for Past Forced Adoption Practices

Friday 25 October 2019 marks the seventh anniversary of the Victorian Parliamentary Apology for Past Adoption Practices.

Relationships Australia Victoria is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services to provide the Forced Adoption Support Service for Victoria, through which we’re involved with a number of stakeholders within the forced adoption community.

We would like to share details of some upcoming commemorative events, hosted by other organisations in Victoria, that may be of interest to those impacted by forced adoption.

First Anniversary of the ‘Taken Not Given’ Memorial Statue Unveiling

Friday 25 October 2019, 5:30pm at St Andrews Place, Melbourne (next to the Treasury Building)

On 25 October 2018, ARMS and Origins unveiled the ‘Taken Not Given’ sculpture, a memorial to separation by adoption. To mark the first anniversary of the unveiling, ARMS Victoria is hosting a commemorative event at St Andrew’s Place, followed by drinks and light refreshments from 6:15 to 7:15pm at the Imperial Hotel, 2-8 Bourke Street, Melbourne (Treasury Room).

Morning Tea Unveiling of the ‘Without Consent: Australia's past adoption practices’ Exhibition

8 November 2019, 10:30am-11:30am, National Wool Museum, Geelong.

The National Wool Museum is hosting a free morning tea unveiling of ‘Without Consent’ – a national touring exhibition about Australia’s past adoption practices. This project was developed in 2015 to mark the second anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions and has been developed by the National Archives assisted by the Australian Government through the Ministry for the Arts. Over 500 people from across Australia contributed to the exhibition, which powerfully records the experiences of those affected by forced adoption, challenging misconceptions and raising awareness of this period of our history. The exhibition will run from 8 November 2019 to 26 January 2020.

We invite you to share details of these events and the anniversary with your community and professional networks.

If you are affected by forced adoption, our Forced Adoption Support Service can offer you free and confidential counselling, practical support and advocacy.

We offer support to all people affected by forced adoption policies and practices, including mothers, fathers, adopted persons and extended family across Victoria.

Find out more about the service or contact us via our dedicated phone number -  1800 21 03 13 or via email to speak to us about how we can support you.