Victorian Parliamentary Apology for Past Adoption Practices
On 25 October 2012, the Victorian Parliament delivered a formal apology to mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who were profoundly harmed by past adoption practices in Victoria.
Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) to provide the Forced Adoption Support Service in Victoria.
We offer free and confidential counselling, advocacy and support to anyone affected by forced adoption. This includes mothers, fathers, adopted persons and extended family across Victoria. If you’re struggling and need support, we’re here for you.
To find out more about the service and talk to us about how we can support you, call our dedicated phone number - 1800 21 03 13 - or email us.
Inquiry into Responses to Historical Forced Adoptions in Victoria
In November 2019, the Victorian Parliament launched an Inquiry into support services and responses provided to people impacted by historical forced adoption in Victoria. In January 2020, RAV provided a written submission, informed by the voices and experiences of our clients, regarding the need for ongoing counselling and support for impacted people.
In response to the valuable feedback provided by our clients and with support from DSS, we have also reframed our service in the last twelve months to prioritise counselling as a central service offering.
Small Grant Funding Applications Now Open
We run a Small Grant Funding Program which is designed to build capacity and enhance support for people affected by forced adoption policies and practices. Groups and organisations can apply for funding to assist with a range of projects, events or activities including:
- capacity-building opportunities such as local or national training
- production of memorials
- venue and group meeting costs for support and advocacy
- facilitation costs for retreats, including accommodation, meals and travel for facilitators and/or participants
- forced adoption related group facilitation costs, including costs to engage facilitator
- forced adoption related group therapy costs, including costs to engage a therapist.
We welcome interested parties to submit an application for our current Small Grant Funding Round 11, which closes on 2 November 2020.
ADOPT Perspective - A podcast for anyone affected by adoption
In April 2020, Jigsaw Queensland - Post Adoption Support Service, launched an excellent podcast in which they discuss the adoption experience from the perspectives of mothers, fathers, adopted people and their loved ones.
Through sharing personal stories and exploring adoption topics, the podcast aims to help listeners learn and grow from the perspectives of others.