Forced Adoption Apology Expected

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard is expected to deliver an apology for forced adoption practices in Parliament House today.

Recent research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies Research (AIFS) found thousands of Australians involved in past adoption practices need more support services as they grapple with the effects.

AIFS Research Fellow, Pauline Kenny said about 200,000 Australians are estimated to have been affected by past adoption practices and there was a need for more services to address their needs.

The study found key needs and priority actions for those affected by past adoptions included:

• an acknowledgment and recognition of past adoption practices (including resources to address current service and support needs)
• specialised workforce training and development for primary health carers, mental and broader health and welfare professionals
• a review of the current search and contact service systems
• improved access to information through the joining of state and territory databases
• improved access to and assistance with costs for mental, behavioural and physically health services.

Download the research.