There are a number of different categories of adoption, depending on who it is that is going to be adopted.
Local and intercountry adoptions
Most adoptions are between parties that do not know each other and can be either the adoption of a locally born child, or of a child from overseas.
In Western Australia there are few local adoptions and higher numbers of intercountry adoptions. The State will only deal with countries that have safeguards in place to ensure that the adoptions are legal and are in the best interests of the child.
For more information see:
Step family adoptions
In some cases there are situations where a child or an adult is adopted by a step parent. For more information see: Adopting a step-child
Carer adoptions
In other cases a child may be adopted by someone who has had the long term care of the child and this can include a foster child. For more information see: Adopting a child in your long term care.
Relative adoptions
The Adoption Act 1994 prohibits adoptions by relatives, other than a step parent. The Family Court of Western Australia is able is issue Orders that better meet the needs for children who may be cared for by a relatives. For more information see: Adoption and the Law