Welcome to the homepage for Adoption in Western Australia.
These pages can give you much of the information you need if you are:
- considering adopting a child
- considering relinquishing a child for adoption, or
- wanting to find out about an adoption that occurred in the past.
The index below can help you navigate your way through this site.
Adoption Act Review - The Adoption Act 1994 is currently under review. Public submissions were accepted between Friday, 13 October 2006 and Friday, 15 December 2006. Submissions will now be considered by the Reveiw Committee.
Latest News:
Changes to the China adoption program
On 27 December 2006 the Chinese adoption authority announced that there will be changes to the requirements of applicants wishing to adopt a child from China. The new criteria are to be considered in addition to existing Western Australian and Chinese requirements.
The most significant changes are that China will no longer place children with single applicants. Applicants will have to be married for at least 2 years in case of the first marriage and 5 years in case of the second marriage.
China will no longer accept applications from applicants aged 50 and over.
Applicants, both husband and wife, are required to have completed at least senior high school.
There are some additional significant restrictions related to health as well. The changes will be implemented for files received in China as from 1 May 2007.
About adoption: Find out what adoption is and what is involved.
Adopting a child: How to adopt a child. There are a number of different types of adoption and steps to complete.
Relinquishing a child for adoption: Some birth parents feel it is best if they offer their child for adoption. Find out what’s involved in relinquishing (giving up) a child for adoption.
Finding out about a past adoption: People who have been involved in an adoption often want to find out about their past. Find out how this can occur.
Adoption & the law : In Australia, each State and Territory is responsible for its own adoption legislation and committed to acting in the best interests of the child to be adopted
Support for those involved in adoption: The Department for Community Development’s Adoption Service can help you with information, support and counselling related to adoption of a child.
Information about adopting a relative
Thinking about adopting a relative? Then read the fact sheets Overseas Relative Adoption FACT SHEET (PDF) and Relative Adoption Fact Sheet (PDF).