Considering adoption for your child

Parents may consider adoption if they need to secure a permanent family to care for their child.

Before making a decision parents are encouraged to fully consider all care options available. The options should be discussed with members of their family and people in their support network.

Adoption can only be arranged through Adoption Services Queensland. It is an offence to attempt to privately arrange an adoption in Queensland.

Support provided to parents

Adoption Services Queensland supports parents by providing:

• support and counselling to help parents make an informed and voluntary decision about their child's future care, as required under the Adoption Act 2009
• access to culturally appropriate services and support.

Counselling provided to the parent of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child must be done in a way, and at a place, appropriate to Aboriginal tradition or Island custom. It may be partly provided by an appropriate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

Consenting to adoption

A parent cannot sign an Adoption Consent form until at least 30 days after the birth of their child, and at least 14 days after information has been given and pre-consent counselling has been completed.

Revoking a consent

After signing an Adoption Consent form a parent has 30 days in which they can revoke the consent.

Expressing your preferences when giving consent

Parents can express preferences about the type of adoptive family their child will be placed in, including the religion, cultural background, age and lifestyle of the couple.

Parents can also have their say about having ongoing contact with the child and adoptive parents.

When selecting the most suitable adoptive parents for each child, Adoption Services Queensland considers:

• all preferences expressed by the child's birth parents
• the child's particular needs
• the characteristics of couples assessed as suitable to be adoptive parents.

Who can parents talk with?

Parents can contact Adoption Services Queensland any time before or after the birth of their child. All contact is confidential. When a parent contacts Adoption Services Queensland for information, there is no expectation that the parent will end up consenting to their child’s adoption.

Parents may choose to talk with someone they trust, such as a hospital social worker or counsellor, who can make enquiries on their behalf through Adoption Services Queensland.

Helpful resources

• Alternatives to adoption
• Family Court deals with family law matters. Call 1300 352 000.
• Considering adoption for your child (booklet)