The Victorian government has amended the state’s 1984 Adoption Act to repeal laws that prevented natural parents from attempting to contact their adult children who were adopted during childhood.
Under practices introduced by the previous Liberal government, adopted children could lodge a ‘no contact’ statement that restricted contact initiated by their natural parents. Breach of such a statement is treated as a criminal offence.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos spoke of the one-sided and discriminatory nature of the ‘no contact’ statements, particularly for parents whose children were forcibly removed.
“Natural parents, mothers in particular, have told me how hurt they have been by contact vetoes and I am proud to deliver on Labor’s commitment to amend the Adoption Act to get rid of the vetoes and criminal penalties,” said Ms Mikakos.
“It was cruel of the previous government to make it an offence for mothers to contact their adult adopted children.”
Under the changes, both parents and children, and related parties, are still able to record their wishes regarding their desire to establish contact and other personal information through the Adoption Information Registrar.
Individuals seeking personal and family information, or support regarding past experiences with adoption can contact Family Information Networks and Discovery (FIND) on 1300 769 926.