Australian Government: Attorney-General's Department
Australian Government: Attorney-General's DepartmentAchieving a Just and Secure Society

Adoption Program Information - Previous Statements

South Korea program update

Application quota for 2011

Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) recently issued an Australian national quota of 25 adoption applications for 2011. The total number of files will be distributed across States and Territories according to population, with some consideration for the smallest jurisdictions (to allow for a minimum of one application per State or Territory). Approximately one third of the total files must be from families which have been approved to adopt children with more complex medical backgrounds.

The breakdown is as follows:

State

Percentage of population

Actual ratio of 25 files according to relative population

Total files

New South Wales

33%

8.25

8

Victoria

25%

6.25

6

Queensland

20%

5

4

Western Australia

10%

2.5

3

South Australia

7.5%

1.875

1

Tasmania

2%

0.5

1

Australian Capital Territory

1.5%

0.375

1

Northern Territory

1%

0.25

1

Total

100%

25

25

At least one of the three files to be distributed between Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory should be from a family approved to adopt a child with complex medical background.

State and Territory Central Authorities will prepare and forward files to ESWS as soon as possible.

Increased fees

Due to the reduction in exit permits, children are spending more time in care before commencing the adoption process. This has increased costs in relation to foster care, medical care, feeding, clothing, diapers and transportation. ESWS has advised that intercountry adoption fees will be increased from 12,000USD to 14,000USD to cover these increased costs. The increased fees will only be applied to new applications – not current applications in Korea.

Travel delays

ESWS has indicated that it has yet to receive its exit permit quota for 2011 from the South Korean Government (but is able to receive new applications from Australia). This means we do not know how many exit permits ESWS will issue to the Australian program for 2011. It is possible that the number of exit permits issued to Australia will be lower than the number of applications currently in Korea and this will result in continued travel delays for adoptive parents in the 2010 and 2011 application quotas. Although AGD has not received formal advice about the expected delay, we believe parents should expect to wait between 9-12 months between allocation of a child and travel to Korea. The decision to reduce the number of exit permits is a matter for the South Korean Government and the Australian Government is unable to intervene.

If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority

Single female applicants eligible to adopt through the China Online Special Needs Program – March 2011

The China Centre for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA) has advised that it will accept applications from single female applicants for special focus children on the Online Special Needs Program. Special Focus Children are those who have been listed on the online system for more than two months. These children generally have a higher level of needs.

CCCWA has imposed strict eligibility and suitability requirements for prospective adoptive parents, including the need to be experienced in child caring or occupied in a child-related field. We will update the China country program table with further information regarding eligibility criteria shortly.

Only jurisdictions currently participating in the Online Special Needs Program will be able to receive applications from interested single applicants. Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT are the only jurisdictions currently participating in the program. Other jurisdictions are considering future participation in the program.

Interested applicants should contact their State or Territory Central Authority in the first instance to discuss their interest.

If a jurisdiction is not currently a participant in the Online Special Needs Program, there is some time required to establish the program and complete the necessary training and assessments.

China program update – CCAA name change – March 2011

The China Centre for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) has formally changed its name to the China Centre for Children’s Welfare and Adoption (CCCWA).

CCCWA will continue to be responsible for dealing with intercountry adoptions and will assume responsibility for developing, managing and maintaining the National System of Information Management for Child Welfare. It will also undertake tasks in relation to child welfare and domestic adoption.

Outcomes of delegation to South Africa - March 2011

A delegation comprising officers of the Attorney-General’s Department travelled to South Africa from 21-25 March 2011.

The delegation met with the South African Central Authority (SACA) responsible for intercountry adoption, the Department of Social Development, in order to discuss the possible establishment of an intercountry adoption program. The delegation also visited two South African organisations involved in intercountry adoption, foster care and domestic adoption and visited two homes that care for children. These meetings provided the delegation with an invaluable understanding of the practical and procedural aspects of the domestic and intercountry adoption framework in South Africa.

SACA advised that it’s currently finalising its domestic implementation of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, including the accreditation of a small number of domestic child protection organisation (CPOs) which will be facilitating intercountry adoptions in accordance with new procedures and requirements. A small number of pre-existing intercountry adoption programs are continuing to operate during this interim period and SACA was not able to provide any timeframes regarding when the domestic accreditation process would be completed.

The meeting with SACA provided an opportunity for the delegation to learn more about the framework, safeguards and viability of a potential new program in South Africa. SACA advised the delegation that there are a number of South African children in need of permanent placement and it confirmed that historically children placed with families through intercountry adoption have been infants through to children aged 6 years, including siblings and children with complex health needs. SACA also advised that it is in the process of developing a national register for all children in need of permanent families for both local and intercountry adoption as well as a register of prospective adoptive parents. The register will be used by both SACA and domestic organisations in order to explore placement locally for all children before any consideration of placement overseas can be undertaken. Once fully operational, this register will also enable further information to be provided to domestic and overseas organisations regarding the ages and characteristics of children in need of permanent families.

The delegation participated in discussions with the SACA relating to operational requirements that must be met before any program can be established. In accordance with South African legislation, a working agreement between the Australian Central Authority and the South African Central Authority must be established. Preliminary discussions on the nature and scope of this agreement were productive and positive. A separate working agreement between the Australian Central Authorities and an accredited CPO is also required. The SACA have advised that it will be responsible for facilitating the allocation of a CPO to an overseas partner country and that such allocation will not occur until after their domestic accreditation processes are finalised and a working agreement between the respective countries is in place.

The delegation observed that South Africa has a number of safeguards in place which is designed to protect the best interests of children and ensure that children are placed with families locally wherever possible. These safeguards include a proactive Central Authority, the development of a central register of local families and children in need of permanent placement, limitations on the number of partner countries working with South Africa and a strong regime regulating fees in order to reduce risks of financial improprieties.

Overall, the delegation visit was positive, particularly in terms of our engagement with the South African authorities.

Ultimately, any proposal for a new adoption program will need to meet the requirements of the Australian Government Intercountry Adoption Strategic Plan and be approved by the Attorney-General in consultation with the State and Territory Central Authorities. It is not possible to predict when or if a program with South Africa will be established.

The Department will continue to progress discussions with SACA. Further information and updates about this potential program will be made available in due course.

Seventh Nativeland Visit to Thailand - July 2011

The Thai Central Authority has confirmed the Seventh Thailand Nativeland Visit will be held from 24-31 July 2011. The visit is to provide an opportunity for Thai adopted children living abroad to visit Thailand and gain some knowledge of Thai culture.

A draft itinerary for the visit has been provided and is as follows (please note that this is subject to change):

Day One:

  • Registration

Day Two:

  • Meet with V.I.P of Thailand

  • Opening and Welcome Ceremony

  • Reception Dinner

Day Three:

  • Visit the Babies’ Homes

  • Stay overnight in Bangkok

Day Four:

  • Field trip to Kanchanburi Province by coach

  • Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum

  • Stay overnight in Kanchanaburi Province

Day Five:

  • Trip to Krasae Cave by train

  • Visit Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Bridge of the River Kawi by coach

  • Stay overnight in Kanchanabury Province

Day Six:

  • Visit the Leam Phak Bia Environment Study Research and Development Project under Royal Initiatives, Petchaburi Province

  • Stay overnight in Hua Hin, Prachuab Khiri Khan Province

Day Seven:

  • Activities

  • Farewell Party

  • Stay overnight in Hua Hun

Day Eight:

  • Leave for Bangkok

The Thai Central Authority are wanting to develop a better understanding of the level of interest in this visit, before progressing with further arrangements and detail. If families are interested in participating, please advise your State or Territory Central Authority as soon as possible.

Please be aware that the Thai Central Authority has always expressed a preference that attendees be older children, preferably of school age.

Further information on registration and payment arrangements for the Visit will be provided as soon as these are available. All information will be updated on this website.

Delegation visit to South Africa

A delegation from the Attorney-General’s Department will travel to South Africa from 21-25 March 2011.

The objective of the visit is to engage in preliminary discussions with South Africa on the possible establishment of an intercountry adoption program. In accordance with the Strategic Plan, the visit will enable the Department to commence assessing the framework, safeguards and viability of a potential new program with South Africa. The establishment of a possible new program is complex and it is not possible to predict when or if a program with South Africa will be established.

The visit will also provide the opportunity to develop working relationships with the South African authorities.

A report on the outcome of the delegation visit will be provided in due course.

Outcomes of the delegation visit to Thailand and India

A delegation comprising officers from the Attorney-General’s Department and the Victorian Department of Human Services travelled to Thailand and India from 31 January 2011 to 6 February 2011.

Thailand

While in Thailand, the delegation met with the Thai Central Authority (the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW)) and Australian embassy officials. The delegation also visited a Thai orphanage on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Discussions with DSDW covered a range of issues related to the Thailand-Australia intercountry adoption program, with a particular focus on the status of the moratorium on new files. DSDW advised that the moratorium would remain in place for at least another six months after which time it would be reviewed.

DSDW confirmed that applicants may apply for children with ‘special needs’ while the moratorium is in place. It advised that children with ‘special needs’ include children over four years of age; children with health problems; children with behavioural problems; children born to parents with mental illness; children born through incest and siblings.

DSDW were particularly appreciative of the long relationship with Australia and the extent to which Australian families endeavour to maintain the links with Thailand.

India

While in India, the delegation had informative discussions with the Indian Ministry of Women and Child Development, India’s Central Authority – the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), Australian High Commission and Embassy officials, and Indian adoption agencies.

The meeting with CARA provided an opportunity to seek clarification on a range of issues as summarised below:

  • Approval and implementation of the new CARA Guidelines: CARA advised that its new Guidelines are expected to be approved in the near future, with implementation to begin shortly thereafter. Under the new Guidelines each stage of the adoption process will have a screening mechanism. Our understanding is that CARA will seek to ensure implementation of the Guidelines does not unduly disrupt existing processes.
  • Centralised system: A key change under the new CARA Guidelines will be the requirement for applications from prospective adoptive parents to be transmitted directly to CARA making them primarily responsible for the screening of the eligibility of applicants. After screening by a Committee, CARA will direct applications to Registered Indian Placement Agencies (RIPAs). The receiving country may indicate their preference for a particular RIPA.
  • Online centralised database: CARA provided a demonstration of their new online database which will contain details of all children in need of adoption. The aim of the database is to improve transparency and minimise delays in the adoption process in India.
  • Implementation of amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000: the amendments to this Act are still being implemented by Indian States. CARA expects it will be at least another 12 months before the States have implemented the various aspects of the amended Act. The amended Act provides for full and final adoption orders to be made by Indian courts.
  • Allegations implicating officials of CARA: the delegation sought further advice about the implications of the continuing investigations by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in relation to alleged illegal adoptions concerning the Preet Mandir orphanage. CARA advised that it was not in a position to comment on the investigations given the matter is the subject of legal proceedings. However, it said it was confident that matters of concern would be appropriately covered under the new Guidelines.

The delegation also had the opportunity to meet with officials from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which has policy oversight of CARA.

A meeting with officials from the Australian High Commission in India afforded the opportunity to discuss and explore additional safeguards to supplement existing scrutiny measures for the India-Australia program. Information gained from these discussions will be utilised in devising additional scrutiny mechanisms.

Representatives from the US Embassy and the Danish Embassy met with the delegation to discuss their adoption programs with India and to share information on best practices in intercountry adoption.

During their stay, the delegation also had the opportunity to visit some Indian RIPAs. Tours of their facilities allowed the delegation to learn more about the management of programs for Indian children in need of placement through intercountry adoption. While there are increasing numbers of domestic adoptions, there are still children with special needs, including older children, sibling groups and children with medical conditions, who are in need of overseas families.

Status of the India-Australia intercountry adoption program

The temporary hold on new applications going to India remains in place. Information gained during the delegation will assist in considering the future operation of the program. CARA anticipates the new Guidelines will be released by April 2011 which will facilitate the Australian Government’s future consideration of this issue.

Subsequent developments

A report in the India media (the Pune Mirror) on 9 March 2011 claims the CBI has filed charges against six accused persons in relation to investigations into alleged illegal adoptions. The report states that the former chair of CARA was one of the persons charged. The report claims that as part of the investigation, the CBI probed some 70 in-country and five intercountry adoption cases of Preet Mandir.

Senior officials from the Indian Ministry and CARA advised in early March 2011 that they are proposing a delegation visit to Sydney and Melbourne in the coming weeks. The Department envisages that such a visit would afford the opportunity to follow-up on a number of matters raised during the Australian delegation to India.

Further information about the ongoing operation of this program will be provided in due course.

Any further enquiries should be directed to your State or Territory Central Authority in the first instance.

Update on the Ethiopia–Australia Intercountry Adoption Program – February 2011

New Australian Representative

The Department is pleased to introduce Woz (Ms) Lemlem Fesseha as the incoming Australian Representative. We have engaged Woz Lemlem as the Program Manager pending her appointment as the new Australian Representative from 1 April 2011 and have officially notified the Ethiopian Ministry of Women’s Children’s and Youth Affairs of this.

Woz Lemlem received her Associate Degree of Law from Addis Ababa University and has previously worked as a Judge in Ethiopia. In 1997 Woz Lemlem moved to the United States where she completed a Masters of Social Work at Clark Atlanta University and worked as a Social Service Specialist for the Georgia Department of Family and Children’s Services. She returned to Ethiopia in 2010. The current Australian Representatives, Ato Lakew Gebeyehu and Woz Misrak, will continue in their roles until 31 March 2011 to finalise several cases and facilitate a handover to Woz Lemlem.

As Australian Representative, Woz Lemlem will oversee the management of the Program and perform core functions such as accepting Australian files and referrals of children, matching, progressing cases through intercountry adoption procedures and immigration and communicating with Australian Central Authorities. To support Woz Lemlem, the Department is engaging an experienced, Hague accredited adoption service provider in Ethiopia to provide administrative and ancillary services necessary for the ethical and effective management of the Program. This includes a range of new services to the Program including background checking of children and development assistance projects.

Program orphanages

As incoming Australian Representative, Woz Lemlem is seeking to develop working relationships with new orphanages in which the Australian Government can have trust and confidence. The Program has signed a working agreement with Tesfa Children and Elderly Support Organization in Oromia and is looking at other opportunities to enter into working agreements with further orphanages in the future. The Grace Centre for Children and Families has not yet been successful in gaining an orphanage licence. The Department will continue to monitor the situation.

Program referrals

The Program has commenced accepting new referrals of children in need of a permanent family placement from Tesfa Orphanage. These children are currently being progressed through background checking processes to ensure that the child’s documentation and information is correct. Once the background of these children has been thoroughly assessed, and subject to confirmation that all proper processes have been followed, Woz Lemlem will seek to match the children with Australian families with active files in Ethiopia according to the Matching Guidelines, and will progress the cases through the intercountry adoption system.

Bilateral arrangement

The Program will continue to operate under the existing 1994 bilateral arrangement while the Department works with Ethiopian authorities to update the documentation to better reflect contemporary practices in both countries.

Fee structure

A new fee structure is being finalised based on the costs of administering the Program. There will be an increase to the total amount of fees in order to meet the standards and expectations of the Program and respond to inflationary pressures in Ethiopia.

File management

Families with Approved Files in Ethiopia

Families with active files in Ethiopia may be allocated a child who has been recently referred to the Australian Program. Not all families will receive an allocation from the current referrals. State and Territory Central Authorities will commence contacting all families with active files in Ethiopia to discuss arrangements for the payment of fees and updating of documents so that they are current in the event that an allocation is made.

Families with Approved Files in Australia

These files will remain in Australia pending further developments in relation to the Program. The Department will monitor the progress of the first new referrals to the Program before making a decision about sending replacement files.

Families Under Assessment for the Ethiopia Program

State and Territory Central Authorities are responsible for managing approval and assessment processes for applicants wishing to adopt from Ethiopia. It is likely that the quota of files able to be in Ethiopia at any one time may remain. This would necessitate continuation of a ‘waiting list’ in each jurisdiction whereby files would remain in Australia until they are able to be sent to Ethiopia.

If you have any questions about how this information will affect your case, please contact your local State or Territory Central Authority.

Update on the status of the India-Australia Program – 4 July 2011

The Australian Central Authority has been informed by India’s Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) that the Government of India has approved the 2011 Guidelines Governing the Adoption of Children.

The new guidelines will change how adoptions are managed in India. Adoption applications will be transmitted directly to CARA rather than to individual Recognised Indian Placement Agencies (RIPAs). CARA will assess the application and forward the application to a suitable RIPA.
 
To facilitate the transition to the centralised adoption system, CARA has asked all partner countries to not send any new applications to India until at least 30 September 2011, or until otherwise advised by CARA.
 
This measure is designed to allow RIPAs to clear pending applications before the new system is introduced.
 
The Australian Government’s hold on new applications going to India, introduced in October 2010, remains in place. Further information about the ongoing operation of this program will be provided in due course.
 
Any further enquiries should be directed to your State or Territory Central Authority in the first instance.

Philippines Global Consultation on Child Welfare Services - June 2011

Global Consultation Delegation Visit

An officer from the Attorney-General’s Department will travel to the Philippines to attend the 11th Global Consultation on Child Welfare Services, to be held in Manila from 17 – 19 August 2011.

The Global Consultation, hosted by the Philippines Intercountry Adoption Board (ICAB) every two years, is the largest international conference of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. The theme this year is ‘Securing Children’s Rights Through Dynamic International Partnership’. Australia has been invited to present a paper on Australia’s experience in addressing child trafficking issues in the context of intercountry adoption.

The visit will provide an opportunity to enhance Australia’s working relationships with authorities in the Philippines and other intercountry adoption partners in the region.

A report on the outcome of the delegation visit will be provided in due course.

ICAB Program Souvenir Book

In the lead up to the Global Consultation, ICAB is preparing a Program Souvenir Book which will include some articles, written by families, about their experiences adopting a Filipino child or children.

State and Territory Central Authorities are coordinating contributions from adoptive parents. Families interested in submitting an article on their adoption journey should contact their Central Authority for more information.

ICAB may use the photos and stories in the Program Souvenir Book or in other adoption advocacy programs. Submissions are due to ICAB by 30 June 2011.

Taiwan - Update regarding adoption fee for Christian Salvation Service (CSS) - 31 May 2011

Christian Salvation Service (CSS) has recently advised that its adoption fee will increase from US$10,000 to US$12,000. The increase in fees is required to enable CSS to continue to provide the highest quality care to children in need of adoptive families and social support services within the community.

The new fee will apply to all families with files at CSS awaiting allocation as well as all new files yet to be sent. The adoption fee for children with special needs will continue to be determined on a case by case basis.

Fees update for the Ethiopia-Australia Intercountry Adoption Program - May 2011

Fees currently applicable to the Ethiopia–Australia intercountry adoption program have been finalised.

It has been necessary to increase the fees to meet the standards and expectations of the new program including comprehensive background checking of children referred to the Australian program. The current fee provides funds for the Ethiopian Government’s requirement to contribute towards development assistance projects and for orphanage support. The fee also takes into account the high levels of inflation in Ethiopia.

All families who accept an allocation after 1 May 2011 will be required to pay $12,000US per single child application and $5230 for each additional sibling adopted as part of the same adoption application:

Current Fee Table

Component Amount in USD Payable

First Instalment

$6000

At time the file is sent to Ethiopia

Second Instalment

$6000

Acceptance of allocation

Sibling Adoption Fee

$5230 per child for second and subsequent siblings

Acceptance of allocation

If you have any questions about the current fee structure please contact your local State or Territory Central Authority.

Ethiopia Program Update – Engagement of Wide Horizons For Children Inc - July 2011

The Department is pleased to formally announce the engagement of Wide Horizons For Children Inc (WHFC) – an experienced, Hague accredited adoption service provider in Ethiopia – to provide administrative, ancillary and support services necessary for the ethical and effective management of the Program. 

Facilitation of adoptions and Program information

WHFC will provide a range of support services to the Program. However all Australian adoptions will continue to be separately facilitated by the Australian Representative and she will remain the contact point for all communication from State and Territory Central Authorities.

It is essential that families refer to the Ethiopia Country Program Table, or contact their State or Territory Central Authority directly, for information about the Program as information available on the WHFC website will not necessarily apply to Australian files.

Background Assessments

WHFC have extensive in-country expertise and experience in undertaking background checks for children referred for intercountry adoption, to confirm each child is truly in need of an overseas adoptive family. The Program has engaged WHFC to provide the Australian Representative with comprehensive background assessments for each child referred to the Program, including testing the veracity and accuracy of each child’s personal information and history. A key element of these background assessments will be verifying that birth families understand the permanent nature of adoption and have therefore provided their informed consent.

Horizon House

WHFC currently operate a transition house (Horizon House) in Addis Ababa to provide support for families following the adoption. For an additional fee, families may stay in Horizon House with their child for one week once the court order has been granted, subject to availability. State and Territory Departments will discuss accommodation options with families once the court date has been provided and will facilitate any requests to stay at Horizon House through the Australian Representative.

Expansion of Colombia program to all States and Territories - 21 January 2011

The Colombia-Australia intercountry adoption program is now open for applications from suitable families across Australia. Participation will be decided by each State and Territory Central Authority.

Historically, this program mainly operated between Colombian private houses (government authorised orphanages) and the NSW Central Authority. This arrangement will continue, however applicants of NSW may wish to apply with this new arrangement. This new arrangement will have some differences in how it operates, but eligibility criteria and legal procedures will be the same.

Colombia’s Central Authority (ICBF) has advised that children in need of intercountry adoption range from infants to adolescents and sibling groups. The ICBF gives shorter timeframes and higher priority to applications for children with special needs, sibling groups and children aged seven years and above. The ICBF has stated that although families are required to spend a minimum of three to four weeks in-country, unexpected delays can occur. Therefore families will need to be flexible and be able to stay longer if necessary.

Eligibility requirements are outlined in detail in the Country Program page. In particular, please note the age requirements below as set by ICBF.

Applicants must be at least 25 years old and more than 15 years older than the child they are seeking to adopt.

Age of applicants Age of child
Applicant 25 - 38 years Up to 35 months (0-2 years 11 months) or a child from any age bracket below (Category 1)
Applicant 39 - 41 years Between 36 - 59 months (3-4 years 11 months) or a child from any age bracket below (Category 2)
Applicant 42 - 44 years Between 60 - 83 months (5-6 years 11 months) or a child from any age bracket below (Category 2)
Applicant over 45 years From 84 months (7+ years) (Category 2)

Because separate waiting lists are maintained for each category, applicants must state in their application if they are applying for a child in either Category 1 or Category 2, or if they are seeking to adopt a child in the older age brackets.

Where applicants fall within the different age groups, ICBF will consider the age of the lead applicant (the applicant who will have primary responsibility and day to day care of the child) for the purposes of the age eligibility criteria. The age of applicants is calculated when the file is received and acknowledged by ICBF and not upon placement.

Prospective adoptive parents interested in adopting a child from Colombia should contact their State or Territory Central Authority for more information. Because this is the first time that Central Authorities will be working directly with ICBF, limited information is available on how this program will operate in practice. Accordingly, we are not able to offer reliable estimates of waiting times for this program.

ICBF provides a waiting list information document for overseas families on their website. This list, which is updated regularly, is published in Spanish only. It provides the date of the last application remaining to be allocated for each particular age bracket. This may provide some guidance to families on approximate waiting times. Please note that not all applications are matched in strict chronological order.

Families who currently have applications lodged overseas are encouraged to think carefully before considering applying to Colombia. The specific requirements of children in need of adoption in Colombia may differ significantly from the children in need of adoption from other overseas countries.

General information about the program can be found on the Country Program page.

Further information about the ongoing operation of this program will be provided in due course.

Program updates - India and Thailand - 19 January 2011

A delegation from the Attorney-General’s Department will travel to Thailand and India from 30 January 2011 to 6 February 2011.

The delegation will visit Thailand to discuss the program and the status of the current moratorium on new applications for intercountry adoptions.

The objectives of the visit to India are to discuss a range of policy and operational matters and explore existing and potential safeguards. The delegation will also seek information to enable further decisions to be made about the future operation of the program.

The visits will provide the opportunity to strengthen our working relationships with authorities in partner countries.

A report on the outcome of the delegation visit will be provided in due course.

Update on operation of Philippines program

The Intercountry Adoption Board of the Philippines (ICAB) has informed all of its partner countries that they will not be accepting applications from foreign adoption agencies that have sent 10 or more applications per year for the past three years (2008-2010). ICAB have confirmed that each State and Territory Central Authority in Australia is considered to be a separate foreign adoption agency in this matter. A copy of the resolution outlining the decision of ICAB is available upon request from your State or Territory Central Authority.

ICAB has introduced this measure to enable them to address the protracted waiting period for child placement and to manage the large number of adoption applications they have received. ICAB has advised that the temporary moratorium will remain in place until current application waiting times is reduced to approximately two years. It is not possible to predict when this will occur.

The Attorney-General’s Department has contacted ICAB to discuss this matter. ICAB has advised that the only Australian jurisdiction affected by the temporary moratorium is New South Wales. The New South Wales Central Authority has been requested by ICAB to refrain from sending new applications. Prospective adoptive parents who have been approved by the New South Wales Central Authority to adopt from the Philippines prior to 31 January 2011 will not be affected. ICAB has confirmed that these applications will still be accepted even if sent to ICAB after this date.

ICAB has indicated that applications to adopt children with special needs will not be affected. Children in the Philippines with special needs include children in a sibling group of three or more, children with medical conditions or developmental delays, and older children (from 9-15 years old). More information on the characteristics of children in need of adoption from the Philippines can be found at our Current intercountry adoption programs page.

Any further enquiries should be directed to your State or Territory Central Authority in the first instance.

Outcomes of delegation to Ethiopia - 23 December 2010

A delegation comprising officers of the Attorney-General’s Department and the NSW Department of Human Services, Community Services travelled to Ethiopia from 5-16 December 2010.

Together with the Australian Ambassador to Ethiopia, the delegation took the opportunity on behalf of all Australian Central Authorities to thank outgoing Australian Representatives Ato Lakew Gebeyehu and Woz Misrak Getahun for their long and dedicated service. Ato Lakew and Woz Misrak will continue to provide care to the small number of children that remain in Koala House and see their cases through to completion.

The delegation conducted formal interviews for a new Australian representative in Ethiopia. The Department hopes to be in a position to make an announcement regarding this position shortly. The delegation also held discussions with an experienced adoption service provider in Ethiopia about providing administrative and ancillary services necessary for the ethical and effective management of the program. Further work will be carried out to finalise these new arrangements, including background checking and managing development assistance projects.

The delegation met the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs to discuss the Ethiopia-Australia intercountry adoption program working arrangements in Ethiopia. Both ministries expressed support for the ongoing working relationship between the governments of Australia and Ethiopia. It was agreed we will continue to operate under the existing 1994 arrangement while working to update the documentation to better reflect contemporary practices in both countries.

The delegation also met officers from a number of embassies and NGOs. In discussions, it was noted that the Ethiopian governments at both the federal and regional levels are examining closely various aspects of intercountry adoption in Ethiopia, including the activities of some adoption service providers and the operations of orphanages throughout the country.

Representatives of the Grace Children’s Centre confirmed with the delegation that they have still not been successful in getting an orphanage licence. The Department will continue to follow this up.

The delegation travelled to a district south of Addis Ababa where they visited several orphanages and observed a number of community development projects, including a well which provides safe drinking water for thousands of families. The delegation also met with a previous recipient of a sponsorship program who has developed a thriving business and is now fostering a child.

The Department will continue to prioritise ongoing improvements to the Ethiopia-Australia intercountry adoption program. Further announcements will be made early in 2011.

Philippines program – direct contact between prospective adoptive parents and child caring agencies - November 2010

The Intercountry Adoption Board of the Philippines (ICAB) has requested that the Australian Central Authority remind families about their policy on direct contact.

Direct contact by prospective adoptive parents and a child caring agency (or between parents and a child in that agency’s care) that is not facilitated with the written permission of ICAB, will be viewed as a breach of the child caring agency’s license.

This includes contact between parents who have accepted a placement proposal for a child, but prior to the actual placement of the child with the family.

For more information on the Australian Central Authority’s position on pre-placement contact and travel prior to finalising the adoption, see:

All contact between prospective adoptive parents and overseas adoption authorities (and persons with care of children) should occur through State or Territory central authorities, until such time as families are approved to travel to meet their child.

Prospective adoptive parents should contact their State or Territory central authority if they require further advice.

Ethiopia program update – 16 November 2010

A delegation from the Attorney-General’s Department will travel to Ethiopia from 5 - 16 December 2010. The objectives of the visit are to:

  • commence formal discussions with the Ethiopian Government on the Memorandum of Understanding for our ongoing working relationship which will replace the existing 1994 bilateral agreement
  • facilitate a detailed handover from the current Australian Representatives in Ethiopia, Ato Lakew Gebeyehu and Woz Misrak Getahun, who will retire on 31 December 2010
  • meet with our potential new representatives in Ethiopia to discuss program matters (subject to the continuation of positive ongoing discussions), and
  • meet with potential new partner orphanages to discuss working with the Australian program.

The Department will continue to put structures in place to ensure that the Ethiopia-Australia program operates in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption and in the best interests of children.

A further update will be provided shortly.

India-Australia Intercountry Adoption Program – allegations in India media

There have been reports in the Indian media alleging that officials of the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA) in India colluded with Preet Mandir, an orphanage under investigation by the Indian Central Bureau of Investigation in relation to illegal adoptions. Court proceedings against the managing trustee of Preet Mandir are ongoing and it is not possible to predict when the outcome of these proceedings will be known. The Department is not aware of any separate court proceedings against officials of CARA. Australia no longer works with Preet Mandir, and the Attorney-General froze dealings with this agency in September 2008.

Given the serious nature of the allegations, pending additional information from India, the Attorney-General has decided to place a temporary hold on new applications being sent to India. Existing applications in India will remain, and placement proposals will continue to be progressed. The Department is exploring additional safeguards to supplement existing scrutiny measures, in order to ensure all adoptions from India comply with the standards of the Hague Convention. These arrangements will remain in place until additional information is obtained that enables further decisions to be made about the future operation of the program.

Although the information contained in the media reports is concerning, the existence of these allegations does not mean that illegal adoptions have occurred. The Department has no information that suggests any adoptions to Australia are under investigation in the court proceedings against Preet Mandir.

The Department is continuing to actively seek additional information from authorities in India. Further information will be provided to families through State and Territory Central Authorities once it is available.

If families or adoptees have concerns regarding the circumstances of a current or past adoption, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority in the first instance.

South Korea program – new quota (2010) and age requirements

Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) recently issued an Australian national quota of 25 adoption applications (dossiers) for 2010. The total number of files will be distributed across States and Territories in the same manner as the previous quota, with approximately one third of the total files being from families approved to adopt children with more complex medical backgrounds.

Consistent with established practice, the quota has been distributed across States and Territories according to population, with some consideration for the smallest jurisdictions (to allow for a minimum of one application per State or Territory). The breakdown is as follows:

State

Percentage of population Actual percentage of 25 files Total files Number of files for children with complex medical background

New South Wales

33%

8.25

7

3

Victoria

25%

6.25

6

4

Queensland

20%

5

4

2

Western Australia

10%

2.5

3

1

South Australia

7.5%

1.875

2

1

Tasmania

2%

0.5

1

*

Northern Territory

1%

0.25

1

*

Australian Capital Territory

1.5%

0.375

1

*

Total

100%

25

25

12

*At least one of the three files from TAS, NT and ACT should be from a family approved to adopt a child with complex medical background.

Note: population statistics are taken from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

ESWS has indicated that the number of intercountry adoptions from Korea has continued to decline in recent years, and this is reflected in Australia’s reduced quota for 2010. ESWS has also indicated that if Australia is issued with further quotas in the future, these are likely to continue being lowered. It is not possible to predict if or when future quotas will be issued. This remains a matter for ESWS, and will reflect the changing needs of Korean children and, where appropriate, the capacity of Australian families to meet these needs.

ESWS has also advised of changes to its eligibility criteria. All applicants must be no more than 43 years and 6 months old by the time their homestudy or file is received by ESWS. The Department initially received advice that the new age criteria would only apply to first time applicants. However, ESWS has since advised that this change will apply to all new files sent, including first and second time applicants, and those approved to adopt children with more complex medical backgrounds. This change does not affect applicants who have sent their files as part of previous quotas.

Fees for the South Korea program remain unchanged.

State and Territory Central Authorities will prepare and forward dossiers to ESWS as soon as possible.

If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority.

E-mail distribution list

If you would like to be included on our e-mail distribution list please write to us at intercountryadoption@ag.gov.au.

Update on Ethiopia-Australia Intercountry Adoption Program – New Fee Structure and Requirement to Attend Court Hearing – 21 May 2010

New fee structure

The new fee structure for the Ethiopia program has now been finalised. All files with activity from 6 April 2010 will attract a fee of $9,500USD per application. This includes files already in Ethiopia and files yet to be sent.

This amount will be payable in three instalments–$5,300USD at the time the file is sent, $3,900USD at the time an allocation is accepted and a $300USD in-kind donation to Koala House at the time the child is collected. A summary of the fees is outlined in the below table.

The increase of fees will include sufficient funding for the Australian program administration. A new program fee of $5,400USD will include court processing fees, medical and immigration fees, document verification services, the Australian representatives’ salary, staff salaries and running costs of the program office and Koala House.

It also includes a foster care fee of $1,500USD which will be payable to the orphanage (through the program) for the costs of caring for the adopted child (food, formula, clothes etc) as well as the ongoing costs of the orphanage, including children who may not be adopted.

A development assistance fee of $2,300USD will also be included in the new fee structure. This amount will be required at the time the file is sent and will be payable directly to an NGO (to be determined) undertaking development assistance on behalf of the Australian program.

Families will also be asked to purchase certain products to the value of $300USD which are difficult to obtain in Ethiopia, such as lactose free formula or nappies, at the time of travel. The in-kind donation will be given to Koala House for the continued care of the children. This amount has been built into the fees and will mean the program no longer needs to rely on family support groups to make such contributions.

Summary of new fee structure for Ethiopia program


Amount

Time of payment

$3,000 Program administrative fee (to program)
$2,300 Development assistance fee (to NGO)
TOTAL: $5,300USD

At the time the file is sent

$2,400 program fee (to program)
$1,500 foster care fee (to program)
TOTAL $3,900

At time allocation is accepted

In-kind donation to Koala House (formula, clothes, nappies etc)
TOTAL $300

At the time of travel to Ethiopia

Families with files already in Ethiopia will be required to pay the difference between the amount already paid and the new fee amount, at the time an allocation is accepted.

If siblings are adopted, the foster care fee will need to be paid twice as it reflects the costs of caring for multiple children. However, the program administration costs and development assistance fee will only be paid once.

If you have any further questions, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority.

New requirement to attend court hearings

From 9 May 2010, the Federal First Instance Court will require parents to physically attend the court hearing for the issuing of the adoption order in Ethiopia. The Court considers this to be in the best interests of the child.
This differs significantly from previous practice where parents only travelled after the final court order was made and immigration processes were completed.

It is anticipated that a court date will be set approximately one month before the hearing. Parents will be required to attend the hearing and then remain in Ethiopia while the immigration processes are completed (ie the issuing of the birth certificate, passport and visa). This process will take approximately four to six weeks.

It will be appropriate for families to take custody of the child once the final adoption order is obtained from the court.

The Attorney-General’s Department, State and Territory Central Authorities and the Australian African Children’s Aid and Support Association will work together to develop an information package including recommended hotels, drivers, restaurants etc, to assist families during their stay in Ethiopia.

The Department encourages families to use their time in Ethiopia to further their understanding of the country and culture of their child’s place of birth.

Delay in approval to travel for South Korea – 21 May 2010

Eastern Social Welfare Service (ESWS) has advised that waiting times for approval to travel have recently increased. There is currently a wait of six to eight months between allocation and approval to travel.
The delay has been caused by a number of contributing factors including:

  • administrative delays in the relevant Korean Department issuing exit visas which are required before a child can travel
  • insufficient exit visas at the end of 2009 meant that ESWS was required to hold over some families’ travel to 2010. This has meant a backlog of exit visas for families from the 2009 quota, and
  • ESWS practice of only submitting a small number of exit visas to the relevant Korean Department per month.

ESWS have stressed that estimates of likely processing times are subject to change due to issues such as those listed above. We ask that families remain patient and await any further advice from their State or Territory Central Authority about the progress of their case.

We will continue to follow up this matter with ESWS to consider ways to expedite the process.

The Attorney-General’s Department will update this website if any further advice is received.

Expansion of Taiwan intercountry adoption program – 11 May 2010

The Australian Government Attorney General’s Department is pleased to announce the expansion of the Taiwan intercountry adoption program.

Australia works with three partner agencies in Taiwan— Christian Salvation Service (CSS), Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF) and Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation.

Throughout 2009, the programs with CWLF and Chung Yi have been operating on a trial basis, only accepting a limited number of files from selected jurisdictions. However, following discussions with our partner agencies, both CWLF and Chung Yi have increased Australia’s file quota and have agreed to accept applications from additional jurisdictions in 2010.

CWLF will now accept applications from Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland. Chung Yi will now accept applications from New South Wales and South Australia. CSS will continue to accept applications from all States and Territories.

Further information about the Taiwan intercountry adoption program is available on the Current intercountry adoption programs page or by contacting your State or Territory central authority.

Australia will continue to explore opportunities to encourage the expansion of both the Chung Yi and CWLF programs where possible throughout 2010.

Policy and operational information from the Chinese delegation visit to Australia: May 2010

As noted on ‘What’s New’, a delegation from China visited Canberra on 16 – 17 May to discuss the China-Australia intercountry adoption program. A number of important issues were discussed.

  • Characteristics of children in need of Intercountry Adoption: The China delegation emphasised that the need for intercountry adoption of healthy infants is likely to continue to decrease. The factors contributing to this decline are the fast development of the Chinese economy, an increase in Chinese domestic adoptions and strong measures to prevent the trafficking of children in China. The Chinese delegation emphasised the numbers of special needs and older children in need of intercountry adoption and that more qualified adoptive parents are needed for such children.
    The delegation confirmed that, while the majority of healthy children needing homes are two and under, there are some children from 2 to 6 years in need of intercountry adoption. However, it is easy to place healthy children of the 0 – 6 years age range, as well as children with ‘minor disabilities’ with foreign families. As such, these children are not a category of children most in need of intercountry adoption from China.
  • Waiting periods: The delegation was unable to provide accurate estimates of likely maximum waiting periods, citing many variables that would influence trends. CCAA currently have 20,000 unprocessed applications from around the world and a minimum waiting period of 4 years is to be expected. Increasing waiting periods are largely due to the decline in the numbers of healthy children in need of intercountry adoption and large number of prospective adoptive parents waiting for allocation.
  • Eligibility criteria: Formally, CCAA advised that applicants who sent their files prior to the changes to eligibility criteria in May 2007 can meet the old eligibility criteria. However, CCAA indicated that the criteria would be strictly applied and that there is still the possibility that CCAA may decline to accept a particular family’s file. CCAA indicated that Central Authorities should actively consider the ongoing eligibility and suitability of prospective adoptive parents and advise of other options where appropriate.
  • Online Special Needs Program: CCAA clearly indicated their increased emphasis on finding families for children with special needs and the high calibre parents considered suitable to adopt such children. Children being placed on the online special needs program include healthy children over the age of 6 years and children with ‘minor’ and ‘severe’ disabilities. However, our experience is that older healthy children are generally significantly older children, ie above 11 years, and that the majority of other children have multiple and high level physical and intellectual challenges.
  • New functions assigned to CCAA: CCAA has been appointed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs to undertake additional responsibilities in line with the Chinese Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all children in China. The CCAA will continue to manage China’s intercountry adoption programs and take on additional responsibilities, particularly for children in public care. This includes overseeing the care of children in social welfare institutes, administering domestic adoption and foster care in China, and opening social welfare institutes to provide education and rehabilitation services to all children in the Chinese community. The CCAA had been working with a China-based NGO to support and improve facilities in over 333 cities. The delegation noted that the Chinese Government had invested some 2.3bn RMB toward supporting these efforts. With its expanded responsibilities, the CCAA may soon be known as the China Child Welfare Center.

Australian Representative for the Ethiopia-Australia Intercountry Adoption Program

Ato Lakew Gebeyehu has indicated that he intends to transition from his role as the Australian Representative for the Ethiopia-Australia Intercountry Adoption Program.

This does not mean closure of the Ethiopia-Australia Intercountry Adoption Program. There will be a transitionary period of approximately six months to enable a smooth hand over of the role to a new Australian Representative in Ethiopia, with new arrangements anticipated in early 2011.

Where a family has already been allocated a child, the application will be progressed by Ato Lakew to completion. Other approved applications in Ethiopia will be handed over to the new representative when appointed. Arrangements to implement changes to the program continue unaffected.

Ato Lakew and Woz Misrak have been providing overseas adoption services to Australian families and governments for nearly 20 years and we thank them for their commitment throughout this period.

Ethiopia Program Update – 4 June 2010

Australian representative’s visit to Australia

The Australian representative of the Ethiopia-Australia intercountry adoption program, Ato Lakew, will be visiting Australia from 13-30 June 2010. The purpose of the representative’s visit is to negotiate a new Service Agreement and to continue discussions regarding ongoing changes being put in place to ensure the integrity and continued compliance of the program with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

Family event for Australian Ethiopian adoptive families

The Attorney-General’s Department and the Australian African Children’s Aid and Support Association (AACASA) will be hosting a family event in Canberra during the Australian representative’s visit. All Australian adoptive families who have adopted children from Ethiopia are welcome to attend.

Approved prospective adoptive parents intending to adopt from Ethiopia are welcome to attend. However, they must not discuss their file with the Australian representative and should be aware that doing so could impact their application.

The family event will be held from 2.00pm-5.00pm on Saturday 19 June at the Diplomat Hotel, 2 Hely St Griffith. Refreshments will be provided. For catering purposes, please RSVP to your local State or Territory AACASA representative or contact the Australian African Children’s Aid and Support Association (AACASA).

Further clarification about Court requirements

As previously advised, the Federal First Instance Court requires adoptive parents to attend the court hearing for the issuing of the adoption order in Ethiopia.

Families may take custody of their child once the court order is made and collected, which occurs approximately one to two days after the court hearing.

Parents may choose to remain in Ethiopia with their adopted child, while the immigration processes are completed. This process usually takes between four to six weeks.

We understand that some families may not be able to remain in Ethiopia during this period, and they will return to Australia between the court order and the immigration documents being finalised. In these cases, the child will remain in the care of Koala House or the orphanage until the immigration processes are complete and the adoptive parent/s can return to Ethiopia.

The Department has also been advised that it is possible for only one parent to attend the court hearing. However, that parent must have a power of attorney from the absent parent, to act on their behalf, along with a copy of their passport and driver’s license.

If only the male applicant wishes to take custody of the child, he must be accompanied by a female relative.

Chinese intercountry adoption delegation visit to Australia – 25 May 2010

The Attorney-General’s Department hosted a six member delegation from China, comprising representatives of the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) and various provincial authorities, on 16 – 17 May 2010. The delegation visited Canberra to participate in meetings with the Australian Central Authority and the State and Territory Central Authorities.

A number of important policy and operational issues were discussed. These included the age and characteristics of children in need of overseas families, the numbers and attributes of prospective adoptive parents, the online special needs program, adoption compliance certificates, Australian citizenship, and new functions assigned to CCAA by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

These discussions were productive and helped to strengthen the ties between the Australian Central Authorities and the CCAA. Further details about the information exchanged in these meetings will be posted on our website shortly.

While in Canberra, the delegation also attended an enjoyable function beside Lake Burley Griffin organised in conjunction with Families with Children from China Australia. The delegation met children from the ACT and surrounding regional areas, as well as some visitors from interstate, who were adopted from China. The delegates were very pleased to see that the children were happy and healthy and provided a gift to each family.

The delegation also visited Melbourne and enjoyed meeting with the Victorian Central Authority and some families who adopted children with special needs from China.

Delegation visit to South Korea and Taiwan—13–17 September 2010

Overview

As previously advised on this website, an Australian delegation visited South Korea and Taiwan from 13–17 September 2010. The delegation met with Australia’s partner agencies and government officials to discuss various program issues and broader intercountry adoption trends.

Of particular note was the movement to increase the rates of domestic adoption in both South Korea and Taiwan, which is consistent with the subsidiarity principle of the Hague Convention.

The delegation visited nurseries and child care facilities of each of Australia’s partner agencies and was impressed with the very high standard of care and the amount of information known about each child’s background, medical and social history.

South Korea

The delegation met with Australia’s partner agency, Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS), the Australian and American Embassies, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, KCARE (Central Adoption Resources) and the Global Overseas Adoptees Link.

Exit permits and travel delays

The delegation was able to clarify a number of queries regarding exit permits. The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare is responsible for issuing each adoption agency with an annual quota of exit permits. ESWS then allocates Australia and the US with a certain quota based on the number of exit permits with which ESWS have been issued – this means that the quota number issued to Australia by ESWS each year and the number of exit permits issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare are not separate components. In 2009, a quota of 30 exit permits was issued to Australia (which was then distributed across all States and Territories). In 2010, a quota of 25 exit permits was issued to Australia.

Delays are now being experienced because children allocated from the 2009 quota are being processed using exit permits from the 2010 quota. This is occurring because of the timeframes in which the files are being sent to South Korea and the time it takes to process them in-country. This is compounded by the fact that the quota issued in 2010 was less than the quota issued in 2009. This means that there are, and will continue to be, extended waiting times from the time of allocation to the time of travel, than have previously been experienced by parents adopting from South Korea. There was a consistent message that every country and every agency is experiencing such delays.

The issuing of exit permits a decision for the South Korean Government and the Attorney-General’s Department cannot interfere with their domestic policies and practices.

The delegation was also reminded about the paramount importance of prospective adoptive parents not making direct approaches to either ESWS or Korean government authorities about allocations, permits or delays. We appreciate the frustrations experienced by adoptive parents as they wait for due processes in the child’s country of origin. However, such contact is highly inappropriate and places our overseas colleagues in a very difficult, discomforting and embarrassing situation. Inappropriate contact impacts on our relationship and has the potential to undermine the program. If parents have concerns, they must speak with their relevant State or Territory case manager.

Other relevant issues

The Ministry of Health and Welfare confirmed it will reduce the Australian national quota (and accordingly the total number of exit visa permits) by 10% next year. The Ministry again confirmed Australia’s understanding that South Korea is committed to promoting domestic adoption.

ESWS indicated that it has experienced an increase in care costs because of South Korean government requirements that children are proposed exclusively for domestic adoption for five months before being proposed for overseas adoption.

Taiwan

The delegation met with the Australian Industry and Commerce Office (ACIO), the Child Welfare Bureau (the Taiwanese body that oversees adoption agencies) and toured the Child and Juvenile Adoption Information Centre (which assist adoptees with origin-searching). Further information on the Centre can be accessed from the Child and Juvenile Adoption Information Centre website.

The Child Welfare Bureau was interested in Australia’s intercountry adoption regulation and processes as Taiwan is currently amending its adoption laws. The delegation was advised of recent developments in adoption practice, including that children should be proposed for domestic adoption for 3 months before they may be considered for adoption by overseas families. The delegation was also advised that in some circumstances, Taiwanese judges may require adoptive parents to attend court, noting it may be 6–8 weeks from that hearing before the final order is made.

The delegation met with Australia’s three established partner agencies—Christian Salvation Service (CSS), Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF) and Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation— and an additional adoption agency, CathWel Services. The delegation discussed Australia’s culture, intercountry adoption systems, processes for educating and preparing prospective adoptive parents and Australia’s capacity to provide suitable homes for children in need of families through intercountry adoption.

Many agencies expressed interest in receiving parenting plans as a component of the home study for prospective adoptive parents applying to adopt a child with special needs. This plan should demonstrate the prospective adoptive parents’ ability to provide a suitable home for a child with special needs, including their resources, personal experience, support networks, access to specialists and connections to the Asian culture and community.

The Chung Yi Welfare Foundation confirmed that prospective adoptive parents from all States and Territories will be able to send files to adopt children with special needs including children who are over five years of age, are victims of domestic or sexual abuse, have histories of maternal drug or alcohol abuse or mental illness, or who have medical conditions. Enquiries should be directed to your State or Territory Central Authority.

Further information on Australia’s intercountry adoption programs with South Korea and Taiwan can be accessed from the Current intercountry adoption programs page.

Australian delegation visit to Lithuania - 14 to 16 June 2010

Australia currently has a small program with Lithuania; a signatory to the Hague Convention. As previously announced on this website, an Australian delegation visited Lithuania from the 14–16 June 2010. The delegation met with Australia’s in-country representative, staff from the Lithuanian Central Authority, and visited three Lithuanian children’s homes, located both in rural centres and in Vilnius. The visit was invaluable in assisting the Australian Central Authority to better understand the procedural intricacies of the Australia–Lithuania intercountry adoption program. Following this visit, the Australian Central Authority will consider how the program operates in light of the high level of special needs common to Lithuanian children in need of intercountry adoption.

In-country representative:

The delegation met with Australia’s in-country representative, Ms Eva Siskauskiene, to discuss practical aspects of the Lithuanian adoption process and acknowledge the high level of support and assistance Ms Siskauskiene provides to Australian families.

Care facilities:

Most children in need of intercountry adoption from Lithuania reside in orphanages (younger children), or children’s group homes (older children). The Australian delegation visited three children’s group homes housing children of all ages. Generally, these facilities are structured as a series of small ‘family units’ containing approximately 12 children of mixed age and gender. Where possible, sibling groups reside together. Each ‘family’ has a primary caregiver, and can access doctors, nurses and psychiatric staff. Some children’s homes have adequate funding to employ doctors and psychiatric staff on a part or full‑time basis, and music teachers.

All of the homes visited were clean and in good repair.

Children in need of intercountry adoption:

The Lithuanian Central Authority confirmed that typically children in need of intercountry adoption are over four years old (but more likely to be over six years old) and are part of sibling groups. Generally, children may have one or more of:

  • psychiatric conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder
  • multiple developmental disorders
  • behavioural or social conditions from living in institutions (including aggression, anxiety or overly-competitive behaviours)
  • complex or ongoing medical conditions including foetal alcohol syndrome, or
  • suffered abuse or neglect resulting in removal from their birth or foster families by authorities.

Prospective adoptive parents interested in adopting from Lithuania should be aware of the high level of need of these children and understand that there are many older child sibling groups of three children in need of homes. The Lithuanian Central Authority advised that often multiple (if not all) siblings will have one or more of the conditions listed above. Generally, children do not speak English.

Waiting times for the Australia–Lithuania intercountry adoption program are usually quite extensive. Applicants seeking younger (under 5 years old), single or healthy children are likely to experience waiting periods of five or more years, as children with these characteristics are often able to be adopted domestically.

Adopting from Lithuania:

General enquiries about adopting from Lithuania should be directed to your State or Territory Central Authority.

Conclusion of India – Australia Program Review – 21 May 2010

The Australian Central Authority has recently concluded its review of the India – Australia Intercountry Adoption Program. The ACA periodically reviews all its programs in accordance with the Intercountry Adoption Strategic Plan. The Attorney‑General prioritised the review of the India–Australia intercountry adoption program in light of child trafficking allegations raised in 2008 in relation to intercountry adoption cases around 2000.

The review focused on India’s adoption framework, observance of The Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, the viability of the program as it currently operates and the possible need for additional safeguards.

The review highlighted that—consistent with global trends—most infant and young children in need of families are able to be placed domestically in India. Sibling groups, older children and those with special needs appear to be the primary categories of children in need of intercountry adoption.

On the whole, the ACA is satisfied that safeguards within India’s adoption framework have improved since trafficking allegations were raised. These ongoing improvements reflect India’s commitment to progressive implementation of the Hague Convention as anticipated by the Permanent Bureau’s Guide to Good Practice on Implementation and Operation of the 1993 Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention.

The review concluded that the program should continue to operate in its current form, with the ACA to investigate options for a managed expansion. Investigations into possible new relationships with Indian agencies will be considered where there are potentially viable and reliable orphanage partners that have children in need of Australian families.

Since March 2009, a restricted list of Indian adoption agencies with which Australia has an established relationship has been in place.

ACA is aware of serious allegations registered in a Central Bureau of Investigation case against the Managing Trustee of one Indian agency, Preet Mandir. It should be noted that the review of the program recommended that the freeze on new applications to Preet Mandir be maintained. ACA is seeking verification and further information about the specific allegations and will assess what implications this has for the program. The ACA and State and Territory Central Authorities will remain in close communication about these matters. Adoptive families or adoptees who have concerns about an adoption from Preet Mandir should in the first instance contact the State or Territory Central Authority that facilitated the adoption.

Update on the Ethiopia–Australia Intercountry Adoption program – 8 April 2010

As announced by the Attorney-General on 5 March 2010, the suspension of the Ethiopia‑Australia Intercountry Adoption program was lifted on 6 April 2010.

A number of changes are being put in place to ensure the ongoing integrity and continued compliance of the program with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

A delegation, comprising representatives from the Australian Government and the State and Territory Central Authorities, visited Ethiopia from 18‑31 March 2010 to begin implementing changes to the program identified as necessary for its resumption. The delegation met with Ethiopian Government officials, foreign embassies, relevant orphanages, various non-government organisations (NGOs) and the Australian Program’s Representatives in Ethiopia.

The Attorney-General’s Department is progressing a number of reforms, including:

Comprehensive social and medical information and background checking

The delegation investigated options for obtaining more comprehensive social and medical information about all children referred to the program. Advice was sought from other countries and agencies undertaking intercountry adoption in Ethiopia regarding best practice. Based on this advice, the program has developed a process for information-gathering and checking. This process will be subject to ongoing monitoring by AGD and State and Territory Central Authorities to ensure the standard of information being provided in relation to children referred to the program is satisfactory.

Establishment of exclusive relationships with specific orphanages

One of the children’s homes identified as a suitable partner for the program, the Grace Centre for Families and Children, is currently in the process of obtaining formal certification as a licensed orphanage. Once certification is obtained, it is anticipated the Centre will be able to refer children to the program. Certification is expected in the next three to six months. In the meantime, files already in Ethiopia will remain there and approved applications currently in Australia will remain in Australia.

A number of other orphanages have been visited and/or considered as potential program partners, however, none are considered suitable at this time. The Department will consider agreements with other appropriate orphanages in the future subject to relevant checks and approval from Ethiopian authorities.

Development assistance agreements

The Department is working with an independent NGO to deliver development assistance in Ethiopia on behalf of the Australian program, in a transparent and cost-effective manner. It is anticipated the NGO will conduct in-country assessments to identify where development assistance is most needed and will manage these projects independently.

Operational improvements

A number of operational improvements are being implemented including increased support for office management and administration, revising program templates and documentation, conducting a needs assessment in relation to the program’s facilities and resources and implementing a new accounting system.

New program fees

A fee increase will be necessary to ensure the program’s ongoing integrity and viability, including the cost of development assistance projects. It is anticipated that program fees will increase to approximately US$10,000 per application.

The new fees will apply to all applicants who accept an allocation on or after 6 April 2010, and to all new applications that are sent to Ethiopia. Applicants who have already paid fees to the program, but have not received an allocation, will be required to pay the balance to meet the increased fee. Applicants will be contacted by their State/Territory Central Authority once the fee level has been finalised.

Further work

The Department is working to finalise a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Ministry of Women's Affairs (MOWA) and a new Service Agreement with Australian Representatives.

Visit to Ethiopia and new court requirements

On 5 March 2010, the Attorney-General announced that the suspension of the Ethiopia‑Australia intercountry adoption program would be lifted. A delegation from the Attorney-General’s Department will be visiting Ethiopia from 18–31 March 2010 to begin implementing certain changes to the program prior to its resumption on 6 April 2010. The delegation will include a representative from the State and Territory Central Authorities.

Specifically, the delegation will investigate options for undertaking background checks of all children referred to the program, finalise a new fee structure for the program, and progress child sponsorship and foster fee agreements with the orphanages involved in the program and development assistance agreements with local level governments in accordance with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

The delegation will meet with Ethiopian Government officials, foreign embassies, relevant orphanages and Australia’s representatives in Ethiopia.

New court requirements

The Ethiopian First Federal Instance Court (FFIC) has announced that it will soon require all prospective adoptive parents adopting from Ethiopia to attend the court hearing for their adoption case. This would be a significant change to the existing intercountry adoption procedure in Ethiopia. Currently, Australian adoptive families do not normally travel to Ethiopia until the FFIC grants a court order in favour of the adoption and a passport and visa have been obtained for the child. The Department is in the process of confirming the new requirements with the Ethiopian authorities, including when this requirement will commence. Further information about these changes will be provided as soon as possible.

Thailand Program Update – Further information on the freeze on 2010 applications – February 2010

The Australian Central Authority (ACA) has now spoken with Thailand and can confirm that all of Thailand’s partner countries are affected by the decision not to take any new files in 2010. Thailand has a significant backlog of applications, due to less children being in need of adoption, and this has resulted in longer waiting times for families.

The ACA enquired if this decision extended to applications to adopt children with special needs or older children. DSDW advised that adopting a Thai child with special needs or an older child will still involve a considerable waiting period. However, Thailand may accept files from applicants willing to parent a child with ‘significant’ special needs. ACA is working with Thailand to determine what types of conditions this may include. Please contact your State or Territory Central Authority if you have specific questions about your adoption application.

Thailand Program Update – Freeze on 2010 applications

The Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) in Thailand has informed the Australian Central Authority that it is unable to receive new applications from Australia in 2010. DSDW has indicated there are an increasing number of prospective adoptive parents awaiting allocations and the numbers of children needing placement are less than previous years. The ACA is following up with DSDW about whether this decision affects prospective applications for older children or children with special needs (those applications usually fall outside of the annual quota system) and whether there will be any impact on applications already in Thailand. If you have specific questions relating to your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority. Further information will be made available on this website shortly.

Ethiopia – lifting of suspension – 6 April 2010

The suspension of the Ethiopia–Australia Intercountry Adoption Program introduced in November 2009 has been lifted today as scheduled.

Further information about recent developments and the changes to the program that have been implemented will be provided shortly.

Future of the Ethiopia-Australian Intercountry Adoption Program

The Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, has decided to lift the suspension of the Ethiopia-Australia intercountry adoption program. The program will recommence accepting new referrals of children in need of intercountry adoption and matching these children with prospective adoptive parents as at 6 April 2010.

The Ethiopia-Australia program was suspended in November 2009 due to concerns that Australia could no longer conduct intercountry adoptions in Ethiopia in a manner consistent with its obligations under the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

In January 2010 an Australian delegation travelled to Ethiopia to discuss the current suspension with the Ethiopian Government and to investigate options for the future of the program. The delegation obtained additional information about the requirement for Australia to provide development assistance and how this might be done in a manner consistent with the Hague Convention. The visit also provided the Department with an enhanced understanding of the practical challenges facing the program.

Information gathered during the delegation visit was incorporated into the Department's formal review of the program, which has been underway since June 2009. The Department received over 400 submissions about the program, which were also considered in the review process.

The Attorney-General has decided to lift the interim suspension on 6 April 2010, subject to progressing appropriate safeguards that will ensure the program's Hague compliance and ongoing integrity. These changes include:

  • undertaking additional background checks of children referred to the program
  • establishing relationships with a limited number of specific orphanages in which the Department has trust and confidence
  • commencing the process of entering into formal, government-regulated agreements to provide broad development assistance and community sponsorship programs, for projects unrelated to intercountry adoption (similar development assistance funds form part of the fees paid for other programs in a Hague compliant manner), and
  • setting a formal, fixed, transparent child maintenance fee for payment to orphanages for the reasonable costs of caring for a child (similar fees are charged in a Hague-compliant manner in some of Australia's other intercountry adoption programs).

In addition, the Department will be working to finalise a new memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopian Government and a new Service Agreement with an Australian representative.

These changes, which have been identified as necessary for the program's continuation, will also require a restructuring of fees to reflect actual costs and the need to provide development assistance.

The continuation of the program's suspension until 6 April 2010 will be necessary to ensure adequate safeguards are put in place.
The executive summary of the review is available from the link below. The full document is classified and will not be made public.

Applicants affected by the suspension

During the suspension, a number of children who had been referred to the Australian program prior to the suspension were matched with files that were in Ethiopia. These cases will not be affected by the 6 April 2010 timeframe and will continue to be progressed according to usual practice.

Some children referred to the Australian program prior to the suspension have not yet been matched with prospective adoptive families. These children will continue to be matched with files that are already in Ethiopia according to the existing matching guidelines and these cases will not be affected by the 6 April 2010 timeframe.

Other files already in Ethiopia will remain there, and will be matched as new children are referred to the program after 6 April 2010.

During the suspension no approved files were sent to Ethiopia. As at 6 April 2010, Central Authorities may recommence sending approved filell be sent according to the existing priority systems in each State and Territos to Ethiopia according to the existing quota arrangements (the program allows a quota of 64 files to be in Ethiopia at any one time).

New files will be sent according to the existing priority systems in each State and Territory.

If you are unsure how these arrangements will affect your application, please contact your local State or Territory Central Authority.

Fee increase

The changes identified as necessary for the program's continuation will require a significant increase in program fees. The Department is still in the process of finalising an exact amount.

All approved applicants will need to pay the new fees. This includes files that have already been sent to Ethiopia and those waiting to be sent.

Applicants who have not yet been approved to adopt will also need to pay the new fees.

The increased fees will cover the cost of the required development assistance projects, the new child maintenance fee, and the administration of the Australian program.

Further information will be provided as soon as possible.

The Department understands that the suspension of the Ethiopian program has been a difficult period for many Australian families. However, the Australian Government must ensure that all of Australia's intercountry adoption programs are run ethically and in compliance with the Hague Convention. The Department is confident that with some structural and operational changes, the Ethiopia-Australia intercountry adoption program can continue to function efficiently and operate in a manner consistent with the Hague Convention.

Outcome of delegation visit to Ethiopia in January 2010

An Australian delegation travelled to Ethiopia from 17-24 January to discuss the current suspension and investigate options for the future of the Ethiopia-Australia intercountry adoption program.

The delegation met with the Ministry of Women's Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal First Instance Court, International Organisation for Migration, UNICEF, the Grace Centre for Children and Families, regional and zonal level governments, and a number of foreign embassies and orphanages. The delegation also met with the Australian representatives and visited Koala House.

The visit was positive and the Attorney-General's Department is now finalising its review of the program. There are a number of complexities to investigate and the Department is focussing on whether the Australian program can work within the Ethiopian framework, consistent with Australia's Hague Convention obligations and possible safeguards to mitigate broader concerns. We hope that the review will be finalised in the coming weeks to enable the Attorney-General to make a decision about the future of the program by the end February. The outcome of the decision will be published on this website.

The interim suspension will remain in force until advised otherwise. As previously noted, activity during the interim suspension will be restricted to those children already referred to the Australian program. No new children will be accepted by the program during the suspension. Applicant files currently waiting in Ethiopia to be allocated will remain there until a decision about the future of the program is made.

Interim Suspension of the Ethiopia-Australia Program – November 2009

The Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, has decided that the Ethiopia–Australia program should be suspended because of concerns that Australia can no longer conduct intercountry adoptions in Ethiopia in a manner consistent with its obligations under the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.

Australia is committed to ensuring that all our intercountry adoption programs comply with the principles of the Hague Convention. This is the case whether or not the partner country is a signatory to the Convention.

Adoptive families should note that the Attorney-General’s Department is not aware of any allegations of child trafficking in the Ethiopia–Australia program. There is no suggestion of illegal practices in relation to any adoptions previously finalised between Ethiopia and Australia.

The program will be suspended pending the finalisation of a formal review which is expected to be completed by the end of 2009. The review will assess the viability of the program and its compliance with the principles of the Hague Convention. A decision about the future of the program will then be made.

Activity during the interim suspension will be restricted to those children already referred to the Australia program. This will ensure that no children will be disadvantaged by the arrangements. The following cases will be progressed:

  • cases where prospective adoptive parents have already been allocated a child from Ethiopia, and
  • cases where a child has already been referred to the program and the child can be matched with a family approved to adopt from Ethiopia. Children who have already been referred to the program will be matched in the usual way with the most appropriate adoptive family in accordance with the Matching Guidelines. In these cases, it is likely to be a number of months before applicants are advised whether they are allocated such a child.

No new children will be accepted by the program during the suspension. Applicant files currently waiting in Ethiopia to be allocated will remain there until a decision about the future of the program is made.

A key reason for the suspension is a new requirement of the Ethiopian Government that the program enter into a formal agreement to provide community development assistance. The Australian program has previously been exempt from the requirement to provide financial/material assistance because of its unique Government-to-Government arrangement. We have recently been advised that this exemption can no longer continue. The review is considering whether implementation of the new arrangements is consistent with Australia’s obligations under the Hague Convention.

The Attorney-General considers it is not possible for the program to continue accepting new referrals of children into the program until a full review of the program is completed.

Australia values its bilateral relationship with Ethiopia and looks forward to working closely with the Ethiopian Government during the review to ensure that the best interests of children are met.

We understand that many families who are waiting to adopt a child from Ethiopia will be distressed by the decision to suspend the program. However, it is important that we have confidence that children are in need of an overseas family and that no improper financial gains arise from the process.

Further information and updates about the program will be made available in due course.

Taiwan– Eligibility requirement for prospective adoptive parents – 17 November 2009

The Taiwanese agencies with which Australia has a program, Christian Salvation Service (CSS), Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF) and Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation (Chung Yi) now require all prospective adoptive parents—including both partners of a marriage—to be Australian citizens. This requirement has been introduced to enable agencies and prospective adoptive parents to meet the requirements of Taiwanese courts in a timely and efficient manner.

Further information about the Taiwan program can be found on the Taiwan Country Program Information page by following the link to ‘Country Programs’. If you have any questions about applying to adopt a child from Taiwan, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority.

Philippines – New requirements for prospective adoptive parents – 28 October 2009

The Inter-Country Adoption Board of the Philippines (ICAB) has advised of new eligibility requirements for all prospective adoptive parents. The new requirements will take effect from 1 November 2009.

The new requirements introduce stricter physical and psychological health criteria for applicants. Under the new criteria, ICAB will no longer accept applications from applicants who have certain medical or psychological conditions. Applicants will also be required to undergo more comprehensive psychological and medical assessments.

The pre-existing eligibility criteria will continue to apply to applicants whose files have already been sent to ICAB. The pre-existing criteria will also apply to applicants whose files have been approved by their State or Territory Central Authority (including those not yet sent to ICAB) and applicants currently undergoing assessment as at 1 November 2009.

No new applications for the Philippines program will be accepted after 1 November 2009 unless prospective adoptive parents are able to meet the new eligibility criteria.

Further information on the new health requirements can be found on the Philippines Country Program Information page by following the link to ‘Country Programs’. If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority.

Philippines – Post-adoption – 15 October 2009

The Department has received advice from the Inter-Country Adoption Board of the Philippines concerning the Board’s policy on post-adoption searching and reunion by adoptees and adoptive families. The Board has recently issued a resolution that the appropriate age for an adoptee to initiate the search and reunion process is the age of majority applicable under the laws of the Receiving Country. For Australian adoptees, this will require that adoptees are at least 18 years of age. Requests for search and reunion from adoptive parents in relation to their adopted child will only be considered by ICAB once the adoptee is 18 years of age and has given written consent. The Board has stressed the importance of the emotional maturity of the adoptee as a major consideration in the search and reunion process. This policy is now effective and applies to all partner countries.

Further information on post-adoption searching can be found on the Philippines Country Program Information page by following the link to ‘Country Programs’.

Update – China – Special Needs Adoption Program (May 2009) – Updated 3 June 2009

As noted in the Central Authorities’ Meeting Communiqué, Australian Central Authorities discussed the implementation of China’s special needs adoption program during their May 2009 meeting. Central Authorities agreed that Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory will participate in the program on a trial basis. This is consistent with the preference of the China Center of Adoption Affairs for Australian States and Territories to begin participating in a staged manner.

The States and Territories involved in the trial will apply for access to the online special needs adoption system in the next two months. The trial will begin once CCAA gives these jurisdictions access to the online system. Further information about the progress of the trial will be shared with the Central Authorities so those not currently participating can consider joining the program. Information will also be posted to this website in the coming weeks. Families in other jurisdictions interested in the adoption of children with special needs may wish to discuss this with their State or Territory Central Authority. A range of Australia’s program partners (including Chile, Hong Kong, Lithuania, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand) have children with special needs in need of intercountry adoption.

ACA is aware that some adoptive families sent applications to adopt children with special needs before November 2008 which is when CCAA advised that they will no longer operate a separate system for placing children with special needs with Australian families. CCAA will continue to place children with these families under the old arrangements.

Ethiopia – Single Applicants – 10 September 2009

The Department has been advised by the Ethiopian Ministry of Woman’s Affairs (MoWA) that no further adoption applications from single applicants will be accepted. This applies to any potential applications from single persons yet to be approved by State and Territory Central Authorities, including those who have lodged adoption applications and are currently under assessment.

MoWA has agreed that existing applications already approved by State and Territories can be progressed. This includes those applications lodged with the Australian Representatives in Ethiopia, and those approved and waiting with Central Authorities.

If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority.

Thailand – Meeting on Adoption and Nativeland Tour – updated August 2009

Representatives from the Victorian Central Authority and the Australian Embassy, Bangkok attended the ‘Meeting on Adoption – Thailand 2009’ held on 17 July 2009. The meeting included representatives from government and non-government adoption agencies from 14 countries. It provided an opportunity for the Australian representatives to obtain current information from the Department of Social Development and Welfare (DSDW) about Thailand’s policy and practice in intercountry adoption. Key elements of discussions are outlined below.

  • The number of children in need of intercountry adoption in Thailand is decreasing. Approximately 30% of abandoned children have some form of special needs.
  • There is some flexibility in the eligibility requirements for applicants seeking to adopt from Thailand, at the discretion of DSDW. However, preference is usually given to childless couples, married for at least two years, less than 45 years of age, who are physically and mentally healthy and who are active within their community.
  • Children in need of adoption are matched with prospective adoptive families in line with their needs and circumstances. While matching can occur in the order of the receipt of files, careful consideration is given to the specific needs of each child and the capacity of each prospective adoptive family.
  • DSDW is currently matching children in need of adoption with files received as part of the 2007 quota. Exceptions do occur, depending on the circumstances of individual children.
  • No indication was provided about whether a 2010 quota will be issued.
  • DSDW emphasised the importance of adoptees and adoptive families maintaining contact with Thailand, and their interest in the ongoing welfare and progress of children adopted overseas.

The ‘Meeting on Adoption’ was held immediately prior to the Sixth Nativeland Visit Program. Approximately 40 Australian families and a representative from the Victorian Central Authority participated in the program. The Nativeland Visit gave families an opportunity to explore Thailand and gain knowledge of Thai culture, history and people.

Delegation visit to Ethiopia and Kenya – June 2009

On 21–30 June 2009 a delegation from the Attorney-General’s Department travelled to Ethiopia and Kenya. The delegation used the visit to discuss a range of issues relevant to the Ethiopia–Australia Intercountry Adoption Program. The visit also provided an opportunity to obtain further information about Kenya’s adoption processes and procedures.

Ethiopia

The delegation met with relevant Ethiopian Government Ministries – Women’s Affairs (MoWA), Justice (MoJ) and Foreign Affairs (MFA), the President of the Federal First Instance Court, and Australia’s representatives for intercountry adoption (Ato Lakew Gebeyehu and Woz Misrak Getahun). The delegation also met with a number of foreign Embassies and non-government organisations (NGOs) working in Ethiopia. The delegation progressed a range of program matters and furthered the strong working relationships between Ethiopia and Australia in intercountry adoption. The visit provided a broad insight and perspective about the contemporary practicalities and challenges of intercountry adoption in Ethiopia. Key elements of the visit are outlined below.

  • The delegation presented the new draft Memorandum of Understanding on the working arrangements for the coordination of intercountry adoption and discussed it with the Ethiopian Government. AGD will be progressing discussions with MFA, which has lead responsibility for negotiating international agreements.
  • The delegation inquired about the suspension of cases by the Federal First Instance Court. The Court and MoWA advised that they expect the investigation into the number of children abandoned in Addis Ababa to be finalised in the next month. No cases involving affected children will be progressed until the investigation is complete. Note – the investigation has since been completed and the Court has resumed hearing adoption cases.
  • The Ethiopian Government was supportive of measures being taken by Australia to improve the operation of the program and increase safeguards.
  • The delegation discussed the importance of annual post-placement reports. MoWA emphasised the need for reports to be provided by families until a child reaches 18 years of age. MoWA is developing a database for post adoption reports and has requested that hard copies and electronic copies (on CD) be provided via the Australian Representative. MoWA confirmed that all post-adoption contact, including the provision of annual reports should occur through the Australian Representative.
  • A standardised adoption application (dossier) to be used by all States and Territories was finalised with the Australian Representatives. This will now be implemented across all jurisdictions.
  • The delegation finalised updated guidelines setting out the procedure for matching children with adoptive families with the Australian Representative. These are are now implemented.
  • Post-adoption guidelines setting out the process for the Australian Representative and his staff to provide post adoption services were finalised and will be trialled in the near future.
  • A new case tracking system was initiated to better manage information exchange between the Australian Representative, AGD and States and Territories.
  • Detailed operational information was documented by the delegation to better inform Central Authorities’ understanding of adoption processes in Ethiopia.
  • A new draft service agreement was discussed with the Australian Representative.
  • An amended fee structure was discussed with the Australian Representative and is close to finalisation. Further information will be provided as soon as possible.
  • A new panel doctor, employed by the International Organisation for Migration, has been appointed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The Foster Care fee will be increased (US$60) to meet the additional cost.

The Ethiopian intercountry adoption system faces a range of ongoing challenges such as power cuts (usually every second day) and the rising cost of living. The delegation identified a substantial range of ongoing work during the delegation visit and the Australian Central Authorities will consider how best to progress this program of work. Further information will be provided as soon as appropriate.

Kenya

The delegation met with relevant Kenyan Government Ministries – Foreign Affairs and Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Australian High Commission and a number of foreign Embassies.

The delegation discussed the process for issuing visas in adoption cases with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) office at the Australian High Commission. DIAC advised that they start processing visa applications as early as possible. However, the process can not be finalised until after the Ethiopian adoption order has been granted. DIAC agreed to advise families directly when visa medical clearances are issued. The delegation and High Commission discussed further measures to improve the flow of information between Central Authorities, the Australian Representative and adoption parents.

The delegation met with the Kenyan Government Ministry for Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Ministry responsible for adoption, to obtain further information about Kenya’s adoption processes. The delegation also took the opportunity to seek further information to inform the review of a potential program with Burundi. This information will be incorporated into ongoing work. Please note that Australia does not have programs with Kenya or Burundi at this time. AGD is unable to speculate as to when and if programs might ultimately be established. Further information and updates will be made available in due course.

Visit to China – April 2009 - Updated 12 May 2009

In April 2009, a delegation from the Attorney-General’s Department visited China to participate in events marking the Tenth Anniversary of the China–Australia intercountry adoption program. These events included a reception hosted by the Department and an event hosted by the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA). They were attended by representatives from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bridge of Love Adoption Service, the China Women Travel Service, the Australian Embassy, representatives from the Victorian Central Authority, Families with Children from China–Australia (FCC) and around 50 Australian families who have adopted children from China. These events were part of a week-long Heritage Tour organised by FCC that gave families the opportunity to explore Chinese culture and to make new friends who share their heritage.
During the visit, the delegation also met individually with the China Center of Adoption Affairs, the Australian Embassy and the Bridge of Love Adoption Service. Discussions with these agencies covered a range of issues related to the program, including:

  • Waiting times: CCAA is unable to provide accurate estimates of waiting times at this stage. There are fewer healthy infants in need of adoption because of changes in the social and economic conditions in China, coupled with the efforts of the Chinese Government to increase rates of domestic adoption and reduce child abandonment.
  • Procedures for CCAA reviewing files and families putting files on hold: CCAA provided further information to Australian authorities about their procedures for reviewing files and putting files on hold. Families that have been asked by CCAA for further information during the review stage and families whose files have been put on hold may contact their State or Territory Central Authority for further information.

Please note that Central Authorities will contact any families required to provide additional information at the review stage. In addition, while CCAA allows families to place their files on hold, this is not consistent with policies in all States and Territories.

  • Visa processing: From 1 July 2009, the Guangzhou Consulate-General will be able to process permanent migration visas for adopted children. ACA expects that families travelling in groups for their adoption trip will need to make a decision about where all members of their group will have their visas processed.
  • Donations to CCAA: CCAA appreciates the support of adoptive families and overseas communities in providing monetary and other assistance to Social Welfare Institutions across China. These funds are used in a range of ways to improve the quality of care provided to children in China, including the provision of specialist equipment and staff training.
  • Special Needs Adoption Program: CCAA noted that the Special Needs Adoption Program and the online system that underpins it is tailored to meet the needs of children with special needs who are in need of adoptive families. CCAA acknowledged that while the program will operate to expedite adoption of these children, it may in some cases result in several families being interested in one child, which could lead to disappointments.

As mentioned in previous updates about adopting children with special needs from China, families interested in this program must have a serious commitment and capacity to parent children with special needs. CCAA expects applicants to demonstrate a good understanding of the special needs of the child they plan to adopt and to develop a detailed care plan for the child.

As Australian authorities investigate the Special Needs Adoption Program, we have come across a range of issues that must be resolved before the program can be implemented in Australia. We are working to ensure that if implemented, the program will lead to positive outcomes for children and adoptive families.

State and Territory Central Authorities are currently gauging the level of interest in the Special Needs Program in individual jurisdictions. If you may be interested in adopting a child through this program, you should register your interest with your State or Territory Authority. Both families that already have an application in China and families considering sending an application may register their interest in writing. As Central Authorities are still considering how to implement the program, they are unable to answer any specific queries.

Postponing travel to China for adoption processes - Updated 6 May 2009

The China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) advised on 1 May 2009 that, because of the dangers of swine flu infection, adoptive parents who have received their Notice of Coming to China for Adoption (Notice to Travel) are to postpone their travel to collect their child and complete the adoption processes.

Contrary to media reports on 6 May, this does not mean China has suspended its adoption program to Australia indefinitely, or that it has halted adoptions.

CCAA has confirmed that if adoptive families have already made arrangements with the local registration authorities to travel to China, they should follow the requests and advice of the provincial authorities with whom they are dealing. Should they feel unwell during their stay in China, families should seek medical attention from a hospital and notify CCAA.

CCAA have assured the Australian Central Authority that all other processes continue as normal and that they would continue making placement proposals.

China has considered the infectious nature of the disease and is taking these steps to protect the health of children in orphanages as well as that of adoptive parents. It is a similar response to that China made when faced with the SARS epidemic in May 2003.

CCAA advises that the validity period of Notices to Travel issued between 1 March and 30 April this year will be extended from three to five months. It has not advised for how long the travel restrictions will apply nor when further Notices to Travel are likely to be issued.

We understand this news will be very disappointing to families and ask for your patience and understanding in respecting China’s decision. No-one is in a position to determine for how long the swine flu is likely to be considered a possible threat.

The Australian Central Authority will stay in close touch with CCAA and disseminate any updates via this website and to State and Central Authorities as soon as they become available. If you have particular questions about your case that are not answered by this information, please contact your case worker in your State or Territory Central Authority.

Ethiopia – temporary suspension of court cases involving abandoned children – Updated 28 May 2009

The Department has obtained additional information about the Ethiopian Federal First Instance Court’s decision to suspend cases involving abandoned children in Addis Ababa orphanages. The Court has confirmed that the suspension applies to all existing and new cases. The Court has also advised that the suspension now only applies to children from private (non-governmental organizations) orphanages in Addis Ababa. Please note, the considerable majority of orphanages are privately run.

The Court is unable to provide an indication on how long the suspension will remain in place, given the nature of the investigations required. The Court hopes that the investigation will be progressed as soon as possible. At this time, the Department understands that the concerns are of a general nature and do not specifically relate to any Australian cases.

The Department supports actions taken by the Court to protect Ethiopian children. We recognise and respect the roles and responsibilities of Ethiopian judiciary and Government authorities in these matters and welcome actions taken to ensure appropriate practices and safeguards are in place.

If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority. Further updates will be provided when possible.

Ethiopia – temporary suspension of court cases involving abandoned children – Updated 22 May 2009

The Department has been advised that the Ethiopian Federal First Instance Court has temporarily stopped accepting intercountry adoption cases involving abandoned children from orphanages. This suspension is to allow for additional investigations. It is reported that the suspension is a result of concerns about recent increases in the numbers of intercountry adoption cases brought before the court concerning abandoned children.

The Department is seeking further information from Ethiopian authorities. At this point there is no suggestion the Federal First Instance Court’s concerns relate to Australian cases or orphanages that have referred children to the Australian program.

At this time, it is not possible to provide an indication on how long the suspension will remain in place.

If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority. Further updates will be notified on this website as soon as possible.

Philippines Update – moratorium on applications for children aged under 3 years.

The Inter-Country Adoption Board of the Philippines (ICAB) has informed all partner countries that from 1 May 2009 they will only accept new applications for families willing and able to care for children three years and older.

ICAB have advised that this is “due to the large numbers of unmatched approved adoption applications for children aged 0 to 2, with or without medical/developmental concerns”, and the limited numbers of children in need of overseas family in this age group.

ICAB is not able to provide an estimated timeframe regarding when this moratorium may be lifted. ICAB have advised that they will resume accepting new applications for children under the age of three once 50% of the existing families currently on the waiting list have been processed.

The Australian Central Authority has confirmed with ICAB that files of applicants approved for a child under the age of three must be received in the Philippines by close of business Thursday 30 April 2009.

If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority. Any further updates will be notified on this website.

South Korean Program – New Quota (March 2009)

Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) has issued an Australian national quota of 30 adoption applications (dossiers). The total number of files will be distributed across States and Territories in the same manner as the previous quota, with one third of the total files being from families approved to adopt children with more complex medical backgrounds.

In accordance with established practice the quota has been distributed across States and Territories according to population, with some consideration for the smallest jurisdictions (to allow for a minimum of one application per State or Territory). The breakdown is as follows:

State

Percentage of Population

Actual Percentage of 30 Files

Total files

Minimum # of files for children with medical needs

New South Wales

33%

9.9

9

3

Victoria

25%

7.5

7

2

Queensland

20%

6

6

2

Western Australia

10%

3

3

1

South Australia

7.5%

2.25

2

1

Tasmania

2%

0.6

1

*

Northern Territory

1%

0.3

1

*

Australian Capital Territory

1.5%

0.45

1

*

Total

100%

30

30

10

*At least one of the three files from TAS, NT and ACT should be from a family approved to adopt a child with more complex medical needs.

Note: population statistics are taken from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

ESWS have indicated that they will no longer be issuing annual quotas to Australia, but will instead request future quotas as they are needed. This is intended to ensure that the documentation in applications lodged with ESWS is relatively current and matches occur in a timely manner. It is not possible to predict if or when future quotas will be issued. This remains a matter for ESWS, and will reflect the changing needs of Korean children and, where appropriate, the capacity of Australian families to meet these needs.

ESWS’s eligibility criteria and fees remain unchanged. These strict criteria apply to all families, including those approved to adopt children with more complex medical backgrounds.

State and Territory Central Authorities will prepare and forward dossiers to ESWS as soon as possible whilst managing the requirement that a minimum third of the applications sent are from families assessed as suitable to parent children with more complex medical backgrounds. Central Authorities will make arrangements to manage interest from other families if there are fewer families approved for South Korea than there are places in the quota for that State.

If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority. Where possible, please use email in the first instance.

Update – Ongoing work on Expansion of Programs – Taiwan and Hong Kong

Australia’s overseas adoption programs have been expanded through the opening of new programs in Taiwan and Hong Kong. See the Attorney-General's media release.

Taiwan

Arrangements for the establishment of two additional adoption programs in Taiwan have now been finalised. Initial trial applications have been sent to both the Child Welfare League Foundation (CWLF) and Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation (Chung Yi). The children in need of adoption through these programs will generally be older than those currently being adopted through the existing program with Christian Salvation Service and many of the children in need have complex backgrounds and special needs.

The CWLF places young children with special needs, older children between three and six, and sibling groups. Special needs may vary greatly but include health conditions (including minor correctable conditions), developmental delays and children with a parental history of substance abuse, mental illness or intellectual disability. It is expected that families applying to this program will have to be flexible and open to adopting children from a range of backgrounds and needs.

Chung Yi places both healthy children aged up to five years, older children and children with special needs. The children in need of placement may have complex family backgrounds and may have been maltreated in the birth family, which may cause some development issues. Families applying to this program will have to be flexible both in relation to the age of children they are willing to adopt and the types of family backgrounds they would be willing to consider. Special needs may vary greatly but include health problems (some of these are minor or correctable), a record of significant developmental delay, or a family history that may include a parent with drug dependence, mental illness, psychological condition or intellectual disability.

The program with the CWLF is now open to families across Australia. Initially, each State will be able to send up to two files to the Child Welfare League Foundation, and each Territory will be able to send one file.

Chung Yi have requested their program be trialled with the New South Wales Central Authority at first. Further information about the ongoing operation of this program will be posted to this website once next steps are confirmed.

Hong Kong

The new program with Po Leung Kuk in Hong Kong is now open. The children in need of adoption in Hong Kong are children for whom families cannot be found locally. These children are generally three years of age or older and have had significant challenges in their early childhood. In addition, the children are likely to have one or more special needs. Such needs may include minor or correctable health problems, emotional and behavioural concerns, developmental delay, intellectual disability and complicated family backgrounds. All applicants must be assessed as suitable to adopt a child with a range of such needs.

As the children in Hong Kong who are in need of overseas adoption often have multiple special needs, there is often some difficulty in finding suitable adoptive families. This, coupled with the fact that it is not possible to determine the ages and needs of the children in need of intercountry adoption in advance, means that it is not possible to predict the likely waiting times for this new program.

It is likely that families approved for a broader age range and/or a broader range of needs will receive placement proposals sooner. However, this will not always be the case. Families interested in adopting through this program should also note that because the program aims to find the best possible match for each child, it is also likely that families will not receive placement proposals in the order in which their applications were sent.

Interested Families

Families interested in applying for these programs should contact their State or Territory Central Authority to discuss whether the program is likely to be suitable for them. Please note that as these are new programs, limited information will be available about the adoption process and it will not be possible to predict waiting times. Applicants will need to be prepared for this.

Families who currently have applications overseas are encouraged to think carefully before considering transferring their files to these new programs. Children in need of adoption in these programs may differ significantly from the children in need of adoption from elsewhere in the region.

Further information for parents who have adopted from India

On 24 February 2009, ABC online and the ABC News program contained a report stating that the Federal Government had identified a number children from India who may have been adopted through organisations about which subsequent trafficking concerns have been raised. To date, only two matters of alleged child trafficking have been raised. Those matters relate to the ACT and Queensland families referred to in the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent program screened on 24 February 2009. The Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department is continuing work with the State and Territory Central Authorities to review files from those organisations.

The Department also continues to work with States and Territories on an ongoing basis to review all of Australia’s intercountry adoption programs, including the Indian program, consistent with the Intercountry adoption Strategic Plan.

If any families have concerns regarding the circumstances of their child’s adoption, please contact the relevant State or Territory Central Authority

Visit to India – January 2009

In January 2009, a delegation from the Attorney-General’s Department visited India to discuss a range of intercountry adoption program issues, with a particular focus on the child trafficking allegations that were made last year. AGD has since spoken with State and Territory Central Authorities about the visit, highlighting issues that have an impact on casework matters.

The delegation met with the Indian Central Authority, the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), the Women and Child Development Department in the State of Maharashtra, the Australian High Commission and embassy officials, non-government organisations, and three Recognised Indian Placement Agencies (RIPAs). Information gained during the visit is being considered as part of the comprehensive review of the India–Australia intercountry adoption program currently being undertaken.

Discussions with CARA covered a range of issues related to the program, including:

  • Implementation of the ‘Draft Guidelines on Adoption of Indian Children Without Parental Care’: CARA anticipates that the Draft Guidelines will be finalised over the next 12 months, with a transition to full implementation. CARA noted that some aspects of these Draft Guidelines are already in operation within some Indian States and Districts.
  • Implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act 2006 (the amended JJ Act): CARA noted that implementation of the amended JJ Act is ongoing and relies on mirror legislation being introduced by Indian States with necessary changes to court rules and procedures. Intercountry adoptions under the provisions of the amended JJ Act will be finalised in India with full and final adoption orders made. CARA is encouraging RIPAs to move towards processing all adoptions under the amended JJ Act as this becomes possible.
  • Central processing of dossiers: Under the Draft Guidelines, partner countries will be required to transmit files from prospective adoptive applicants directly to CARA, rather than directly to RIPAs. CARA will be responsible for approving the application and identifying an appropriate RIPA to which the file will be referred. Partner countries may indicate a preference. To facilitate the referral process, CARA is developing a centralised database which will maintain detailed information on all children in need of intercountry adoption. The delegation was provided with a demonstration of the database. In consultation with CARA, the Australian Central Authorities will be considering a range of program issues relating to a transition to this process. Further information will be provided when available.
  • Children in need of families: CARA confirmed that work to promote domestic adoption in India has been very successful with many adoption agencies maintaining waiting lists of Indian prospective adoptive applicants. Indian families are experiencing increased waiting times of up to two years in relation to the adoption of infant children. CARA noted that they have many older children, aged five to 10 years, in need of overseas families.
  • Court timeframes: CARA confirmed that the court timeframes for processing intercountry adoptions vary on a district-by-district basis. CARA noted that under the Draft Guidelines it is proposed that courts will make the final adoption order on the date of the first hearing, which may reduce the current timeframes experienced with the court process.
  • Post-adoption information: The delegation noted the interest of adoptees and their families in the provision of post-adoption information. CARA is in the process of transferring paper files held by them from 1995 onwards to microfiche. The information held by CARA is, however, limited to that provided to them for the purposes of issuing a No Objection Certificate. In relation to adoptees and their families accessing post-adoption information, CARA emphasised that, due to cultural sensitivities, in many cases it will not be possible to provide information held on CARA, or RIPA files, that could potentially identify a birth mother and/or their families. AGD is continuing to consult with CARA on available post‑adoption services, including current procedures relating to access to information regarding adoptions. Further information will be provided when available.
  • Licensing and re-licensing of RIPAs: CARA provided an overview of the framework in place for the licensing and monitoring of agencies. CARA also provided an update on the status of investigations and licensing arrangements in relation to Balwant Kartar Anand Foundation (known as Preet Mandir).
  • Allegations of child trafficking: The visit provided the delegation with the opportunity to progress discussions relating to allegations of child trafficking and explore the range of existing and proposed additional safeguards in place to protect children. This included developing an increased understanding of the respective roles and responsibilities of various agencies in India. The ability to hold face-to-face discussions with CARA on these sensitive issues was extremely valuable.

Visits to Agencies

The delegation visited Missionaries of Charity in New Delhi and also travelled to Pune to meet with Preet Mandir and Bhartiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK).

The delegation toured the facilities of all three RIPAs and learnt more about the current needs of Indian children for placement with overseas families. The delegation also learnt more about the work being undertaken to promote domestic adoption and foster care arrangements to enable children to remain with families in India. The RIPAs also outlined their involvement in projects aimed at enabling children to remain with their birth families. The delegation was pleased to note that a high proportion of children are able to find families in India.

All three RIPAs noted that cultural sensitivities impacted on their ability to provide post‑adoption information to adoptees and their families that could potentially identify a birth family.

Both CARA and Preet Mandir provided information regarding the status of Indian investigations into Preet and its current intercountry adoption licensing arrangements. The Attorney-General will be considering this information in the context of the current freeze in place for Preet Mandir. Further information will be provided on this website in due course.

Other Information

As noted in an earlier website update, AGD continues to progress a range of work in response to the child trafficking allegations. In addition to continuing contact with CARA, issues have also been raised in India at the ministerial level and with the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. In consultation with the States and Territories, work has commenced on a review of the program in accordance with the Intercountry Adoption Strategic Plan. The review of any program involves, amongst other issues, the extent to which the program complies with the standards and principles of the Hague Convention. A protocol to assist families who have concerns about the circumstances of their child’s adoption is also in the early stages of development.

Thailand – General Update

2009 Quota

The Thai Central Authority has issued an Australian national quota of 30 adoption applications (dossiers) for 2009. This quota applies to children aged from zero to four (0 – 4) years of age. Applications from prospective adoption parents approved to adopt a child with special needs, an older child, or a sibling group are accepted outside this quota.

In accordance with established practice the quota has been distributed across States and Territories according to population, with some consideration for the smallest jurisdictions (to allow for a minimum of one application per State or Territory). The breakdown is as follows:

State

Percentage of population

Actual percentage of 30 files

2009 files

NSW

33%

9.9

9

Vic

25%

7.5

7

Qld

20%

6

6

WA

10%

3

3

SA

7.5%

2.25

2

Tas

2%

0.6

1

ACT

1.5%

0.45

1

NT

1%

0.3

1

TOTAL

30

30

The Thai Central Authority has also advised that the waiting time for the program is likely to extend to approximately three (3) years. This is due to the much higher numbers of foreign adoption applications awaiting allocation than children in need of overseas families. Where appropriate, families should be open to a child of either gender, older children and children with a range of medical or social conditions. More information on the Thailand-Australia Intercountry Adoption Program is available on the the current intercountry adoption programs page. Please note, the waiting time is based on currently available information and is an estimate only.

Nativeland Tour 2009

The Thai Central Authority has confirmed the 2009 biennial Thailand Nativeland Tour will be held 19–25 July 2009. A draft itinerary for the tour has been provided and is as follows (please note that this is subject to change):

Day One: Registration

Day Two: Visit the Babies’ Homes in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani Province and Reception dinner in the evening

Day Three: Have an audience with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sindhorn

Days Four to Seven: Meetings with Adoption Organisations and field trip in Sukhothai and Phitsanulok Province

The Thai Central Authority are wanting to develop a better understanding of the level of interest in this Tour, before progressing with further arrangements and detail. If families are interested in participating, please advise your State or Territory Central Authority as soon as possible.

Please be aware that the Thai Central Authority has expressed a preference that attendees be older children, preferably of school age.

Further information on registration and payment arrangements for the Tour will be provided as soon as these are available. All information will be updated on this website.

China – Increase in Orphanage Donations

The China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) has formally advised Australian Central Authorities of changes to the orphanage donations paid by families adopting children from China. As at 1 January 2009, this donation increases to RMB35,000. The new donation will be paid in RMB (Chinese Yuan) rather than US Dollars.

CCAA have noted that these changes are due to a number of factors. The purchasing power of the donations has rapidly declined in the ten years since the current donation was first set. During this time, there have been significant changes to the global economy and economic conditions within China. These changes include depreciation of the US dollar, worldwide inflation and the increasing cost of living in China. As a result, compared to a decade ago the current donation of US$3000 is unable to provide the same level of support to social welfare institutions as it has in the past.

CCAA is conscious of the willingness of adoptive families from across partner countries to provide additional support to children who remain in institutional care in China. With the donation increasing, CCAA wishes to ensure that the amount is consistent for all families irrespective of their country or their child’s province.

In practice, Australian families will now no longer have to carry the full donation in US Dollars, as payment will be made in the local currency.

Single Applicants – The Philippines – October 2008

The Inter-Country Adoption Board of the Philippines (ICAB) has informed the Australian Central Authority that they will now accept dossiers from single applicants. ICAB have indicated that they will only consider applicants who are able to care for a child six years and older, of either gender, with minor correctable medical conditions or complex social backgrounds.
Prospective single applicants interested in adopting from the Philippines should contact their State or Territory Central Authority.

AGD has updated the Philippines country information page with the latest eligibility information about the program. This can be viewed at the Current Intercountry Adoption Programs page.

Update on Vietnam – July 2008

AGD is aware of the information published by the US Embassy in Hanoi about their investigations into the US–Vietnam intercountry adoption program. The 'Summary of Irregularities in Adoptions in Vietnam' reports a number of concerns about the operation of intercountry adoption in Vietnam, including:

  • those that arise from the financial links between adoption agencies and orphanages
  • the dramatic rise in the number of children being abandoned (rather than relinquished) since the US–Vietnam bilateral agreement was signed in 2005
  • unlicensed facilities operating to provide support to pregnant women in return for their commitment to relinquish children
  • fraudulent documentation or official documents issued improperly or based on incorrect information, and
  • the lack of action by relevant authorities to address cases or concerns of potential fraud and illegal activity.

AGD takes this information very seriously. The reported concerns impact upon AGD's consideration of a possible intercountry adoption program in accordance with the principles of the Intercountry Adoption Strategic Plan 2008, particularly in relation to:

  • the availability of adequate measures to prevent improper financial gain and corruption
  • concerns regarding the legitimacy of consents for adoption and improper procedures for obtaining those consents, and
  • general concerns regarding the adoptability of children.

Given the serious concerns, the Attorney-General, the Hon Robert McClelland MP, has agreed that AGD should not take further action to progress discussions towards a bilateral agreement with Vietnam at this stage. AGD is not confident that a potential program can operate in accordance with the principles of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption. AGD will continue to liaise with the Australian Embassy in Hanoi to closely monitor the situation and any system improvements. AGD continues to support Vietnam's intention to accede to the Hague Convention and will continue to offer assistance where appropriate.
Further information and updates will be made available in due course.

South Korean Program – 2008 Quota

Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) has issued an Australian national quota of 30 adoption applications (dossiers) for 2008. This quota must include a minimum of one third of the applications from families approved to adopt children with more complex medical backgrounds. ESWS have again confirmed the reduced need for intercountry adoption in South Korea, following the ongoing implementation of Government policy concerning domestic adoption. While there continue to be some Korean children in need of intercountry adoption, this quota is for 2008. It is not possible to predict if and when future quotas will be issued. This remains a matter for ESWS, and will reflect the changing needs of Korean children and, where appropriate, the capacity of Australian families to meet these needs.

In accordance with established practice the quota has been distributed across States and Territories according to population, with some consideration for the smallest jurisdictions (to allow for a minimum of one application per State or Territory). The breakdown is as follows:


State

Percentage of Population

Actual Percentage of 30 Files

Total files

Minimum # of files for children with medical needs

New South Wales

33%

9.9

9

3

Victoria

25%

7.5

7

2

Queensland

20%

6

6

2

South Australia

7.5%

2.25

2

1

Western Australia

10%

3

3

1

Tasmania

2%

0.6

1

*

Northern Territory

1%

0.3

1

*

Australian Capital Territory

1.5%

0.45

1

*

Total

100%

30

30

10

*At least one of the three files from TAS, NT and ACT would need to be from a family approved to adopt a child with more complex medical needs.
Note: population statistics are taken from the Australian Bureau of Statistics

A significant number of Korean children now in need of intercountry adoption have a range of more complex medical needs. ESWS has noted that historically, Australian adoption applications have only been from prospective parents approved to adopt infant children without complex medical backgrounds. It is important that applications from Australia reflect the proportion of South Korean children with more complex medical needs requiring families for adoption.

While ESWS do not provide a concrete definition of the range of medical needs, approximately one third of children in their care have a condition/s from a broad range of medical backgrounds. Accordingly and as noted above, at least one third of Australian applications need to be from families approved to adopt children of such backgrounds. Given the range of backgrounds of children, the high quality medical facilities available in South Korea and the professional capacity of ESWS social workers to identify appropriate families for children, a broad range of families (i.e. their approval conditions) will improve ESWS’ ability to find the best possible placements for children.

In order to provide some clarity to families involved in the program, the Australian Central Authorities have developed the following guideline:

Children with more complex medical needs can include the following backgrounds: heart problems, seizures, hepatitis, prenatal exposure to alcohol and other drugs (and complications related to withdrawal), asthma, blood disorders, premature birth, physical disfigurements (including limb/digit deformities), blindness or deafness (profound or partial), failure to reach developmental milestones, cleft lip/palette and a range of other more complex medical conditions.
Note – this statement was developed by the Australian Central Authorities. It is intended to be a guide only, and is not exhaustive or definitive. As with all intercountry adoptions, visa medical clearance is required and is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

The eligibility criteria for applicants specified by ESWS remain unchanged. These strict criteria apply to all families, including those approved to adopt children with more complex medical backgrounds. All new applications sent to South Korea need to comply with the same eligibility criteria. For general information concerning South Korea’s criteria for prospective adoptive parents, please see the Current Intercountry Adoption Programs page.

The foster care, medical and other costs of providing care to children have increased due to the longer period a child is now in care. ESWS has confirmed that placement fees of US$12000 will apply to all new applications (US$9000 adoption fee, US$3000 donation).

Dossiers will be prepared and forwarded to ESWS as soon as possible while managing the requirement that a minimum of a third of the applications sent are from families assessed as suitable to parent children with more complex medical backgrounds. It will be important to allow some time for families involved in the program to consider this information and their specific circumstances. Central Authorities have directly contacted families currently approved and waiting in the South Korean program and will make arrangements to manage interest from other families if there are less families approved for South Korea than there are places in the quota for that State.

It is clearly important that all families consider their capacity to parent children, including whether they feel able to parent a child with a more complex medical background. The specific backgrounds for which individual families are able to parent needs to be considered as part of their assessment and approval, and clearly articulated in the assessment report. If you have any queries regarding your adoption application, including potential changes to the circumstances of your application’s approval, please contact your State or Territory Central Authority.