This report presents the findings of the National Research Study on the Service Response to Past Adoption Practices. It complements the recent Senate inquiry into the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices, by examining the past and current support needs of people affected by past adoption practices in Australia, including adopted persons, mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, and other family members. Drawing on large-scale quantitative surveys and interviews, the study investigated the circumstances of the participants' pregnancy and adoption, the impact of separation and adoption, disclosure of adoption, search and contact, services and supports used over time, and current needs. Interviews with service providers were also included. The study aims to increase the evidence available to governments to address the current needs of individuals affected by past adoption practices, including information, counselling, search and contact services, and other supports.

Virtually all literature about birth parents of adopted children has focused on mothers. In this pioneering study, Gary Clapton gives us a fresh perspective: he recounts the experiences of thirty birth fathers separated from their children at birth. Discussing different notions of fatherhood, such as biological paternity, social fatherhood, sperm donorship and the `father figure', this informative book - the first on birth fathers in adoption - brings new light to issues such as the decision to give up a child for adoption, the child's desire to find his or her birth parents, and the facilitation of contact in later life. Written in an accessible style with insights into adoption and social work practice past and present, Birth Fathers and their Adoption Experiences offers a vital new perspective on understanding the causes and consequences of adoption, and makes positive suggestions for working with those whom it affects.

This paper reprints the executive summary of the National Research Study on the Service Response to Past Adoption Practices report. The study complements the recent Senate inquiry into the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices, by examining the past and current support needs of people affected by past adoption practices in Australia, including adopted persons, mothers, fathers, adoptive parents, and other family members. Drawing on large-scale quantitative surveys and interviews, the study investigated the circumstances of the participants' pregnancy and adoption, the impact of separation and adoption, disclosure of adoption, search and contact, services and supports used over time, and current needs. Interviews with service providers were also included. The study aims to increase the evidence available to governments to address the current needs of individuals affected by past adoption practices, including information, counselling, search and contact services, and other supports.

Originally published in 1993, this classic piece of literature on adoption has revolutionised the way people think about adopted children. Nancy Verrier examines the life-long consequences of the 'primal wound' - the wound that is caused when a child is separated from its mother - for adopted people. Her argument is supported by thorough research in pre- and perinatal psychology, attachment, bonding and the effects of loss.

Evelyn Robinson, OAM, has written four books about adoption separation and reunion. This is her first book. What becomes of women who are separated from their children by adoption? Why do so many adopted people feel such a strong desire to seek out their families of origin? In what ways are families with adopted children different from other families? This book by Evelyn Robinson provides the answers to these questions and many others.'Adoption and Loss - The Hidden Grief' was first published in 2000. A revised edition was published in 2003 and the 21st Century edition was published in 2018.

Explores the obstacles and issues that adoptees, orphans, and foster children face when they have been separated from a parent or denied the right to know their origins

The experience of adoption—both adopting and being adopted—can stir up deep emotional pain, often related to loss and early trauma. A for Adoption provides insight and support to those families and individuals facing these complex processes and challenges. Drawing on both a psychoanalytic, theoretical framework and first-hand accounts of adopters, adoptees, and professionals within the adoption process, Alison Roy responds to the need for further and consistent support for adoptive parents and children, to help inform and understand the reality of their everyday lives. This book explores both the current and historical context of adoption, as well as its depiction within literature, before addressing issues such as conflict in relationships, the impact of significant trauma and loss, attachment and the importance of early relationships, and contact with birth families. Uniquely, this book addresses the experiences of, and provides support for, both adoptive professionals and families. It focuses on understanding rather than apportioning blame, and responds to a plea from a parent who requested "a book to help me understand my child better".