The new Adoption Act 2009 commenced on 1 February 2010.
The Adoption Act 2009 reflects current community standards, best practice and brings Queensland in line with the practice of other Australian states and territories.
The Adoption Act 2009 makes a number of major changes to adoption practices in Queensland that support contemporary, child-focused and efficient adoption practices in Queensland.
The Adoption Act 2009 and explanatory notes are available on the Queensland Government's Legislation website.
The key changes
- Improve the information and support provided to birth mothers and fathers considering adoption for their child.
- Allow for more openness between all those involved in an adoption.
- Introduce court orders for adoption.
- Mean changed eligibility criteria for prospective adoptive parents adopting a child from Queensland or from overseas.
- Allow couples to express an interest in adopting a child at any time.
- Provide birth parents and adopted people with access to information.
- Protect the privacy of those who do not want to be contacted. More information on balancing privacy and access is available.
Overview of some of the key changes
- Considering adoption for a child in Queensland
- People seeking to adopt a child in Queensland or from overseas
- Step-parent adoption
- Access to information and privacy safeguards
- Post adoption support service
- Corresponding by mailbox
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License