Considering adoption for your child

For a range of reasons a parent may consider placing their child for adoption.

If you're considering having your child raised by another family, it's essential that you understand all your options. Adoption is permanent, so before deciding on adoption you need to consider other choices for the care of your child.

Before you decide to go ahead, you need information and support.

You can also find out more information about adoption for your child by a relative or step-parent.

Adoption counselling

Some parents have made a clear decision about adoption. Others may need more information before they are confident to make a decision. 

Options counselling is a good way of working through the information and feelings that might impact on your decision. If you are considering adoption, a counsellor will support you with information to help you make this decision. 

Counselling can begin at any time, before or after the child is born. You cannot give consent to the adoption until 16 days after your child’s birth.

To get counselling and information, contact Adoption Services or one of the funded service providers that provide options counselling.

You can also talk to someone you trust, like a hospital case manager, who'll make enquiries for you. The adoption service will then contact you.

All contact is confidential.

A range of services that provide information about pregnancy options and sexual health in Victoria can be found at My Options (External link).

Options counselling by funded services

You can also contact one of the funded service providers below for options counselling.

What happens if I choose to proceed

Once you sign consent, there is also a period of time during which it can be withdrawn or extended. 

If you do go ahead with the adoption, you will have the opportunity for ongoing contact with your child after adoption.

Considering adoption for your child by a relative or step-parent

Sometimes parents decide to have their child live another family member without that child ever being adopted. This can either be under an informal arrangement or a Family Court Order.

Before the child goes to live with a relative, some parents need more information or support to confidently make that decision. Options counselling is a good way of working through the information and feelings that might impact on your decision. You can access adoption counselling to help you make that decision by contact Adoption Services.

Sometimes a parent has already placed a child with relatives or are considering adoption by a step-parent. If you have already made the decision, the person wanting to adopt the child can apply directly to Court. If the Court accepts the application, they will request adoption services to investigate, and this may involve you formally providing your consent.

Visit the Adopt a child you know page for more information.