Twelve people have been appointed to Western Australia’s first Forced Adoption Reference Group as part of the State Government’s commitment to addressing the impact of historic forced adoption policies and practices.
The establishment of the Reference Group was announced during the tabling of the State Government Response to Report 66 – Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives: Report on the Inquiry into Past Forced Adoption in Western Australia.
The Reference Group is comprised of people with lived experience of forced adoption in Western Australia between the years 1940 and the early 1980s. It includes mothers, adopted people and representatives of community support groups for people with lived experience.
The Government says the Reference Group will play an important role in guiding the implementation of the recommendations supported by the State Government. The Group will be co-ordinated by the Department of Communities.
The Government is supporting 19 recommendations to improve the lives of people impacted by forced adoption, including mothers, fathers, adopted people and their families.
“The State Government recognises the strength and resilience of the many mothers, fathers, adopted people and their families who shared their experiences throughout the inquiry into past forced adoptions,” said Child Protection Minister, Jessica Stojkovski.
“It is essential that people with lived experience of forced adoption have a say on the legislation, policies, practices and services that impact them.
“The Reference Group has been established to ensure that people with lived experience of forced adoption play a key role in driving change.
“The State Government is committed to addressing the impact of past forced adoptions and has established the Reference Group as a first priority.”
In addition to establishing a Reference Group, the supported recommendations included improving access to adoption information and records, the introduction of integrated birth certificates, improvements to public awareness, service design improvements and the repeal of contact and mediation licences.
