Is Adoption Right For You?

Pre-consent counselling—it might sound big and overwhelming but it’s just a fancy term for “Is adoption right for you?”

Counselling is essential for anyone considering adoption. It’s not designed to make the choice any harder or put you through more struggles than you’ve already been through. It’s about finding the perfect match for you and your baby.

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What will you go through at this session?

A pre-consent counselling session will touch on the following points, depending on your situation:

• Options outside of adoption—the appointed person will want to make sure that you have considered this fully before proceeding.
• Support review: finding financial and emotional assistance that might be available.
• A brief understanding of the natural and unavoidable tensions that can come with giving up a child.  
• How and when the parent’s consent to the child is revoked (see upcoming blog post Signing and Revoking Consent).
• The full adoption process under the Adoption Act 2009; including the consent required, the process of finding, assessing and selecting prospective adoptive parents, the functions of the chief executive and the role of the Children’s Court.  
• All the legal consequences and ramifications of adoption.  
• The rights and responsibilities of all parties to an addition, including those about adoption plans and information.  

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A special note for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander persons

If the child to be adopted is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you will also have to review the following:

• Options other than adoption for the child’s long-term care by Aboriginal tradition and Island custom.
• The importance of the child being cared for in a way that helps to develop and maintain a connection with customs and preserves, enhances and confirms the child’s sense of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity.  

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Interested in finding out more?

Contact us. Talking with someone at Diamond Women is safe, and completely confidential. We would love to meet you and support you. When you book an appointment with us you will be contacted by one of our friendly and professional team members to arrange a time that works with you. All our offices offer a warm and safe space, accompanied by women that are committed to helping you.  We will endeavour to answer all your questions and provide you with all the information you need for your journey. You can book by filling out this form, or call us on 1300 851 592.

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Next in the Diamond Women adoption series:

The Father’s Input