National Adoption Awareness Month

November marks National Adoption Awareness Month, a reminder that every child deserves a safe, stable and loving home.

Assistant Minister for Children and Families, Michelle Landry, says the Australian Government, state and territory governments, and non-government organisations are committed to improving permanency outcomes for the almost 48,000 children in out-of-home care.

“Improving options for safe, stable and permanent care of children is an issue of national significance and requires a national effort.

“A permanent home provides a sense of security and stability, giving a child a better chance in life.

“Adoption is just one of the pathways to permanency for children who cannot safely return to their homes, but it is an important one,” said Ms Landry.

In June 2018, Community Services Ministers agreed to deliver a National Permanency Work Plan to improve permanency outcomes for children in out-of-home care. The National Permanency Work Plan builds on reforms already underway in each state and territory.

“With enough kids to fill Lang Park or the SCG currently in out of home care, it is clear we need to do more to see that every child gets access to a loving, permanent home.

“Last year, just 315 children were adopted, less than 1% of those requiring a permanent home.”

“I am proud to join with Adopt Change this month to highlight the need for our state and territory governments, the federal government, and our non-government sector to work together to improve the adoption opportunities for Australian kids who need it.” Ms Landry said.

“They are our nation’s future and we must do better.”