Hmm... I see you are in Perth.

Okay, here's some GENERAL advice. It pertains mainly to Victorian law, and I'm not familiar with WA law, it will probably be different. But this might give you an idea about how to start the process.

In Victoria, the adoption process is somewhat awkward. You need to contact the Adoption and Permanent Care team at your local Department of Human Services offices. (DHS is the state government agency which is concerned with the welfare of children, amongst other things). I believe the same agency in WA is the "Department of Families and Children" or something like that.

The Adoption worker (usually a qualified social worker) will come to your home and do a "home" assessment. It's basically a report on your family, how they get along, and your parenting skills and abilities. Also the home environment, like if you have enough bedrooms, etc.

After the report, if you are recommended to continue, you are placed on the waiting list. You have to do a number of counselling sessions whilst "waiting".

Bear in mind that only about 30 babies are adopted in Victoria each year. The waiting list is huge. My friend, who was on the list, was told there was a wait of up to ten years, and probably longer.

In Victoria, the birth mother gets to choose the adoptive family. There is a settling down period before the adoption is finalised. Consent MUST be obtained from both the mother and the father, unless the Court orders otherwise.

(Please note that this is GENERAL advice and does not pertain to step-parenting adoptions).

In your particular case, it seems that the mother of the child may be involved with DOCS/DOFC already. In Victoria, DHS prefers to place the child with family first, if they are available. Guardianship is the last step in the protective process, and is only undertaken if there is NO other option. Guardianship can also be revoked on the application of EITHER birth parent. It involves court cases which may also be stressful.

My general advice is to get in contact with your local DOFC/DOCS agency and also get yourself a lawyer. (Not necessarily in that order).

It may be a fairly straightforward process, but you MUST follow the correct procedures, or you could find yourself in very hot water.

If you want, email me with more details, and I might be able to help.

Regards;