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I just recieved a message from a good friend.
A friend of hers is 31 weeks pregnant & doesn't want to keep the baby, as she isn't at the right point in her life for a baby (I don't want anyone's oppinions on this)
She would like to adopt the baby out, but doesn't know where to go, or how to do it.
Can someone point us in the right direction?
Please tell me the baby wouldn't have to go into foster care til it is placed in a home? If this is the case can a friend or family take it in??
She needs to get in contact with the Department of Human SErvices/ CHild Protection (adoption and permanent care team) in her State.
Thanks, will google for the NSW number.
New South Wales
Adoption and Permanent Care Services, Community Services
NSW Department of Human Services
4-6 Cavill Avenue
Ashfield NSW 2131
Phone: (02) 9716 3000
Fax: (02) 9716 3001
Email:adoption@community.nsw.gov.au
Just gave them that number. & even though I'm too far away I've offered to look after the bubba if she gets stuck.
I know I shouldn't really do that, but don't wanna risk a babies life IYKWIM...
I imagine there would be thousands of couples wanting to adopt a baby. There are so few put up for adoption each year. I imagine she won't have any problems.
It might go into foster care to start with (this is standard practice in WA), for around six weeks as there are time periods that the mum can change her mind before bub is placed with adoptive parents. The waiting list is huge though, so bub won't be there for long.
hi.
i live in NSW.
I met a woman a few years ago who was the 'between birth mum and adoptive family' mum. She was lovely and very loving. It was very interesting talking to her. She had children of her own, and loved looking after babies. She was grandma-age and had been doing it for a loooong time.
I hope all goes well.
xo
Ok, I've sent all the information I found, with links. (Not sure they actually have a computer to read them though)
I also told her that I really think foster care would be a better option if she chould choose who the baby stays with, as I have a feeling she'll change her mind later on.
She's really sure this is what she wants, but from what I've heard on my side of the story, I'm guessing she's only very young & its possible that noone knows she's pregnant. I'm thinking she is trying to keep it a secret. My friend herself is 18, so this friend may be younger & scared.
I told her to get her friend to go have a chat with DoCS & go from there. Hopefully they can get her some councilling or something before she makes a decision she can't take back...
Parents have a say in who the adoptive parents will be. In victoria, the birth parents are able to state what sort of family they would like for their child (siblings/age of parents/religion/pets/rural v city...) and are then usually given the profiles of 3 families and get to say which family they choose. They don't get the final decision but their prefernevce will be taken into consideration.
THere is counselling for the birth parents and there is time for them to be sure about their decision. Adoption in Australia is often open adoption and birth parents can keep in contact with the adoptive family if they choose to. This can be be mail, phone or in person.
Thanks HotI. I'll let them know.
Also she could talk to her midwife etc about this to get some extra help. The only comment I have to say about this woman giving up her baby is good on her for doing such an amazing thing for her baby and for another family and for herself if that is what she needs! I can only imagine how hard it would be!
Pre-adopt foster familes are the most experienced of foster carers, there is nothing to worry about. My daughters foster mother is an amazing person and my little girl could not have had better care before she came home to us. We still go back & visit with her now, she has become an extended part of our family.
Your friend will recieve much counselling before a final decision is made. All adoptions in Australia are open. If your friend has any questions about this feel free to ask here. We visit with our birthparents every 3 months (and we also do 4 letters & photos a year). Your friend also has the option to not visit, but she can change her mind at any time if it is built into the adoption order when that is made.