my sisters unplanned pregnancy

[little.sister]

hey all
i found out about 2 weeks ago that my 19 year old sister is pregnant, theres nothing wrong with her age though... its that fact that she has mentioned if she doesnt want it she'll just put it up for adoption.. seeing as her and her twin sister were adopted i was a little surprised to hear this from her

she has a lot of baggage from when her and her sister were little and im not too sure how well she would cope with a baby especially because the guy she is with isnt the most supportive man on the planet.. so her putting her baby up for adoption is unfortunatly a possibility :S

im also 19 and am in the UK for the next 2 years (but would come back home to OZ at the drop of a hat if needed)

i was wondering if anyone could tell my information on adoption within family members.. ive tried to research it but havent been able to find enough information

what is involved? what would i have to do to adopt my sisters child? and is there much legal involvement if it is between family members?

any info would be much appreciated
thanks

[HotI]

It depends what State your sister lives in. Below is a link to the adoption contacts for each State in Australia.

Interstate contacts for Adoption: Adoption and Permanent Care - State Government of Victoria, Australia, Department of Human Services

In Victoria, adoption by a relative is known as kinship care. Your sister would have to say that she wanted you to look after the bub, and transfer guardianship over to you. There is much less legal involvement if the adoption agreement is between relatives and every one is agreement than the standard adoption procedures between 'strangers'.

[lil_chookie]

Best thing for you to do is get in contact with the relevant state department and talk to them, as each state is different. You sister will be able to access services as well to help her with her decisions.

GL, hope it all works out for everyone in your family.