When there is no longer a possibility that a child or young person will return to the care of their birth family, adoption may be an option. Adoption is the permanent and transparent transfer of all legal parenting rights and responsibilities to the adoptive parents. It changes the child’s legal relationship with their birth family, and they receive a new birth certificate. 

In Australia, all adoption is open, which means the child knows they have been adopted. While the carers will become the young person’s legal parents, it is still their responsibility to ensure a continued and safe connection with the young person’s birth family. 

It is important to consider the reasons why you want to adopt. Adoption should always centre the needs of the child or young person, and is a lifelong commitment.