Forced adoption in Australia facts for kids
Forced adoption in Australia was a sad practice where babies were taken from their unmarried mothers. This often happened against the mothers' wishes. These babies were then given to other families for adoption.
A report in 2012 by the Australian Senate looked into these forced adoptions. It found that babies were sometimes taken unfairly by doctors, nurses, social workers, and even religious people. Adoption agencies or other groups sometimes helped with this.
Many mothers were pressured or tricked into giving up their babies. Often, these mothers were sent away by their families. This was because being pregnant and unmarried was seen as shameful back then. Most of these adoptions happened in the second half of the 1900s.
Because of this report, on March 21, 2013, Julia Gillard, who was the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, said sorry to everyone affected. She also explained what the government would do to help.
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Understanding Adoption Practices in Australia
It's hard to know exactly how many adoptions happened in Australia. Experts think around 250,000 adoptions took place. Some of these were babies born to single mothers.
In the past, there was a lot of shame if a baby was born outside of marriage. Also, single mothers didn't get much money help from the government. Because of this, many people thought it was best for the baby to be adopted by a married couple.
Apologies for Forced Adoptions
Many parts of Australia have said sorry for forced adoption practices. These apologies are important for healing.
State and Territory Apologies
- On October 19, 2010, the Parliament of Western Australia was the first to say sorry. Premier Colin Barnett apologized to mothers, children, and families affected.
- On July 18, 2012, the Parliament of South Australia formally apologized. Premier Jay Weatherill said the apology was "long overdue."
- The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly also apologized on August 14, 2012. Chief Minister Katy Gallagher delivered this apology.
- On September 20, 2012, NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell apologized for the Parliament of New South Wales. This apology was agreed upon by both parts of the parliament.
- The Parliament of Victoria apologized on October 25, 2012. Premier Ted Baillieu and opposition leader Daniel Andrews delivered the apologies.
- On August 6, 2012, the Parliament of Tasmania announced it would apologize.
- On August 23, 2012, the Queensland government also announced an apology through the Parliament of Queensland.
National Apology
On March 21, 2013, Julia Gillard apologized on behalf of the Australian Government. This was a national apology for all those affected by forced adoptions.
The National Archives of Australia was asked to create a website and exhibition. This was to help people understand more about forced adoption practices in Australia.
See also
- Adoption in Australia
- Stolen Generations
