Victoria

Department Responsible

Family Information Networks and Discovery (FIND), Department of Human Services

Level 20, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000

Phone:: 03 8608 5700 (Local call cost: 1300 769 926)
Website:: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/applying-for-documents-and-records/ado...

Open Close Identifying Information

Who is entitled?

Adopted persons (18 and over), adult children of adopted person (18 and over), and parents (recorded on original birth certificate) can access identifying information. If an adopted person is under the age of 18, the aopted person may access identifying information with the written consent of the adoptive mother and father and the agreement of the natural parent. (Note - since 1984 adoptions are open).

What is the process?

Applicants must attend a mandatory interview with an approved counsellor. This can be arranged by telephone if the applicant is interstate or overseas. Interviews are conducted by the Family Information Networks and Discovery (FIND). In addition there are 3 non government approved Adoption Information Services (AIS) - Connections, Catholic Care and Anglicare. The interview is designed to support applicants understand their rights, information they receive and ways to make contact in a sensitive manner. Applicants are provided with a certificate of interview signed by the approved counsellor.

What records or information may be received?

Records from adoption agencies and courts Original or amended birth certificates Social information e.g. names and occupations of parents, adoptee's current name, adoptive parents' names and last known address at the time of the adoption
Open Close Non-identifying Information

Who is entitled?

Adoptive parents may apply to receive non-identifying information. Relatives by birth as defined in the Adoption Act as grand parents, aunts and uncles and siblings may also apply for non-identifying information

What is the process?

Applicants must attend a mandatory interview with an approved counsellor. For natural relatives, the approved adoption counsellor will undertake the search and intermediary on their behalf, which may facilitate the exchange of identifying information, with the written permission of the adopted person. If the adopted person is over 18, their wishes must be considered.

What records or information may be received?

A summary from the court records of adoption that includes the first name of the adopted person given to them by the adoptive parents. Age when placed for adoption. Other children in the family. Ages, length of marriage, religion and occupation of the adoptive parents. The date the adoption was finalised.
Open Close Mandatory Interviews

All applicants for information must attend an interview to understand the services offered, prepare for possible outcomes, learn about support and self help groups. In addition, applicants are informed if there is an existing party on the department’s Register who is related to them.
Open Close Contact Statements

Adopted persons may lodge a contact statement outlining their wishes for contact with the other party. This includes the option for a 'no contact' statement. Contact statements are current for 5 years unless revoked. Contact Statements may be renewed for further 5 year periods.
Open Close Contact Register

Contact details and wishes regarding contact or potential meetings with other parties to the adoption may be registered with the department and can be updated or cancelled at any time. Parties may also leave a letter if they do not want to be contacted but do want to pass on information such as reasons for not wanting contact or medical details.
Open Close Fees

There is no fee for FIND's services - the pre-existing fee was waived following the Victorian Government's Apology for Forced Adoptions, October 2012.
Open Close Legislation regarding access to records
Adoption Act 1984

Victoria

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Department Responsible

Who is entitled?

What is the process?

What records or information may be received?

Who is entitled?

What is the process?

What records or information may be received?