Forced Adoption and Victims' Redress

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().2 May 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): In response to question 1, the Minister for Child Protection has advised:

The South Australian government funds Relationships Australia South Australia Post Adoption Support Services, which provide counselling, information, support and assistance with family search and reunion, and links to other supports and networks statewide. Survivors of forced adoption can access these services.

Relationships Australia South Australia is also funded by the commonwealth government for the provision of the Forced Adoption Support Service. Known as FASS, this very important professional and trauma-informed service provides free and confidential services including casework, emotional support, records tracing, assistance with family searching and intermediary services, group activities, peer support, and therapeutic counselling.

Relationships Australia South Australia has sites across South Australia, including the Riverland and Port Augusta. FASS is accessible to parents who have lost a child to forced adoption, adult adoptees and extended family members. FASS provides services both face-to-face and via telephone, with telehealth counselling available for those who cannot access a Relationships Australia South Australia site.

In response to question 2, I can advise that the South Australian government is not considering implementing a redress scheme at this time.