The Adoption Services team at the Department of Communities can help you with information, support and counselling related to the adoption of a child.
Adoption Services also has a list of independent counsellors who you may find helpful. Please email us us adoptions@communities.wa.gov.au or phone 1800 182 178.
Parenting support can also be provided by calling:
- Crisis Care: 1800 199 008
- Ngala Helpline: 1800 111 546
You can also get support through the following support services. Through these organisations, you can benefit from the experience and skills of others and hear how other people have managed the adoption process.
Support services
Adoption Research & Counselling Services Inc (ARCS)
Show moreprovide professional counselling, support and information to anyone dealing with the challenges and opportunities in:
- adoption
- pre-adoption
- unplanned pregnancy
- search, mediation and reunion
- anyone affected by separation from family
- step and blended families
- foster families
- families created through assisted reproductive technology.
Adoption Support for Families & Children Inc (ASFC)
Show moreis a voluntary, non-profit organisation whose membership is made up of prospective adoptive parents (PAPs), adoptive families - both intercountry and local and adult adoptees.
ASFC aims to:
- aid, assist and support prospective and post adoptive families in WA
- provide information regarding adoption with approved countries with whom Australia has agreements
- produce a bi-monthly newsletter for members
- promote networking support between our members through a variety of social activities such as playgroups, coffee evenings, picnics, cultural celebrations, etc
- provide educational opportunities for members to discuss and learn about adoption and parenting issues
- liaise and lobby with local, national and overseas adoption organisations
- provide child sponsorship programmes in various overseas countries
- provide aid to overseas children's organisations to help in the relief of poverty
- work for the improvement of WA practices and policies regarding intercountry adoption.
Association Representing Mothers Separated from their Children by Adoption Inc (ARMS)
Show moreARMS is a self-help group providing support services to all parties affected by adoption separation.
ARMS meetings are held monthly and work to change adoption laws.
Forced Adoption Support Service (FASS)
Show moreFASS provides a referral and information service that includes:
- support to meet individual needs
- assistance with record searching
- referrals for long term support.
You can visit for more information on FASS.
InterCountry Adoptee Voices Community (ICAV)
Show moreprovides a platform for adoptees to connect in, share, educate, and advocate to the wider public about the issues faced – political, social and emotional, including the not so positive aspects of intercountry adoption.
Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation
Show moreprovides Link-Up services to Aboriginal people affected by past government policies relating to the removal of children.
