We are often asked if Foster Carers can adopt the child in their care. Adoption is the legal and permanent transfer of parental rights to the adoptive parents.

Foster Carers can apply to become adoptive parents if:

• the child has been in their care for more than two years; and
• there is evidence of the Carer’s commitment to maintain the child’s identity, life story and contact with their birth family; and
• there is evidence of a positive attachment; and
• it is in the child’s best interest.

A child’s birth parents are consulted and are involved as much as possible in the decision and process.
It is important to note Foster Care is not a certain path to Adoption.

CatholicCare can also assist with such issues as:

• pregnancy counselling and support;
• arrangements for a child to be adopted;
• post adoption information, counselling and support, search assistance, advocacy and mediation;
• information and referral regarding how to adopt a child;

Adopting a Child
Couples applying to create a family through adoption are generally unable to have their own biological children. Couples go through a process of training and assessment to ensure they are suitable for adoptive parenting before they can be approved. To be approved, prospective adoptive parents need to show that they can accept an adopted child who comes with their own unique background, personality and story which needs to be respected and nurtured, not forgotten or changed. They also need to show they are able to embrace openness in adoption and are committed to building a relationship with their child’s birth parent(s). Birth parents have the choice of selecting the Adoptive Parents by viewing non-identifying profiles from the pool of approved prospective adoptive parents.

CatholicCare Adoptions Service provides information, assessment and training to prospective adoptive parents. CatholicCare Adoptions Service is one of four adoption service providers in NSW. It is a good idea to call around and see which service is best for you.

• CatholicCare (Sydney) 02 8709 9333
• Anglicare 02 9890 6855
• Barnados 02 9281 5510
• Department of Human Services (Community Services) formally known as Department of Community Services (DoCS) 02 9716 3000