Historical forced adoptions

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This page contains information relating to historical forced adoption practices that may be confronting or distressing.

Historical forced adoption practices

From the 1930s to the 1980s, forced adoptions occurred whereby authorities failed to gain free and informed consent from mothers prior to removing their newborns.

These practices usually occurred in an institution, such as a hostel or hospital and not all practices resulted in adoption.

The historic attitudes that underpinned these practices are not an excuse for the unjust removal of children from mothers, fathers and their families.

For many people impacted by forced adoption, the long term impacts are complex, deeply personal and impinge on many aspects of their life. For many individuals and their families, the trauma of their experience persists despite their resilience.

It is important that people impacted by historic forced adoption are heard and supported, and that current and future policies and practices consider what has been learned to ensure harmful practices are not repeated.

At the Department of Communities, we are committed to healing past hurts and supporting those impacted by forced adoption to tell their stories, obtain information about their adoption and access trauma-informed supports.

Government apologies

Western Australian Government Apology

On 19 October 2010, the then Premier of Western Australia Colin Barnet apologies on behalf of the Western Australian Government to people affected by forced adoption or removal policies and practices.

Read the Western Australian Government Apology (PDF, 470KB).

Australian Government Apology

On 21 March 2013, the then Prime Minister Julia Gillard apologised on behalf of the Australian Government to people affected by forced adoption or removal policies and practices.

Read the Australian Government Apology.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Past Forced Adoptive Policies and Practices in WA

On 22 February 2023, the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs announced the commencement of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Past Forced Adoptive Policies and Practices in Western Australia.

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry are to:

1. understand the lived experiences of those affected by historical forced adoption practices;
2. examine the role of the State Government, health services and private institutions in these practices;
3. identify what measures are currently available to assist persons experiencing distress, their effectiveness, and how those persons may be supported further; and
4. consider any other matter that arises during the course of the inquiry deemed to be relevant by the Committee.

It is intended that this inquiry will give any person affected by forced adoptions an opportunity, either publicly or privately, to share their lived experiences. That will include (but not be limited to) mothers who had children forcibly removed from them at birth, or those who were wrongfully coerced or
persuaded into giving up their baby for adoption.

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