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The Post Adoption Information Unit (PAIU) offers services to adopted people and adoptive and birth families where Communities and Justice (DCJ) was involved in arranging the adoption of a child through the Intercountry Adoption Program. Adopted people and birth parents are all eligible to apply for information about the overseas adoption.
All countries of origin have informed the NSW Central Authority that they prefer all enquiries about post adoption services to be directed to them through the Adoption Information Unit.
Due to limited resources it is not unreasonable to expect a long waiting time for a response from the country of origin to any requests to their service.
Most countries of origin require the adopted person to be 18 years or older before they will assist with requests to locate birth parents or members of the birth family.
As most birth family members do not read or speak English, correspondence needs to be translated into the language of the country of origin at the expense of the adoptive parents or adopted person, prior to sending it.
Families requesting contact with a birth family must be committed to possible ongoing contact. From previous experience we have found the birth families are anxious to hear from the adoptive families regularly.
Adoptive families need to consider cultural differences, sensitivities and challenges affecting the circumstances of the birth family which might make contact difficult. Post adoption services may not be available in these cases.
Adopted people must be 13 or older before Easter Social Welfare Services (ESWS) will accept a request from an adoptive family to make an approach to the birth family.
When adopted people under 18 visit ESWS requesting birth family contact or to research their birth background, they must first obtain a permission letter from the adoptive parents or AIU if they are not accompanied by their parents.
It may not be possible to make any contact in some particular circumstances. Here are some examples where contact may not be possible:
Where mothers were young single girls who kept their pregnancies secret from their families. In most cases they have probably married and not told their husband about their past. If the secret is revealed, it could cause serious problems for the mother.
If the parents stated “No Contact” at the time of the adoption.
Where there is insufficient background information to locate family members, for example, the child was abandoned at an orphanage.
Where there is false information recorded from the parent, in order to conceal their identity.
Please read the information and use the application form for Information about intercountry adoption - over 18 years of age (PDF, 330.9 KB).
The country of origin may charge a fee for post adoption services.
On 21 September 2012 the Fee payable to the Post Adoption Information Unit of Communities and Justices (DCJ) was abolished for:
Many families visit an adopted person’s country of origin in the hope of having contact with birth family members, the Agency that arranged the Adoption, Orphanage and/or foster carer.
As you can appreciate, a large number of people request assistance from PAIU and the country of origin, so there may be a waiting time of several months for this service.
For this reason it is important to contact PAIU with your request as early as possible - at least six months prior to your intention to travel.
In most cases this will allow time for us to contact the overseas country and allow them time to make whatever arrangements or searches they may need depending on what you have requested. Unforeseen circumstances may delay the finalisation of the arrangements.
Travelling where the adopted person is over age 18
The adopted person should apply for a Supply Authority from the Adoption Information Unit by completing a Supply Authority Application Form, advise their intended dates of travel and what they would like to achieve when they are there.
Before issuing a Supply Authority, the Post Adoption Information Unit (PAIU) must check to see if there are any restrictions on the supply of information to the person applying.
You are strongly cautioned to not confirm any travel plans - including booking and paying for flights and accommodation - until arrangements with the country you are visiting have been confirmed in writing.
If would like to speak with a Caseworker at the initial stages of your plans to travel please contact PAIU and ask to speak with the Duty Caseworker.
Agency: Department of Communities and Justice
Phone: 1300 799 023 or (02) 9716 3005
Email: Adoption.Information@dcj.nsw.gov.au
Postal address: Locked Bag 5000, Parramatta NSW 2124, Australia
An alternative to DCJ' Adoption Information Unit is the The Intercountry Adoption Tracing and Reunification Service, which provides free specialised search and reunion services to intercountry adoptees and adoptive parents, including those adopted through expatriate adoption arrangements. The service is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and is delivered by International Social Service (ISS) Australia.
Intercountry Adoption Tracing and Reunification Service
Phone: 1300 657 843
Email: ica@iss.org.au
Intercountry Adoption Australia
Phone: 1800 197 760
04 Apr 2024