About Us

Welcome to our web site.

The Adoptive Families Association of Victoria Inc. (AFAV), previously known as the Adoptive Parents Association of Victoria, was established in Victoria in 1979 as a result of a perceived need amongst various adoption agencies for an Adoptive Parents Support Network.

From the beginning the association has worked to protect and represent adoptive Families' rights when adoption legislation review has occured.

In 1982 the Association was gaining official recognition as a representative Body for adoptive families and became involved in community education. At this time a country-based sub-group formed which was to act as the beginning for our Linking Networks.

In 1985 the Telephone Help and Information Service (THIS) was established through the efforts of dedicated volunteer members. This service aimed to provide an empathic ear and a referral service for Adoptive Families. This service was replaced mid 2001 with this web site as a first port of call when seeking information about adoption issues.

The Adoptive Families Association of Victoria Inc. (AFAV) is a self-help group offering families with children placed under Adoption or Permanent Care orders the opportunity to exchange information, share experiences and provide mutual support.

What kind of people are involved?

Families who make up our membership include:

• Families with Adopted children,
• Families with Permanent Care children,
• Families with both Adopted and Permanent Care children,
• Families with Birth children and Adopted/Permanent Care children,
• Families with Adopted children and Foster children,
• Single parents with Permanent Care children,
• Adopted children with divorced parents,
• Adopted families where one parent has re-married,
• Families where one parent has died
• Families who are going through the process of adopting their first child,
• Families who are going through the process of applying to adopt subsequent children,
• Families who are waiting for a child to be placed with them,
• Adoptive families with adult children adopted under the pre-1984 act and children adopted post the 1984 act.
• Adoptive families with open adoption and ongoig access,
• Adoptive families where one child only has access,
• Adoptive families where original access arrangements have deminished over time, and
• Adult adoptees.

AFAV welcomes membership regardless of marital status, age of children or type of Adoption, Permanent Care and Guardianship or Custody Order.