Regionalisation
People inquiring are often under the impression that they can form a family with the assistance of one of the Agencies of a Church as was the practice many years ago. Regionalisation has brought about a change in Adoption practice.
It is current practice for persons considering to form their family either by adopting a baby, child, special needs child or a child under a permanent care order to do so through the Department of Human Services Regional Offices or Centacare which can be found in their area of the metropolitain or country Victoria.
You will note that Copelen Child and Family Services, now known as Uniting Care Connection, while being named Southern Region is under the umbrella of the Uniting Church. However, only families who live in Southern Region can access this service.
Again, the Western Region is administered by Anglicare (Anglican Church), however they service any family living in the Western region of Melbourne.
Anglicare Victoria was established on July 1, 1997 following the amalgamation of three well known and long standing agencies: The Mission of St James and St John, the Mission to Streets and Lanes and St John's Homes for Boys and Girls. Anglicare Victoria delivers services to families, children & young people throughout metropolitan Melbourne and Gippsland.
Anglicare Victoria delivers an Adoption and Permanent Care program in both the Western Region (Yarraville) and Gippsland (Morwell). The primary principles and/or theory underpinning service delivery include permanency planning, attachment, separation and loss, advocacy and program development and review.
Anglicare Victoria also offers a funded Adoption Information Service program for persons whose lives have been touched by adoption: Birth Parents/relatives, Adopted Persons and Adoptive Parents, in terms of seeking information and/or contact.
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Adoption and Permanent Care Teams |
AFAV Thanks Anglicare for their contribution to the Web site. 16.4.2000
Centacare
CENTACARE Catholic Family Services, previously known as the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau can work with any family regardless of where they live within Victoria.
Centacare CFS has provided care for children in families since 1936.
For many years Centacare concentrated on the adoption of children, but in recent years its program has expanded to include Special Needs and Permanent Care placements.
It provides education programs and counselling for Birth Parents and relatives, for children in alternative care, for Adoptive Parents and for Adopted Persons.
Centacare’s Adoption Information Service provides information regarding past adoptions, counselling and assistance with search and reunion where parties are unable to search independently.
Centacare Services
Infant Adoption
Centacare is Victoria’s largest adoption services and generally places one half of the locally born infants eligible for adoption with families in our program each year. The service is open to all persons who meet the criteria for adoption.
- Prospective parents must have been married or in a defacto relationship for a minimum of two years,
- be in good health, and
- be able to provide a stable and supportive environment fro a child until he/she reaches maturity.
Each prospective couple must attend a two day workshop prior to making application to adopt a child. The workshop provides information about adoption in 2000 and focuses on decision making regarding whether to adopt. Couples who determine to apply complete an extensive assessment process.
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Infant Adoption |
Pregnancy Counselling
Centacare provides counselling to any person, couple ,and their families where there is an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy to enable that family to make the best decision regarding the care of the infant. Adoption is one of the options considered by the family.
Pregnancy counselling is available upon request and is highly confidential and focuses on planning fro the care of the child.
Permanent Care - Put A Child In The Picture
Centacare provides families for children placed through Permanent Care. In most situations the children come into care through Protective Services and have experienced high levels of abuse and neglect. Their past experiences has effected their development and each child requires special attention to enable him/her to develop to their fullest potential.
Centrecare provides support to families long term on an as needed/as requested basis.
Prospective Parents need to be:
- couples and/or singles,
- be in good health,
- be able to provide a stable and supportive environment for the child until he/she reaches maturity, and
- children are matched with families who can meet their specific needs.
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Permanent Care |
Post Legalisation Services - Centacare
Group Program
Centacare runs a series of groups for Parents and children focusing on concerns and issues for families where children are either Adopted or placed in Permanent Care.
Counselling:
Counselling is provided for all parties to Adoption or Permanent Care: Adoptive and Permanent Care parents, Birth Parents and family and children.
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Adoption Information Service |
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Adoption and Permanent Care |
Adoption Information Service - Centacare
Information regarding past adoptions is provided as specified in the Adoption Act of 1984. Additional services in counselling support and contact are available at Centacare Catholic Family Services, a State-wide service. Contact the Principal Officer.
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Past Adoptions Information |
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Centacare |
Content supplied by AFAV. Last modified Wed, 24 Jan 2001. Maintained by TO'TLD