In 2023-24, Queensland recorded fewer than 10 domestic adoptions, despite more than 12,700 children living in out-of-home care. This is not because there are no children needing permanent homes, nor because there are no families willing to provide them. It is because the current system is burdened by delay, duplication, and unnecessary red tape.
ACL is advocating for reforms that put children first: shorten waiting periods, provide better pathways from foster care to permanent families, set clearer assessment timeframes, ensure applicants have proper review rights, and strengthen support for birth parents.
We are also calling for greater access to voluntary adoption, so women facing an unplanned pregnancy are offered real choices, including the option to place their child with a loving family.
The current system has made adoption practically unavailable.
The office of the Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence has confirmed that public consultations will begin soon for a Bill to reform the Adoption Act.
