mental health nurses; clinical social workers; child/family welfare workers in services funded by the Department of Social Services’ Family Support Program and other Australian Government agencies—including psychologists, social workers, family therapists, counsellors, and other welfare workers; social support and human services funded by the state and territory governments; and aged care professionals and service provider organisations (as many mothers and fathers are now reaching their 70s and 80s). B. Expand, enhance and build capacity in existing post-adoption support services Within existing post-adoption specific support services, the following have been identified by stakeholders as agencies or service types that should be the target of service enhancements: state/territory-funded Adoption Information Services; peer-support groups; agencies providing supports for people searching for or making contact with family (including formal intermediary services); and the government agencies with whom these other services intersect (e.g., Births Deaths and Marriages registries (BDM), Australian Electoral Commission, state child protection departments, Australian Government Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health). C. Developing new—and improving existing—resources for professional development and training For all service providers and agencies covered under A and B options above (i.e., mainstream health/mental health and social services, as well as existing post-adoption specific support services), the following resources, training materials and opportunities for professional development were suggested: specific training of post-adoption workers, and general awareness and sensitivity training for broader service providers; resources for agencies such as developing Good Practice Guidelines, evaluation resources, etc.; regular conferences for post-adoption practitioners, which are also open to mainstream practitioners who find themselves working with people affected by forced adoptions; empathy/sensitivity awareness training for officers in information agencies—particularly BDM; and brokerage funding, or grants scheme to enhance capacity of existing agencies and support groups. D. Increasing accessibility and coordination through development of a national web portal Options canvassed in workshops and consultations included community-based service hubs, one-stop-shops, case management, and a national website. The literature recommends case management for clients who are experiencing severe symptoms, particularly when their symptoms inhibit them from functioning in everyday life or attending scheduled appointments. For these clients, case management helps to aid the effective organisation and delivery of
Strategies for implementation Across these five broad areas for enhancing and expanding services, there is a range of different strategies for how to implement these. In the table below, we outline six strategic options that draw together suggestions raised by stakeholders during consultations. Strategic options for enhancing and expanding services Strategy Similar area of service delivery Domain of influence 1. Local post-adoption networks Family Law Pathways Network Enhance quality, coordination, flexibility, and diversity of post-adoption support services 2. Grants to expand existing services focused on outreach; training; and increasing capacity to meet demand Funding for Family Law Pathways Network to provide training, networking events Enhance existing services Expand services 3. National web portal For individuals: Forgotten Australians, Stolen Generations For professionals: Family law, child protection, sexual assault, family violence, family relationships, ACPMH, etc. Accessibility and coordination Training Resources 4. Knowledge translation and exchange (KTE) Many areas of child/family welfare work rely on the work of KTE agencies to improve access to research and resources in order to facilitate evidence-informed quality service delivery Information sharing; resources; coordination for adoption-specific services Access and quality of mainstream services 5. New national services, such as: Contact database DNA testing & matching International searching Find & Connect Link Up Expand services 6. Expand membership, and formalise role of the National Committee of Service Providers or establish other coordinating body Most service delivery areas have a strong, national body or committee that provide a coordinated voice and liaison point, set standards, etc. (e.g., NASASV, WESNET) Training, standards, coordination
and adopted women and was instrumental in lobbying for the apology from the Royal Brisbane Hospital, given on 9 June 2009. The stated aims and objectives of ALAS are: to provide regular meetings and phone support; to educate the general population on the consequences of adoption; to support changes to legislation both socially and administratively as may be relative to the objectives of the group; to co-operate with other groups holding the same values and views as ALAS, however we will always be an independent group; and to find a safe and secure future form of childcare that respects both mother and child’s ongoing needs, so we never return to the force or coercion of the past practices of adoption. (<www.alasqld.com>, n.d., home page) The group has a basic website that provides a limited amount of background information, as well as contact details of the groups’ conveners. In addition, ALAS has a blog where news items and related commentary are regularly posted. Jigsaw Queensland Jigsaw Queensland is a non-profit, member-based organisation delivering a range of services to all those affected by adoption. Staffed by trained volunteers, Jigsaw Queensland relies on donations and membership fees to undertake its services, however, the organisation does receive some funding from the Queensland Government to provide peer-support group activities and some assistance with searching for lost family members (practical information and emotional support through the search and contact process and beyond). The stated objectives of Jigsaw Queensland are: to provide emotional support to members; to provide information to those involved in adoption; to assist adult adoptees, birth parents and others in their search for biological relatives; and to educate the public to understand the needs of those affected by adoption. Jigsaw, n.d., About_Jigsaw) Jigsaw Queensland services include: emotional support by phone or email; monthly support group meetings; information to assist those affected by adoption with the search for blood relatives; a guide book; regular newsletters; access to the Jigsaw library; and referral to professionals and other agencies. Support groups are held on a monthly basis and alternate between open groups—for all those directly affected by adoption; and separate groups for both adoptees and birth mother for these particular groups. In addition, Jigsaw Queensland is able to provide information to professionals including counsellors, health care workers, social workers, community care workers and teachers, and has