Approximately 250,000 Australians were affected by policies and practices of forced adoption.
On 27 November 2012, then Queensland Premier, the Honourable Campbell Newman MP, made a historic apology for past forced adoption policies and practices in Parliament, on behalf of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
Wednesday 27 November 2024 recently marked the 12th anniversary of the Queensland Government’s apology for past forced adoption practices, and The Benevolent Society’s Post Adoption Support Queensland (PASQ) hosted two events in Brisbane to support those impacted.
Reflection and support
A morning service was held at Brisbane’s Roma Street Parklands, where a memorial exists to honour this history and provide a space for rose laying and reflection.
In partnership with community and government organisations including Adoption Loss Adult Support Australia (ALAS), Association for Adoptees, Origins Queensland, the Queensland Government, Jigsaw Queensland, and You Gave Me a Voice, PASQ also hosted a remembrance event at the Normanby Hotel in Red Hill with 40 attendees.
It provided a space for attendees to reflect, meet others who have had similar adoption experiences, and continue healing in line with the Queensland Government’s commitment to listen to, work with, and support those impacted.
The event began with an address from Rob Seiler, Acting Director General, Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. This was followed by an address from guest speaker The Very Reverend Peter Catt, Dean of Brisbane, Anglican Church.
“Every year, the PASQ team and our partner organisations come together to commemorate this important time of reflection,” said Meagan Probert, Deputy Director – Child, Youth & Family, at The Benevolent Society.
“Australians impacted by adoption grapple with this experience throughout their lives. Events like this are crucial to give these Australians the space to reflect on this, connect with others who have similar experiences, and seek support as part of how they process this.”
Support available in Queensland and NSW
The Benevolent Society has supported those impacted by adoption for over three decades. The Post Adoption Resource Centre in NSW has been operating since 1991. Based on its success, PASQ was founded in 2009 to support Queenslanders affected by adoption separation, trauma and loss.
The team assists people who have been adopted, parents, siblings, partners and others who have been separated from family by adoption. PASQ also helps professionals to understand the adoption experience.
The support delivered by PASQ covers counselling to address issues such as grief, loss, identity, relationships and the impacts of trauma for individuals, couples and families. The service also assists those looking to access records and family tracing, and intermediary support with a third-party professional to help with search and reunion, including approaching birth relatives.
“Our team is dedicated to supporting anyone impacted by adoption. Whether it’s someone who is adopted, someone who has been separated from their child through adoption, or adoptive parents and extended family who may be impacted by adoption in some way, there are support options for all who need it,” added Meagan.
If you, or someone you know, needs support related to adoption, call The Benevolent Society at 1800 236 762 or visit our Post Adoption Services page here.