Intercountry adoption contacts

Information on the Australian intercountry adoption authorities.

Central adoption authorities

Central authorities play a key role in intercountry adoption. They check processes are followed and the child’s best interests come first. They also support people in the community. They can:

  • give advice to families who want to adopt
  • explain the steps involved
  • help with paperwork
  • support families and children to adjust after adoption.

They make sure Australia follows its responsibilities under the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Opens in a new tab/window). This agreement protects children and ensures overseas adoptions are safe, legal, and in the best interests of the child.

Australian Central Authority

We are the Australian Central Authority. Learn more about our role on Australian Government roles.

Get in touch with us via intercountry adoption enquiries.

State and territory central authorities

There is also a central authority for each state and territory. State and territory central authorities are responsible for:

  • adoption applications
  • assessing and preparing families for the intercountry adoption process
  • helping families with specific country requirements
  • tracking applications with the relevant country agency
  • helping and supervising families after the placement of adopted children.

The Commonwealth-State Agreement for the Continued Operation of Australia’s Intercountry Adoption Program sets out these roles and responsibilities.

Below is a list of each state and territory central authority.

Central Authorities Meeting

The Intercountry Adoption Central Authorities Meeting is held once a year. Members meet to address issues affecting Australia’s intercountry adoption programs.

The Commonwealth-State Agreement for the Continued Operation of Australia’s Intercountry Adoption Program established this meeting.

Outcomes of these meetings are provided in a yearly communiqué.

More information

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