Intercountry adoption policies and guidance

About the policies

These policies cover different parts of the intercountry adoption process. 

They protect children and support families. They also make sure adoptions are safe, in the best interests of the child, and follow international rules.

Responding to allegations of illicit or illegal practices

This policy explains how Australia handle concerns about illegal or unethical practices. It focuses on the child’s best interests, privacy and support.

It explains what the Australian Central Authority and state and territory central authorities do when they:

• review concerns
• investigate cases
• work with overseas agencies or police, when needed
• take action for serious or ongoing risks, like reviewing or stopping adoption programs.

Learn more about responding to allegations of illicit or illegal practices.

Ethiopia post-adoption reporting

These guidelines explain what families that adopted through the former Ethiopa program need to do. This includes:

• sending yearly reports to the Ethiopian Government until the child turns 18
• using an email process through the Australian Central Authority
• privacy rules
• how to access adoption records
• where to get support and information
• why families should be respectful and culturally aware when searching for birth families
• services such as counselling and help with searches.

Learn more about Ethiopia post-adoption reporting.

Expatriate adoption

An expatriate adoption is when an Australian citizen or permanent resident who lives overseas adopts a child under that country’s laws. The adoption takes place outside Australia’s formal intercountry adoption programs.

Learn more about the legal, ethical and practical risks. There is a fact sheet, video and resources (including translated versions) to help you make an informed decision about expatriate adoption.

Pre-placement contact by people who want to adopt

People who want to adopt should not contact a child, carers, or overseas authorities before an adoption is approved. 

This helps protect the child and ensures decisions are fair and free from pressure. In Australia, contact or travel is only allowed after placement. The proper authority must approve it.

Learn more about pre-placement contact by people who want to adopt.

Financial contributions by prospective adoptive parents

There are rules about fees and donations in intercountry adoption. There are set fees and contributions that are clear, recorded and part of the adoption process. This policy warns against hidden payments or payments that could influence decisions. 

The policy follows principles and standards of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Opens in a new tab/window) (Hague Convention). This convention bans improper financial gain. The policy tells adoptive parents to be careful and seek advice before making payments. 

People must report requests for improper payments. This helps protect the fairness of the adoption process.

Learn more about financial contributions by prospective adoptive parents.

Intercountry adoption support organisations making donations

This policy explains how adoption support organisations can give donations safely and responsibly. Donations should be clear, managed well and used to support child protection systems.

The policy warns against payments that could lead to unfair decisions or illegal practices. It highlights some of the risks, such as:

• corruption
• pressure on birth families
• creating expectations of adoption in return for support.

It also tells organisations to be careful, avoid conflicts of interest and seek advice if they are unsure.

Learn more about intercountry adoption support organisations making donations.

Intercountry adoption support organisations contacting organisations in another country

This policy provides guidance for Australian support organisations that work with overseas orphanages, adoption agencies, and other child welfare organisations. It helps make sure all activities follow Australia's obligations under the Hague Convention.

Learn more about Intercountry adoption support organisations making contact with organisations in another country.

Interstate transfer guidelines

This policy explains how an intercountry adoption application can move between Australian states or territories when prospective adoptive parents move during the adoption process. It aims to reduce disruption for families. It also notes that adoption laws, rules and fees differ across jurisdictions.

Learn more about Interstate transfer guidelines.

More information

• Learn more about Planning to adopt from overseas
• State and territory central authorities are listed on the intercountry adoption contacts page