After adoption

Information on what to do after your intercountry adoption.

Reporting requirements

After your child arrives in Australia, their country of origin needs post-adoption or post-placement reports. Adoptive parents and state and territory central authorities provide these reports. Reporting requirements vary by:

  • country
  • how often
  • how long reporting continues
  • the information required.

Check the reporting requirements with your state or territory central authority. They are listed in the intercountry adoption contacts.

You must still give reports for intercountry adoption programs that have ended. For example, Ethiopia requires annual reports until the child turns 18. For more information, read the Ethiopia post-adoption guidelines.

Parental leave 

If you adopted a child under 16 years of age, you may be able to get: 

These entitlements come under the National Employment Standards(Opens in a new tab/window) and Paid Parental Leave Act 2010(Opens in a new tab/window).

You may also get paid leave at work. Check your employment contract or enterprise agreement for your entitlements.

To be eligible, you must have adopted through Australia’s intercountry adoption program. Your state or territory central authority must have been involved in the process.

If you are not sure, contact your state or territory central authority. They are listed in the intercountry adoption contacts.

Support

Adoptees and adoptive parents in Australia can get counselling, peer support and other help. Support is available through the Intercountry Adoptee and Family Support Service(Opens in a new tab/window) (ICAFSS).

Learn more about ICAFSS and other intercountry adoption support.

Reporting illicit or illegal practices

If you think an intercountry adoption may have involved illicit or illegal practices, read responding to allegations of illicit or illegal practices.

More information

Learn more about Applying for intercountry adoption and Adoption processes.

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