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I was born as a result of donor insemination or other assisted reproduction, what help is available?
Children born as a result of reproductive technologies may have similar feelings to adoptees including feelings of loss, powerlessness and anger. We can provide counselling and support. We can also assist parents with information on how best to tell children of their origins.
Information and support is also available from these specialist agencies/groups:
Reproductive Technology Council
189 Royal St
East Perth WA 6004
Ph: (08) 9222 4260
Fax: (08) 9222 4236
Email: sandy.webb@health.wa.gov.au
Website: numbat.murdoch.edu.au/RTC/rtchome.html
Genesis IVF Support Group
Website: www.genesiswa.org.au
Email: info@genesiswa.org.au
ACCESS (Aust.National Infertility Network)
PO Box 959
Parramatta NSW 2124
Ph: (02) 9670 2380
Fax: (02) 9670 2608
Email: info@access.org.au
Website: www.access.org.au
Donor Conception Support Group (DCSG)
PO Box 53
Georges Hall NSW 2198
Email: dcsg@optusnet.com.au
Website: www.dcsg.org.au
I was a foster child/state ward, what help is available?
CLAN (Care Leavers Australia Network) is a support group for people who were state wards, foster children or raised in an orphanage, institution or children’s home. Contact details are:
CLAN
PO Box 164
Georges Hall
NSW 2198
Ph: 0425 204 747
Email: careleavers@hotmail.com
Website: www.clan.org.au
I am Aboriginal and part of the Stolen Generation, what help is available?
Aboriginal people still need to obtain their documents from the relevant government department. Specialist assistance is available from:
Derbarl Yerrigan Stolen Generation
15 Spring park Rd
MIDLAND WA 6056
Ph: (08) 9250 5696
They provide counselling, search and mediation services.
I want to contact my birthmother/father/child direct, what do I do?
If you decide to make contact yourself PLEASE do not show up on their doorstep and think carefully about phone calls, they can be too confronting for all concerned. Be aware that in the past, adoption has often involved secrecy, thus you need to be careful that a letter will respect their privacy should the wrong person read it. Please contact us if you need some assistance on what to write or to discuss any other aspect of the process.
Be patient, many people who receive letters are overwhelmed and take time to respond.
When we write we generally allow 6 weeks before we try again.
Very occasionally someone has not received the initial letter. You may also want to consider registering a follow up letter.
Should I use a mediator?
This is an individual decision and there is no ‘right’ answer. Many people are successful in making direct contact themselves. However our research indicates that most people prefer to be approached by a mediator as it gives them time to consider their response and discuss it with a neutral person. If they do not want contact a mediator is usually in a better position to request some information.
Adoption Jigsaw’s mediator will conduct a lengthy interview with you (in person or by phone) and discuss your wishes in relation to contact and some of the issues that can arise in reunion. We conduct a similar interview with the found person, thus helping them to understand how adoption may have impacted on you.
For more information, download our brochure Using a Mediator.
I’ve just found out I’m adopted, what can I do?
This can be very distressing, many people report feelings of disbelief, anger and sadness. We strongly recommend that you talk to a counsellor at Adoption Jigsaw or other relevant agency. PARC in NSW have produced a booklet on the subject that you may wish to purchase. If you want to find your birth family go to How do I begin?
How do I check if I’m adopted?
If you are over 18 and suspect that you are adopted but are unable to confirm it by asking family members we suggest you contact Adoption Jigsaw or other relevant counsellor to discuss it. If you want to continue you could contact the relevant government department. Or you could apply for a full (not an extract) birth certificate from the relevant Registrar. If you are adopted you will be unable to obtain a full certificate until you have authority from the relevant government adoption agency. However it may be distressing to find out in this manner and we strongly suggest you speak to us or other counsellor first.
I was raised by my father, how do I find my mother?
If you have a name and information we may be able to help you. Contact Adoption Jigsaw.
I was raised by my mum, how do I find my father?
If you have a name and information we may be able to help you. Contact Adoption Jigsaw.
What agencies can help with adoption questions?
Click here, follow the links for your state, for information on other agencies.
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