Despite falls in teenage pregnancy,there are still more than 1000 first-time mothers under the age of 20 each year,and they are more likely to be disadvantaged and need help.
As the Christmas trees go up,the anguish spikes for anyone affected by adoption. Calls seeking help rise at this time of year,say the Benevolent Society’s counsellors.
There were 264 adoptions finalised in Australia in 2020–21,the fewest since national reporting began in 1990–91.
When Lisa gave birth to her son Chris at age 17,she was forced to give him up for adoption. Thirty years later,they were reunited – then tragedy struck.
Aaron Suine and Nick Stead left corporate careers in Sydney to move to King Island with their five-year-old son,and build a luxury lodge. Then COVID struck.
Youth services are also warning of a rise in teenagers fleeing violent homes and winding up on the streets.
Sarah Sentilles reflects on our capacity to love children who aren’t ours,but who need us.
Despite a 20 per cent rise in the number of foster carers between 2019 and 2020,the number of children moving into the child protection system has increased during COVID-19.
Adoption becomes a third option in deciding how to achieve permanency for a child in care,after the Queensland Parliament passes bill.
Adoptions have dropped by 80 per cent in Queensland over the past 24 years.
Long before his famous trip back to India,Saroo Brierley came to Australia,aged five. His adoptive mother,Sue,recalls his arrival.