The adoption of children from out-of-home care: how decision-makers explain the low rates of adoption in Victoria, Australia. Issue 2 (15th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butlinski, Anna; Rowe, Heather; Goddard, Christopher; Freezer, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: Journal of public child welfare. Volume 13:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 195
• Publication Date: 2019-03-15
• Subjects: Adoption -- out-of-home care -- children -- rates; Child welfare -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.70973
• DOI: 10.1080/15548732.2018.1498428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1554-8732

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The adoption of children from out-of-home care is uncommon in Australia and rarely occurs in the state of Victoria. This paper reports on how professionals involved in making decisions about the permanent placement of children explain the current rates of adoption from out-of-home care in Victoria. Interviews were conducted with eight child welfare specialists, eight adoption and permanent care specialists and five judicial officers. The current low rates of adoption were attributed to the effect of current legislation, the impact of past adoption practices and the establishment of a culture in Victoria in which adoption is now rarely considered an option for children in out-of-home care.