Tuesday, 3 February 2015
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has welcomed an announcement that a re-elected State Government would continue to increase the number of adoptions in NSW, to provide vulnerable children and young people with permanent safe and nurturing homes.
Yesterday Premier Mike Baird announced the government would establish Australia’s first government-supported Institute of Open Adoption to ensure the number of adoptions in NSW increased significantly.
Mr Marshall said that open adoption incorporates ongoing contact between the adopted child, the parents, and the adoptive parents where it is in the child’s best interests.
“A key objective of the government is protecting vulnerable members of our society and I fully support measures to further reduce any barriers to adoption,” he said.
“I have been approached a number of people across the electorate who lament the fact that at times the adoption process is too slow with too much uncertainty, that’s why I am pleased to see this initiative which will remove many of these hurdles.
“Open adoption can be the best option to provide children with stability in instances where safe, secure and stable family homes are not available.”
Mr Marshall said that under the proposal, the NSW Government would provide $2.85 million to establish the Institute of Open Adoption, which will lead high quality independent research into open adoption to inform policy, professional development and practice in the field.
Founder of Adopt Change and NSW Australian of the Year Deborra-lee Furness welcomed the initiative.
“We look forward to working with the Premier and Minister Upton to establish a research Institute that will lead best practice support and education for families who adopt from within NSW and internationally,” Ms Furness said.
“The institute has the potential to lead the way in creating a gold standard in serving adoptive families.”