Adoption apology planned for October

From the WA Government | 08 Sep 2010

Adoption apology planned for October

The Western Australian Government will become the first in Australia to apologise to women, their children and families affected by past adoption practices, Health Minister Kim Hames said today.

Dr Hames said an apology would be moved as a motion in State Parliament on October 19 by Premier Colin Barnett, to acknowledge the trauma and suffering of mothers whose children were adopted out under past governments’ adoption practices.

“I have spoken to mothers who were affected by these practices and have heard first-hand the impact that has had on their lives. They have told me an apology will go some way to assisting to overcome what has, for some, been lifelong trauma,” he said.

“This apology will be made on behalf of the State Government institutions which engaged in these practices, prior to a child being placed for adoption into families.

“It will recognise that from the 1940s to the 1980s, the legal, health and welfare systems of the day were unsupportive of pregnant, unmarried women. For many, this experience had a profound, lasting effect.”

“This apology is specifically to the mothers whose children who were adopted under past practices. At the time they were perhaps not given the opportunity to make an informed decision at a time of their life when they were particularly vulnerable.”

The Minister said plans for a simple, sincere memorial were also progressing, and consultation would be undertaken with representatives of women affected.

“I hope we will be able to create a memorial that will provide a safe place for mothers to reflect,” Dr Hames said.