Adopting a child

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is the sole provider of local adoption services in NSW.

Local adoption (also known as voluntary adoption) in NSW has been delivered by three service providers, DCJ’s Open Adoption and Permanency Services, Anglican Community Services (Anglicare) and Family Spirit. Following a decision by DCJ not to renew their contract, Anglicare and Family Spirit’s service delivery of local adoption ceased on 30 June 2024.

This decision is based on the changing needs of the adoption landscape in NSW. In particular, the significant decline in voluntary adoptions for children in NSW over several years.  The small number of children adopted through the program no longer requires multiple agencies delivering this service.

DCJ provides a range of holistic and inclusive support to all eligible families who want to adopt in NSW.

Families considering adoption or requiring support can also access early intervention and preservation services, more information can be found here: 

• Support for children, young people and families
• Programs and Services to keep families together

For more information, please read the factsheet  on local adoption here (DOCX, 42.7 KB).