Adopting locally

 If you are interested in adopting a child through the local adoption program, 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

Alternatively if you are interested in adopting a child or young person through the Out of Home Care program you may also contact My Forever Family on 1300 782 975.

About local adoption

Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) is responsible for providing provides local adoption services in NSW. We work with birth parents who are considering adoption for their child and families who wish to adopt.

The number of couples included in the pool of approved local adoptive applicants is limited. DCJ aims to have a pool of approved applicants of varying backgrounds and characteristics to enable us to meet the various needs of the children for whom adoption is being considered.

See adoption process for adoptive applicants for more information about the costs, criteria for prospective adoptive parents and process.

Birth parents are involved in helping select adoptive parents for NSW infants or young children under 2 years of age.

A small number of children aged over 2 are referred to our program for placement each year. If you are considering adopting an older child, previous experience with children or direct parenting experience is an advantage, as these children's needs can sometimes be challenging.

Dual authorisation

In NSW, people can be assessed, trained and authorised to become both a foster carer and adoptive parent at the same time. This process is called dual authorisation. It means the applicant does not have to undergo the authorisation process multiple times.

Applicants who have dual authorisation provide children in out-of-home care with safe, permanent and loving homes.

Following a period of time for the child and carers to get to know each other, adoption may be agreed on as the best permanency plan for the child.

Other approved adoption agencies

There are a number of accredited adoption agencies who also provide adoption services in NSW. The agencies listed below can assist with dual authorisation and  out-of-home care adoption. You may express interest with a number of agencies or programs, but you can only have an application with one program at a time.

Couples and families in the NSW local, intercountry or OOHC adoption process can also contact the Adoption and Permanent Care Association of NSW (APA) for support and recommendations. The APA is formed and run by parents who have formed their families through adoption and permanent care.