The Allan Labor Government redress scheme for mothers affected by past historical forced adoption practices has opened.
The Victorian Government established the scheme to acknowledge the impact of historical forced adoption practices and provide support to the many mothers who continue to live with the serious, complex and ongoing effects of the experience of forced separation.
The scheme opened on 1 February 2024 and is available to mothers who gave birth in Victoria, or were a Victorian resident but gave birth interstate, and were forcibly separated from their newborn baby prior to 1990. Redress support delivered by the scheme includes a one-off financial payment of $30,000, as well as access to counselling and psychological support, and an individual apology process.
A dedicated support team is available to answer questions, guide mothers through the application process and assist them with any supporting information that may be required.
The $138 million scheme is the first of its kind in Australia and delivers on a key recommendation from the parliamentary inquiry. Redress support delivered by the scheme includes a payment of $30,000, access to counselling and psychological support, and an individual apology process. The scheme is available to mothers who gave birth in Victoria, or were a Victorian resident but gave birth interstate, and were forcibly separated from their newborn baby prior to 1990.
Visit vic.gov.au/redress-forced-adoptions for further information.