Trauma-informed redress scheme for historical forced adoption practices to be established

A nation-leading redress scheme will be established to provide a trauma-informed avenue for a redress payment for mothers who were subject to historical forced adoption practices.

The ongoing trauma caused by historical forced adoption practices has been highlighted during parliamentary inquiries in Tasmania and across Australia.

In 2012, the Tasmanian House of Assembly made an apology supported by all parties for these past practices, following the inquiry into practices in the administration and delivery of adoption services from 1950 to 1988.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the historical forced adoption practices caused significant pain and suffering for so many women.

“I want to recognise all those who have been affected by these practices,” Premier Rockliff said.

“To the mothers who were affected by these practices all those decades ago, we are immensely sorry.

“Our Government is committed to ensuring affected mothers have access to financial assistance and support, and the establishment of a redress scheme will ensure that they do not need to go through adversarial court processes to do so.”

Court processes can be confronting and often require victims to re-tell their story, but an appropriately designed redress scheme can ensure there is an avenue for financial assistance and ongoing support that does not involve an adversarial court process.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett said it was clear that redress offers a more trauma-informed pathway for the government to provide support.

“Tasmania’s redress scheme will be nation-leading and will be developed in close consultation with the community,” Attorney-General Barnett said.

“As well as offering a more trauma-informed avenue than civil litigation, the scheme will also offer affected mothers access to ongoing counselling support.”

An appropriate transition arrangement between now and the commencement of the Scheme will also be developed in consultation with those affected.

The Government will consult widely in developing the redress scheme.

People affected by this news who need to talk to someone can contact Relationships Australia Tasmania’s Forced Adoption Support Service on 1300 364 277, the Government’s DECYP Adoptions Service on 03 6166 0422, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.