Forced Adoptions Reparations Scheme

The Forced Adoption Exceptional Circumstances Fund closed on 23 June 2023. New applications are no longer being accepted.
Set up in July 2022, the Forced Adoption Exceptional Circumstances Fund provided one-off discretionary payments to mothers affected by forced adoption policies and practices in Victoria prior to 1985 who are experiencing exceptional circumstances. This includes:

• Terminal illness
• Critical illness
• Other exceptional circumstances.

Existing applications
If you have recently submitted your application and it has been acknowledged by the department for processing, it will be finalised. If you are unsure or would like to check the status of your application, please email forcedadoptioninquiry@justice.vic.gov.au 

Historical forced adoption redress scheme
A historical forced adoption redress scheme is being developed for mothers who were forcibly separated from their babies. This is in response to recommendation 18 of the Inquiry.

Consultation on the redress scheme has commenced, including surveys with mothers and advocacy groups. This feedback will ensure the scheme developed provides meaningful acknowledgement and support to those impacted.

The Inquiry acknowledged harm was also caused to adopted people, fathers, subsequent children, and other family members.

The government will be considering options to research redress for other cohorts, including people who were forcibly adopted. This is in line with recommendation 22 of the Inquiry.

Make an enquiry

If you have any questions on the implementation of the Victorian Government’s response, please email the Forced Adoptions Inquiry Implementation team at forcedadoptioninquiry@justice.vic.gov.au

For more information, please visit DJCS Forced Adoptions Exceptional Circumstances Fund Webpage