ADOPTION IN NEW ZEALAND - some questions answered
New Zealand Child, Youth and Family Service

This information is a brief summary of adoption in New Zealand. It is not a complete and authoritative statement of the laws and procedures currently in place. If you would like more information, call at, or write to the nearest Adoption Information and Services Unit, which is part of the New Zealand Children, Young Persons and Their Families Service.

Q. What is adoption?

A. Recent literature describes adoption as: "a means of providing some children with security and meeting their developmental needs by legally transferring ongoing parental responsibilities from their birth parents to their adoptive parents; recognising that in doing so, we have created a new kinship network that forever links those two families together through the child. In adoption, as in marriage, that new legal family relationship does not signal the absolute end of one family and the beginning of another, nor does it sever the psychological tie to an earlier family. Rather it expands the family boundaries of all those who are involved". (Reitz and Watson, 1992).

Q. How do I get information about adopting a child?

A. If you are considering adoption, information can be obtained by attending a group information meeting, or an introductory interview with an adoption social worker.

The Adoption Information and Services Unit in your area will be able to tell you when their next meeting will be held.

Q. How do I make an application to adopt?

A. If you wish to adopt, you can make an application at your nearest Adoption Information and Services Unit. An application form needs to be completed, giving basic details about yourself. You will be asked to supply the names of two people who know you well, and who are prepared to provide references which are relevant to your application. You will also be asked to give permission for the Adoption Information and Services Unit to obtain medical information from your family doctor about your general state of health. In addition, the Adoption Information and Services Unit will ask your permission to request a Police check. The Adoption Information and Services Unit suggests that if you have any particular health problems, or if you have committed offences, that you discuss these with an adoption social worker early in the process.

Q. What else is required of me?

A. Participation In The Education And Preparation Programme:

Once all references and reports have been received, and no particular concerns have arisen, you will be invited to attend an Education and Preparation Programme. The general aim of this programme is to provide you with information, and to offer you ongoing support. The programme will also provide you with the opportunity to explore issues surrounding adoption, your own circumstances, and time to examine attitudes and beliefs about adoption. This may help you to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to parent an adopted child. At the completion of the programme you may then proceed and enter the Waiting Pool.

Preparation Of A Profile Before Entry Into The Waiting Pool:

During the programme, you will be requested to prepare a profile giving details about yourself. Profiles are then presented to people (birth parents) who are considering placing a child for adoption. Birth parents ultimately choose the couple (or person) who they consider will be most appropriate for their child. Because birth parents come from a wide range of backgrounds, there is correspondingly, a need for a wide range of applicants in the Waiting Pool.

Q. What is open adoption?

A. "Open" adoption is a process by which the birth parents and the adoptive parents meet and exchange identifying information.

The frequency and regularity of contact between the birth parents and adoptive family is an individual arrangement, which is agreed upon by all parties. It is commonly known as a "contact agreement". By its very nature, it is a flexible agreement that can be reviewed over time by either party, as the need arises. At present in New Zealand, these arrangements cannot be legally enforced. The main reason for supporting openness in adoption, is to ensure that the child has continuing access to both families. As the child grows older, he/she usually participates in making decisions about the type, and the frequency of contact.

Adoption social workers can be involved in assisting the two families with reaching a mutually acceptable contact agreement.

Q. What is adult adoption information?

A. The Adult Adoption Information Act 1985 enables adopted people and their birth parents who have had "closed" adoptions to receive identifying information about each other, after the adopted person turns 20 years of age. Contact your nearest Adoption Information and Services Unit about how to apply for that information and what restrictions are imposed.

Q. What other adoption services are available?

A. The Adoption Information and Services Unit also provides a post placement service. As most birth and adoptive families have issues which emerge over time related to adoption, information and support may be available through your local Adoption Information and Services Branch. If there are circumstances in which you believe the service that you received through the Adoption Information and Services Unit was not appropriate to individual and family circumstances, and your cultural background, you may bring your concerns in the first instance to the Adoption Supervisor of the Branch you had contact with. The National Manager for Adoption has an office in Wellington where you could write or call if you continued to have concerns. The address is: National Manager for Adoption, New Zealand Children and Young Persons Service, Private Bag 21,Wellington.

If you require further information on any aspect of adoption, please contact your local Adoption Information and Services Unit. The Wellington-based head office phone number is 04 916 3100.