Supporting people affected by past forced adoption
Supporting people affected by past forced adoption
23 October 2026
Western Australians who have been affected by past forced adoption practices can now access information, resources and health support services via a dedicated website.
Visit Forced Adoption (external site) to find historical background, fact sheets, adoption resources and links to support services.
Forced adoption refers to the removal of babies from their mothers, often illegally and without informed consent. The practice occurred in Western Australia between the 1930s and 1980s, and it continues to have a profound and lifelong effect on many mothers, fathers, adopted people and their families.
WA Health is supporting people affected by past practices by offering specialist training courses for GPs, psychologists and other health professionals, via the Australian Psychological Society (APS) (external site).