On Friday 17 February, Minister Close announced a proclamation of the same-sex adoption provisions of the South Australian Adoption (Review) Amendment Act 2016.
The Amendment Act, which passed through the South Australian Parliament on 7 December 2016 contains a wide range of reforms to adoption practices. Amongst these other changes, the Amendment Act amends the Adoption Act 1988 so that same-sex couples in South Australia are now eligible to apply to adopt a child.
This will bring an end to discrimination in the Adoption Act on the basis of sex and gender identity.
It is expected that the remainder of the Amendment Act will commence operation in mid-2017. Further information can be found here: https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/adoption/adoption-review-amendment-bill-2016
Relationships Australia SA welcomes these changes as we support an equitable, just and non-discriminatory society and respect the diversity of relationships between individuals, families and communities.
Please contact our Post Adoption Support Service on (08) 8245 8100 for information and support services available for those whose lives are affected by adoption.
