Welcome to Adoption

The Adoption In Australia Page

Latest Adoption In Australia News

Australians caught in Ethiopian adoption nightmare - Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Australian families have made serious allegations of corruption within Australia's inter-country adoption program with Ethiopia. The ABC has spoken to several families who claim they have been lied to in the course of their adoption process. They ...

U.S. Makes Key Change in Adoptions from Ethiopia - Ethiopian Review

... Adoption, a South-Carolina based agency involved in adoptions in Ethiopia. The Bradshaw family, among them, claimed local employees of the agency had been involved in recruiting their children even paying their biological father. ABC Australia ...

TC Communications installs Australia's first Swift ... - PRWire

Australia's preferred aero platform - the small to mid size plane - can now access full broadband Inmarsat I4 ... The adoption of this state of the art technology in satellite communications brings Victoria's State Aircraft Unit to a position of ...

Companies join forces to standardize charging ... - Gizmag

But without such an effort, the mass adoption of the electric vehicle might never happen. The Association told Gizmag that "under CHAdeMO charging standards, the electric vehicle is the 'master' and the charger is the 'slave'. This means the charger ...

Heath identifier function creep threatens data privacy ... - The Australian

Amendments are required to ensure the privacy of health consumers is maintained, and that individual identifiers cannot become de facto Australia Cards," they said. Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

SaaS e-mail service keeps Wesfarmers ticking - Computerworld Australia

With so much infrastructure management required on-premise, Katarski said cloud options are becoming increasingly compelling, but hurdles still remain for full SaaS adoption. “We are considering cloud-based e-mail, but we need to be conscious of ...

Quick ‘egg timer’ reads women’s biological clock - The Gaea Times

... offered by IVF Australia. The test, priced at 65 dollars, will tell women how many eggs they have left, indicating whether a couple should strive for natural conception, try IVF treatment or, in severe cases, consider options such as adoption or ...

Gerard Lighting to raise $85m in IPO - ninemsn

... to reduce power consumption to lower carbon emissions and offset rising electricity costs, adoption of energy efficient house and building lighting is increasing," GLG chairman Robert Gerard said. "As Australia's largest manufacturer and ...

Digium Unveils Telephony Interface Card for ISDN-BRI ... - TMCnet

... predominant service used by small to medium-sized businesses in Europe, Australia, and South Africa to connect to public telephone networks. Digium said it created the new cards in response to an increase in global adoption of Asterisk, an open ...

No more dithering on e-health - Science Centric

... lagging behind many countries in the use of electronic health records and it is critical that the country's medical and political leaders set targets for universal adoption, states ... 97% in New Zealand and 95% in Australia. Canada Health ...

Open Question: Any other suggestions on what should be in puppy adoption contract?

K, so as all of you know from my previous questions, we had an "oops" litter. I've been thoroughly chewed out for it, so let's just let that part go. I'm trying to be as responsible as possible in placing pups. Pagan was spayed at the time of her c-section. Lesson learned, I got the point. Now my question is....besides spaying/neutering the pup by 6 months, only re-homing to me if pup has to be placed in it's lifetime, and at least one home visit at the time of placement and another at 6 months to make sure pup was altered...what else would be a good idea to put in the contract? Would it be extreme to put stipulations that pup cannot be chained or live exlusively outside? And require pictures and updates once a year or so? How enforcable are these contracts? Do I really have a chance of reclaiming the pup if not all the big stipulations are met? Also...should I charge a small adoption fee? NOT a sale price! But an adoption fee to insure new owners are financially able to care for pup? These pups are MUTTS. Mom is AKC Bulldog, dad is ??? Pups have already had dewclaws and tails done at 3 days, they are scheduled for deworming in one week (they are already one week old) and another worming at 4 and 6 weeks at vets recommendation. They will have first set of shots at time of placment and won't be placed until 8 to10 weeks of age. Mom, of course, racked up a vet bill of well over $1000 for her ultrasound, c-section and spay, but that's my burden to bear for leaving her with the wrong person during her heat cycle when I went to Australia for a family emergency. I don't think prospective pup owners should have to help me "re-coup" those cost associated with her pregnancy and whelping. But if I do a home visit, isn't that enough to insure the families ability to properly raise the pup or is an adoption fee necessary? I already have homes lined up for all 7, (they all know a contract will be required) but I would like to present these contracts to them fairly soon so that anyone that wants to back out can do it now, because there are others that want to adopt a pup that I know will agree to the contract. Trash talking isn't necessary...what's done is done and I'm rectifying the situation as much as I can given the circumstances. Suggestions are very appreciated. Thanks for your time. more

Resolved Question: I want to help Chinese orphanages...?

I heard on the news about the One Child Policy in China and it was a hard concept for me to grasp, living in Australia, i mean- not choosing how many kids you can have?? i couldn't believe that the Government could control something like that. Researching further into it, i learnt about how couples preferred males in most cases. This got me thinking- what happened/happens to girls born 'accidentally'?? i know some are put up for adoption (sometimes unofficially) and that many were put in orphanages. I suppose i want to know more about the conditions and treatment in the orphanages...this is something that has been on my heart and i would really like to help so any information you have including pics, links, research and names of orphanages i could consider raising money for would be great!! thanks a bunch!! therealmax more

Resolved Question: adoption in Australia?

Hello i live in Australia and we want to get information on adopting a child in Australia.(we have one natural child of our own). Just want to chat from anyone who has gone through the process and stories that you have experienced. Also were would we start i cannot find much information on adoption in Australia!! we are in NSW. Thankyou more

Resolved Question: Can I bring cats to Australia while studying?

I know there is a difference between moving and just studying in a foreign country - Visa as opposed to becoming a permanent resident. So can I bring my cats over, doing the quarantine and everything? That is the only stipulation I have for moving anywhere - my cats HAVE to be with me. Adoption and just leaving them with family is out of the question. more

Resolved Question: Partner refuses adoption?

I was talking to my parter about having children last night, and he is aware that I may not be able to have my own children. I have previously mentioned the possibility of adoption before, and trying to have kids early so I know whether getting on an adoption list may be necessary. He has always seemed weird about this but never said anything. Last night I said that if we can't have kids then he refuses to adopt. I have two questions: 1. Should I stay with someone and wait to find out whether we can have children only to find out that adoption may be the only option. Because if it comes to that, I want children. I love him and want to be with him forever, but it is really important for me to have a family. 2. What options are there? Apart from IVF, what can I do if I can't carry children. I know there is surrogacy, but I am living in Queensland, Australia and am unsure of the legalities, and am also afraid of situations where the surrogate mother decides to keep the baby - that would kill me! more

Resolved Question: Single Male Adoption - What countries?

Hi, basically, I have my head set on adopting in the next 5 years or so. However, I also plan on staying very much single. I understand that many countries only allow single women to adopt, however I have heard of a few countries which allow it. I would like to know what countries allow this, and would really like to know of anyone who has done this, and what is needed of the single parent, if anything. Also, I'm in Australia, so obviousely it's helpful if you know the laws both ways (ie. Australian laws affecting this as well as the other countries laws) All your answers are very much appreciated! -N more

Resolved Question: Haiti - American Church Members, Saviours or Child Abductors?

The news has just broken that many of the 'orphans' which were 'rescued' by members of the arrested American based, Meridian, Idaho, Church were in fact not orphans at all and have families alive and well and living in Haiti. The arrests had echoes of those of workers from a French religious charity who were arrested in Chad, in November of 2007. and subsequently convicted of kidnap. The arrests which were made as church members allegedly attempted to cross the Haitian border with the children who, it would seem, had with them no passports or documentation of any kind, a fact in itself which would have made repatriation of the children at a later date, as it was claimed was the intention, extremely difficult if not downright impossible. At the time of the arrests there was a great deal of anger in the U.S. and elsewhere in the West I'm sure, at what was widely regarded as poor helpless orphans being denied a better life in the U.S.A. Surely, if these people wanted to help the children then they should have offered help and support in Haiti. There seems to exist an arrogance particularly amongst some Americans but by no means exclusively so, about what is best for the poor of the Third World and in particular their children, which seems to be predicated on material wealth and right-wing Christian morals. These attitudes are uncomfortably reminiscent of those which prevailed in Great Britain in the late nineteenth century at a time when Christian missionaries travelled to remote parts of the British Empire to bring God and civilisation to the 'heathen savages'. More recently we witnessed, in Australia, Aboriginal children stripped from their families to be given a 'better life' with white families or in care homes, and more recently still, poor often slum dwelling English children around the time of WWII 'transported' to live with Australian families under the guise of war evacuation, but in fact this was done to bolster and add new blood to the Australian population. Sadly, many of both the Aboriginal and British children finished up physically and/or sexually abused. In very recent times we have seen film stars and wealthy celebrities such as the singer Madonna causing a great deal of controversy when they have bought their most recent little black, brown or yellow baby. In the case of Madonna, her P.R. machine tried to counter the negative comments, which abounded at the time, by pointing to the financial advantages that this 'lucky child', Baby David, would win by becoming part of his new dysfunctional family. Who the hell are we to make value judgements about the quality of life of others? I wonder what would be the attitude of the many Americans if wealthy Europeans or God forbid Africans or Asians were caught trying to smuggle poor children from the projects and trailer parks of the U.S.A. to give them a better life in their countries? - Actually no don't answer that one, but I'm sure you see the point that I am trying to make. Now I am not suggesting for one moment that true orphans who are in need of adoption should not be relocated abroad but these decisions should be made by the proper agencies, for proper reasons and following proper procedures which have built into them safeguards to protect the interests of the child and not by some rag tag bunch of religious missionaries who imagine themselves to be on a quest from their god or, worse, adventurers who see the children as a commodity which can carry a bounty of upwards of $10,000 per head. Saviours or Child Abductors, You decide?Thanks to all who’ve joined this debate so far, it is a relief to note that most of you pretty much agree with my point of view maybe I should try to answer one or two of you who didn't. * Docker - You completely missed the point I was trying to make - who decides what is 'better off'? * $$$ - Oh my! This sounds like a case of sour grapes, are you sure that you are getting enough? * Sophie, what venom! - I wondered at first whether you had accidentally attached your answer to the wrong question. I never mentioned 'conservatives' also I was not aware that I had expressed any hate or bigotry. I am assuming that you harbour these feelings because I have mentioned Americans. I certainly had no intention of trying to denigrate or cause any offence to my Colonial cousins but unfortunately, in this case at least, the child snatchers were American and so this would automatically apply an American spin and any reference to arrogance was meant to apply to all of us in the developed world. more

Resolved Question: Just curious as to why so many americans are anti choice on abortion?

This is not a question ment to offend, I am simply curious. I am australian and the majority (not all) are pro-choice when it comes to abortion. I personally could never consider it for myself and have two beautiful girls and expecting my third however am pro-choice. I have seen so many answers on here from Americans who nearly all say abortion is murder and have awfull things to say about anyone considering it. I just don't understand it. Is it because majority of Americans are christians? Is it because Americans are brainwashed by governments who from what I can see are all christian extremest? I have no problem with americans but I just can't quite understand it. Also the teen mother issue. In australia we have a large number of teen mothers and most (besides older people) are supportive of them and do everything we can to support them. Why do most on here suggest adoption? Adoption is hardly even a realistic option in Australia, it hardly ever happens. Is this because we have a reasonable welfare system that allows us to keep our children and raise them quite well? Sorry I know it's long winded but these are questions that really confuse me ThanksI wasnt trying to LUMP americans all in one basket. As i said i have no issue with the american people nor anyone from any country. I am simply replying to statements made on here. more

Resolved Question: anyone in AUSTRALIA given their BABY up for ADOPTION?

where do you find the personal/company that organises it? did it cost you money? did u receive any money? did you have a part in choosing the couple that would adopt you baby? more

Voting Question: where are bird shelters in Victoria Australia!?

i was wanting to know where some bird rescue shelters were in Victoria as i often buy birds and i thought that there are a lot of unwanted birds out there that need re homing and maybe i would be able to help. i realise that they still charge a fee, that's not the reason for adoption. even the names would help so i could look them up, thanksthe phone number would be great thanks more

Resolved Question: Putting hermit crabs up for adoption?

Where do most hermit crab owners in Australia go to list their hermit crabs up for adoption? I'm willing to adopt unwanted hermit crabs from other people, but I don't know where to look.I know about the Crab Street Journal Adoption Center, but it seems that it is only used by people from the USA and Canada.*Sigh* holla can't even read a question properly. Adopting is different to capturing. Also, wild land hermit crabs are only found in the northern coastlines of Australia. There are no wild land hermit crabs in Victoria. LEARN TO READ. more

Resolved Question: There's an obvious legal question as to Obama'a eligibility, why isn't it a big active investigation?

As Zach Jones writes: When questions about Obama’s eligibility to serve as President arose, I immediately recognized that this could be the biggest political scandal in U.S. history, bigger even than Watergate. The allegations, if true, would have created widespread political turmoil and would have had to involve people, high up people, ignoring and/or covering up facts. How could a young Senator from Illinois have gotten so far, so quickly, in national politics without some in both the Democratic & Republican Parties taking notice, researching, discovering details of his past and recognizing that there was a BIG potential problem? Especially, given that every other person in Washington is a lawyer, people knew, the media had to have known, known both of the problem and its ramifications. After all, it’s the political big league in Washington. Having a legal background, I decided to do my own research to satisfy my curiosity and it became abundantly clear that legitimate questions existed and continue to exist. Questions regarding interpretation of Article II, Section I of the Constitution, questions of original intent, British/Kenyan law, acquisition of citizenship, questions about Obama’s birthplace, his adoption, his educational scholarships, his parent’s foreign allegiance/citizenship, his prior inadvertent admissions, questions about his passport(s), etc., exist with sufficient basis in law and/or fact to warrant serious investigation and judicial review. So, like many others at the time, I sat back and waited for the media firestorm to begin. And I waited, and waited, and waited. Not a peep from the media, Hillary, McCain or Republicans. Why? With an issue this big involving the first competitive African-American running for the Presidency of the United States, his intentional withholding of records and the possibility that he fails to meet the Constitutional requirements for the Office, I just knew that every stone would be quickly overturned to get to the bottom of it. Even though it’s common knowledge that the American media is pretty much left of center when it comes to politics and everything else - ‘the story’, this story was SO big that I was sure they would not be able to ignore it. It wasn’t like other political stories the media ignored such as John Edwards’ love child or Larry Sinclair’s allegations of drug use and sex with Obama. This story went to bedrock, the requirements of who can be President and who can serve as Commander In Chief of our military. To my surprise, next to nothing came from the mainstream media. --- http://australia.to/2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=446:obamas-presidential-eligibility-scandal&catid=94:breaking-newsJust for the record, I have very closely followed the political career and 'natural born citizen' issue of Steve Dunham, aka "Barack Hussein Obama II" since early 2008. I have communicated with my own state's Secretary of State, and found that despite claims, Obama was never 'vetted'. He just signed a form saying he 'met all requirements for office'.aka Stephen O. Dunham, Barry Soetoro, and many othersThere's no public record of the Secret Service investigating this, nor do they have any authority to do so. more

Resolved Question: International adoption question?

My husband is an American citizen and I’m am Australian citizen; we currently live in Melbourne, Australia and also own two properties in the US. After finding out we can’t have children of our own we have decided we would like to adopt in particular form Ethiopia due to my husband and I volunteer work in Africa; however the Australia adoption program is ridiculous long (currently the Aust. Govt. has suspended the Ethiopia adoption program however before that the wait was 5+ years and you also may wish to note Australia has the lowest inter-country adoption rate in the Western World). So we were wondering if as my husband is a US citizen and has property in the US if we could go through there as oppose to Australia? Any advice or contacts would be greatly appreciated * Also please don't bring up domestic adoption as here in Australia is an extremely long process. We have our hearts set on Ethiopia as we both have spent 6+ month living in Kenya & Ethiopia doing volunteer work, are regularly involved in various humanitarian projects there; In addition in Ethiopia there are 5.4 million orphans, 1 in 6 children die before their 5th birthday, half the children will never attend school, 88 percent will never attend secondary school and 60 percent of children in Ethiopia are stunted because of malnutrition. more

Resolved Question: my sister in Australia wants to adopt my niece(10yrs) in Calcutta-India,What the first step ?

Can anyone recommend a good adoption lawyer in Calcutta , please ? more

Resolved Question: What are sites to adopt a bird?

What are some sites that are made for birds that have and adoption part on them. I'm looking at hand reared cockatiels but want to look at adoption? Preferably younger birds but I don't mind. :) Also can you please give me sites in Australia. Thanks for all who answer :) more

Resolved Question: what's your opinion? please answer ...I'm quite upset.?

Hello, I'm 14, live in Australia and adopted from Fiji ( I'm Indian) and my brother is 9 years older than me and adopted from south Korea. When i was young our families use to get together with people my parents met during the adoption process. We still are very close to a family who live up the road who met whilst they adopted their two daughter ( now 24 and 22) and when my parents adopted my brother ( now 22) - from south korea. Anyways our friends daughters have both gone back to korea 2-3 time and lived with their birth parents for a little while and keep in touch via phone and emails. The contact first happened in 2003-2004. I envied them so much. I have always known my birth father was a terrible man ( locked food cupboards, burnt her had sex with other women in front of her) and left my birth mother when she told him she was pregnant. My birth mother had no family and was poor. She had no choice but to give me up when i was born as she had no money and was dying of cancer. I was adopted at 1 week of age. My adoptive parents did some sneaky work with a friend who was a nurse at the hospital. We received 3 photo's of my birth mother and a letter that the nurse would have wrote but they were my birth-mothers words saying thank you to my adoptive parents and how I was the only thing that belonged to her and it broke her to give me up. I cried reading it. My adoptive parents tried to stay in touch but she died under a year later. --------------------------------------… Now I have no desire to find my birth father but am saddened i would never be able to contact my birth mother BUT... my brother has no desire to search for his BIRTH parents it maddens me that he has the chance and it could be successful yet he doesn't want to. It makes me want to scream and cry because I would Kill for that chance. This isn't really a question just would like your thoughts. My mum says it's a boy thing but i don't know. Thanks. more

Resolved Question: The irritation is maddening!.... (longish but please read)?

Hello, I'm 14, live in Australia and adopted from Fiji ( I'm Indian) and my brother is 9 years older than me and adopted from south Korea. When i was young our families use to get together with people my parents met during the adoption process. We still are very close to a family who live up the road who met whilst they adopted their two daughter ( now 24 and 22) and when my parents adopted my brother ( now 22) - from south korea. Anyways our friends daughters have both gone back to korea 2-3 time and lived with their birth parents for a little while and keep in touch via phone and emails. The contact first happened in 2003-2004. I envied them so much. I have always known my birth father was a terrible man ( locked food cupboards, burnt her had sex with other women in front of her) and left my birth mother when she told him she was pregnant. My birth mother had no family and was poor. She had no choice but to give me up when i was born as she had no money and was dying of cancer. I was adopted at 1 week of age. My adoptive parents did some sneaky work with a friend who was a nurse at the hospital. We received 3 photo's of my birth mother and a letter that the nurse would have wrote but they were my birth-mothers words saying thank you to my adoptive parents and how I was the only thing that belonged to her and it broke her to give me up. I cried reading it. My adoptive parents tried to stay in touch but she died under a year later. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Now I have no desire to find my birth father but am saddened i would never be able to contact my birth mother BUT... my brother has no desire to search for his BIRTH parents it maddens me that he has the chance and it could be successful yet he doesn't want to. It makes me want to scream and cry because I would Kill for that chance. This isn't really a question just would like your thoughts. My mum says it's a boy thing but i don't know. Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Does an abortion show up on your medical records?

Firstly, I'm going to start off by saying I do not believe in abortion as a method of birth control, nor am I using it as one. I have a few blood disorders, I'm normally physically weak, and am usually very ill for no reason, and I was told recently by my doctor that it is extremely likely giving birth could be a huge threat to my life, and that it's very likely the child will be born with some kind of defect or it will be stillborn. After thinking long and hard about it, and consulting my doctor, I've decided abortion is the best way to go (even this will render me bedridden for weeks, and will be very strenuous on my body), so please do not tell me to reconsider and give birth or try for adoption, because the problem is not that I can't care for the child (this was a planned conception, and I was unaware of the complications it would cause). So I'm asking if it shows up on your medical records because I have been accepted into a very prestigious art school for 2011, starting in mid-July (I decided to wait until then so I would be able to care for my child, breast-feeding and such), but it is very likely they won't let me in if I have an abortion, because it would count against my 'physical and mental health' on my application, and seeing as it's a very hard school to get into, I don't want to take any chances. So will it show up on my medical records? Are there any places that won't put it on my medical records (I live in Australia)? Oh, and also, my partner and I will still be having a child, although I won't be having it (uh, yeah, I'm a lesbian, happily 'civil unioned' as it is so romantically put in legal terms). So I was also wondering, would the fact I'd be raising a child go against my chances of getting in? Yes, I know I was going to have a child before, but I wouldn't have minded waiting even longer to get in, because I would be really physically drained and spending all my time caring for this child, but I would be very upset if they did not let me in, even if I didn't even give birth to the child. I know it's not likely, but I'm just wondering if it's possible that they'll take 'caring for a child' as a reason to not let me in. Thanks in advance, I know it's very long, but it's also very serious. more

Resolved Question: Adopting in Australia?

I'm looking to adopt in a little while, but i'm a single male. Plan on keeping it that way too. does anyone know anything about adoption in Australia or have any suggestions on adoption? more

Resolved Question: Hi, I've been doing some research on the net about adoption for same-sex couples in NSW. Can it be done?

My partner and I are 2 guys and have been together for 2 years and have a very atable home life with lots of family suppot. My partner himself was adopted. We have very comfortable jobs, I'm a school teacher and he is a sales executive. I'm just wondering if anyone out there knows if this is possible in Australia, particularly NSW and if it is, what is the first step? I know lots of you out there will want to respond with the usual 'gay hater/shouldn;t be parents' crap....for those don't bother, your wasting your time and I REALLY don't care about your opinion! Thanks all Shane more

Resolved Question: Adoption and Biological kids?

I'm conflicted on this. I have always wanted to adopt a child, and due to the current foster-child overload here in Australia, there are many children aged over 2 who need permanent homes (which involves adoption, usually maintaining contact with the child's family in situations where its not inappropriate). But I also want to have bio children. I will be a single mother (this is a certainty). If I do choose to do both, which should come first? I know an adopted child needs lots of time to adjust and lots of attention, which is probably better done one-on-one. But I worry that if I adopt first, I'll never get around to having bio kids too, or if I have bio kids first, I worry that when I adopt, I won't have enough time for them too- especially if I will also be negotiating with social workers over family-contact. I don't know- should I just gear towards adoption alone, bio alone, or both? Can a balance be maintained. Just so everyone knows- I don't believe adoption is a cure for infertility. I will adopt, as I have always planned to- and that is to provide a permanent home and family situation for a child who otherwise will not have one. What do you think?To the person with the cute Unicorn farting rainbows: In Australia, there is no such thing as a "full closed adoption". While I would have full custody of the child, legal parent rights, and the child would NOT be reunited permanently with family, efforts to maintain contact with siblings or relatives will be maintained. Other than that, I also intend to foster, but this question specifically deals with the children who have been turned out of the Foster system because there is no expectation of a complete family re-union. In other words- I only plan on adopting the kids who have no where else to go. more

Resolved Question: Worried about my step sister, HPV virus possibly pregnant? 15.?

I am worried about my step sister, She is 15.. Her father and my mother have been together on and off since they were 14, So we've known each other since she was born And we are very close. She told me she slept with a 30 year old because he said he loved her (She has bipolar and "need" issues). I told her father, Because i thought it was sick and twisted for a 30 year old to take advantage of her like that, In the poor condition that she is in. Anyways, 5 days later she text me saying "Call me its super urgent!!" When i called her she said she had these weird bumps that looked like the wart she used to have on her leg all over her "area" and inside. I was freaking out, and booked her an appointment with my personal Doctor. She's refusing to go, She also doesn't know whether she is pregnant or not. She has already made the decision to put the baby up for adoption considering her health and age. But could this HPV virus affect the unborn baby if she is pregnant. Is this really Genital warts? She says they are not itchy, And I'm not going to look down there to see what they look like. Ive done a tiny bit of re-search for her, And she said hers look nothing like the ones they describe but small, and like the ones you get on your legs or arms or whatever. She doesn't want to tell our parents, because she is ashamed and embarrassed. I'm trying my best to make her go to this appointment on Monday, But i don't know if she will. Is there any over the counter stuff in AUSTRALIA i can buy for her? I'm freaking out because I'm pregnant, and I'm scared if she say.. touched them than touches my arm or something I'm going to get it. But after reading up about it I've figured thats not really possible lol. But still, Does anybody have any answers to this would be of great help. And how can i persuade a 15 year old to go to the doctors? (Yes, Ive also posted this in the infectious disease section, But i thought maybe someone here would know to lol.,??) more

Resolved Question: HPV Virus? Sexually transmitted.. Might be pregnant?

I am worried about my step sister, She is 15.. Her father and my mother have been together on and off since they were 14, So we've known each other since she was born And we are very close. She told me she slept with a 30 year old because he said he loved her (She has bipolar and "need" issues). I told her father, Because i thought it was sick and twisted for a 30 year old to take advantage of her like that, In the poor condition that she is in. Anyways, 5 days later she text me saying "Call me its super urgent!!" When i called her she said she had these weird bumps that looked like the wart she used to have on her leg all over her "area" and inside. I was freaking out, and booked her an appointment with my personal Doctor. She's refusing to go, She also doesn't know whether she is pregnant or not. She has already made the decision to put the baby up for adoption considering her health and age. But could this HPV virus affect the unborn baby if she is pregnant. Is this really Genital warts? She says they are not itchy, And I'm not going to look down there to see what they look like. Ive done a tiny bit of re-search for her, And she said hers look nothing like the ones they describe but small, and like the ones you get on your legs or arms or whatever. She doesn't want to tell our parents, because she is ashamed and embarrassed. I'm trying my best to make her go to this appointment on Monday, But i don't know if she will. Is there any over the counter stuff in AUSTRALIA i can buy for her? I'm freaking out because I'm pregnant, and I'm scared if she say.. touched them than touches my arm or something I'm going to get it. But after reading up about it I've figured thats not really possible lol. But still, Does anybody have any answers to this would be of great help. And how can i persuade a 15 year old to go to the doctors?p.s Her father knows about the 30 year old, Found texts on her phone from him, and took it to the police who are now taking it into there own hands. But how is a 15 year old meant to tell her father she might have genital warts? Seriously. I dont know what to do, I dont know whether i tell him myself, Or keep it secret and just try and get her to the doctor. more

Resolved Question: Australian adoption rules are changing?

I live in the US, but I'm used to seeing people say that Australia has the best adoption system anywhere. From what I understand they emphasize keeping families together and adoption is very rare. I've also read that almost always you do long term guardianship rather than adoption. Today I saw an answer in a question that said Australia is changing their rules to allow more for actual adoption rather than guardianship. Can someone tell me, first, if I am completely misunderstanding the rules there. Second, why the change?oh, and the reason I asked here instead of just googling news articles - how do you feel about the possible changes? more

Resolved Question: Muzzles on PROPERLY de-sensitised Greyhounds - what is your opinion?

Sorry this is a bit long - so feel free to skip the details and answer the main question - or read on! I'm in Victoria, Australia, and only found out recently that in all Austalian States aside from VIC and QLD Greyhounds which have been properly re-trained for adoption by groups associated with the racing industry must still by law be muzzled in public. And even in these two states, Greyhounds who came from anywhere but GAP (Greyhound Adoption Program) must also be muzzled. I think we are the only country in the world (except Ireland) which still treats these dogs as vicious animals. My big boy can at least walk in public unmuzzled (and makes heaps of friends), but legally he can't run in off leash parks or down at the beach off his leash. My argument is that many people seeing the breed constantly muzzled are very wary when they meet one, however once they do meet them, they realise they are probably the most gentle dog around, most definately not snappy or vicious, and actually are better behaved than most other pet dogs in public. Mine has his own little fan club at the local school - at pick-up and drop off times I can barely see him through his crowd of admirers, many of these kids have told mum&dad that they want one just like him - this is good publicity - would mum and dad consider it if he was muzzled, would the kids have even been allowed to meet and pat him if he was - I doubt it. What I'd love to do is get a heap of replies to this question (hopefully positive ones) which I intend to print off and send to the various State polititians in the States where the dogs are treated like crimminals. Now I'm fully aware that they are bred to chase small animals, but the GAP trained dogs are quite gentle, and obviously if the dog passes the adoption tests, and is declared safe with other animals then why should they be treated differently other breeds which may have the genes to do other things - am I the only person who has been annoyed by Kelpies down at the park either rounding up the other dogs and riling them up with that mad stare they have, or been annoyed by those horrible snappy little white fluffy things which do their best to show they own the park by attacking bigger dogs, while the owners just laugh (until their darling is turned on by a dog that's had enough - then it's the rough big dog who is in trouble!). I guess I'm just trying to say that most GAP Greyhounds are terrific ambassators for the breed, and that the more people see them unmuzzled, the more they will be treated as good dogs - not vicious killers! Incidentally, I believe that once Victoria ammended the animals act to allow GAP dogs to be un-muzzled in public (they wear a special green collar to prove who they are), Greyhound adoption has tripled. This is due to most families being adverse to owning a dog which has to be muzzled to go for a walk, and the fantastic work done by GAP themselves in promoting the breed as a pet. Given that so many Greyhounds are bred for racing every year, this is a way to ensure less of them are euthanised (or worse) when deemed no good for racing. NO rants on the racing industry here please, not every trainer/owner is a bad one, and in fact, the ones who go to the bother of making sure the more ammenable dogs get into schemes like GAP should be held up as responsible ones, and not condemned wholesale.philosopher77: I agree will everything you say, and you are right - I shouldn't have a go at the others - I was just in such a snappy mood this morning because my Grey had just been attacked for about the 40th time by such a dog - many of which I believe warrant muzzles way more than a Grey. In truth many of these small dogs are perfectly well socialised, we regularly walk to school with one, a beautiful Westie who never goes for the big dogs - it's all about the owner really isn't it! more

Resolved Question: about my daughters adoption papers?

i have a 3 year old daughter from my ex-partner, we never got married he left us because he found someone new.My ex-partner is the legal registered father of my daughter in her birth certificate Now i have a fiancee and he is an Australian he wants my child to be her daughter he wants us to get married and to be with him in Australia.I want to know how can we process the adoption papers?what is the requirements and the step by step procedure?do i have to make my ex-partner sign on the adoption papers? more

Resolved Question: Has anyone heard of the illegal adoptions that occured in Australia about 20 years ago?

If so, what are your thoughts? Do you no anyone affected by forced adoption? What is your view of the people who were behind it? more

Resolved Question: How do I go about adopting a child?

This is more for the future mmind, but i'd like to know how. I'm a little clueless in this whole area. Can single women in Australia adopt a child? What about in America, or England? [Not quite sure where i'll be living, I move a bit.] Is there an age problem? Like, are women of a certain age more or less likely to be able to adopt? What are any other requirements to adopting? HOW exactly do I go about doing it? When do I get the meet the children up for adoption? Is there anything else i'll need to know? more

Resolved Question: Wanting to buy a white doll face persian or himalayan mixed kitten from overseas but?

I have been searching around for this breed of kitten for past weeks already.In Singapore,these breeds are quite rare and hard to find..normally the flat faced persians.I was even unlucky to encounter scam artists who posted an add @ www.muamat.com,something like that with adoption for free just pay the shipping fees with the company,Gesop.Luckily,i double checked. Well there's so many beautiful doll alike face kitten in the US & Australia which i'd google,but after encountered that scam,i am still worried of the whole process of buying a kitten overseas cos there's no reliable recommendation or good source from others. I've come across a few breeders in Florida such as Paw Petals,Cats Creation and one in Nebraska,Wonderfluf,,any comments about these breeders & the quality of their kittens?No doubt,all websites are very detailed and their kittens are absolutely beautiful but it would be good to know via recommendation,at the least to get any disappointment. So,do anyone out there has any ideas or suggestions on good places to purchase a kitty online?Can't wait to receive answers from you,people!!Thank u... more

Resolved Question: Open adoptions Australia compared to the USA?

Why doesn't Australia give birth parents the right to choose open adoptions like they have in the USA. If I am wrong please advice as I have been looking into adoptions and all I can find is that child safety take the child and basically the birth parents have no say where the child goes. Is that why we have such a high abortion rate in Australia because child safety gets involved.Thanks for your answers I understand it a little more now. I was thinking of private adoptions not so much open . more

Resolved Question: i live in Australia & want to adopt from Ethiopia. Do i use an Australia or Ethiopian Adoption agency.?

Resolved Question: International Adoption. Help please!?

My wife and I intend to adopt a child, and I have worked in Humanitarian Aid my whole life, which has inspired our hope to adopt from a 3rd world country (Kenya or China more specifically, because I was based in both of these countries, but not essential). I have seen the conditions in these places and it is my dream to be able to help and raise a child that is destined to poverty simply by origin of birth. But in our research, we have only been able to find US organizations which look more interested in profiteering that any well being of children. These are of no use to us as we are from Australia, where help for prospective international adoptees are scarce, and even if we did have access to these organizations, we would shun them. My questions are: 1) What challenges have international adoptees faced in trying to get a child? 2) Is it possible to build a large family through adoption (international and/or domestic?) 3) When retaining the child's cultural identity, how can you include your own heritage 4) Is international adoption VS Domestic adoption (should my wife and I even bother trying to adopt internationally?) more

Resolved Question: Questions about adoptions ( I am from Australia )?

Hi, I live in Australia and i am very interested in adopting from another country, preferably an african 3rd world nation, I would like to know any information you can give me, websites, pricing, time frame, process, any and all information, i would also like to hear from anybody that has already adopted. Thanks more

Resolved Question: My friend's passport application was denied as his birth certificate had the wrong date on it.?

He was born in 1970 however as he was legally adopted by his step-father when young they re-issued another passport but the date on the passport was 1972 (therefore dated 2 years after his year of birth). Has anyone experienced something similar? I want to know if he provides his adoption papers would his passport application be reconsidered? He is applying for a USA passport to fly to Australia. more

Resolved Question: Is the adoption process in Australia similiar to that of the UK? any differences?

Also what if the father ran away or was in a different country. how would they get his agreement for the child to be adopted?or they cant? more

Voting Question: Where Can i See Guinea Pigs ?

Well i have 2 guinea pigs and a cage. Ive had them for a while but now i think its time i want to get rid of them. Is there any place where i can sell them or even put them out for adoption ? I live in australia, vic, melbourne. So anyplace will do. Thank u :]Sorry !!! The question was meant to be "Where can i sell guinea pigs?" My bad :P more

Resolved Question: What are your feelings and opinions regarding adopting?

Until I joined YA and saw the adoption section, I thought it was preferable for women (or their partners) who couldn't have children to adopt rather than use IVF. Reading about women being pressured to give up their babies for financial reasons and reading about the difficulties adopted children faced while growing up has given me a different perspective on the issue. Adoption is still an issue I know little about. I know that other countries like Canada and Australia have a very different process to the US. The Adoption process in the US seems to be more motivated by money. So, as Moms to newborns and young children what are your opinions on adoption?Unfazed, You make a great point. more

Resolved Question: How does adoption work where you live?

Most of the time, references are made about the US adoption system either in a critical way (but perhaps justifiable) or as in need of reform? So I am asking this because I can't personally relate to the way things are done there. Are private adoptions allowed? Is it the only option to using an agency? How do adoptions from foster care come about? Hoping for UK, US, Australia, Canadian and any other jurisdiction input here. I know how it went for us and perhaps if I knew a bit more about elsewhere...I could better understand where some of you are coming from. I think it could also help shed light on what works and doesn't work in any of the adoption systems for the above. Thanks everyone. more

Resolved Question: Has there been any progress in U.S. private newborn adoption reform?

I ask because I'm a Canuck :-P, and our system is a little different up here, and therefore I am not necessarily kept informed about any positive changes that happen south of the border. Are there any glimmers of hope that "private adoptions" are going to go the way of the U.K. and Australia? Any progress happening with birth records...? Mainly just looking for an update and to know a bit more about how things work. After reading Sly's article that she posted, it got me thinking about whether or not there is any movement on this stuff...? more

Resolved Question: Adoption, Newborns. First time...?

Im looking to adopt a newborn baby in the UK or Australia, i have a little girl of 18months and will be new to adoption. Im single mum, never married, got very good income and i just really wondered if anybody now of any websites, information about adoption ect. any thing is welcome?The answer to why dont i find a man and have one the old fashiond way is because i have had a hysterectomy at a very young age after my daught was born because i was attacked!! more

Resolved Question: Adopting directly from a country?

Hi, Im just wondering in general, is it always necessary to go through adoption agencies to adopt a child from another country? Is it ever possible to travel to the country, pick a child from one of the many orphanages, and consult a lawyer over there to get the process rolling? Its just that in australia they do not have so many private adoption centres (none actually that i can find) and the process that normally takes 1-2 years, would take about 3-4 years. It would be great to know if there are any other ways around it. Also, is it possible to go through a private adoption agency in the U.S, and have them do the paperwork for Australia and have it all arranged..??? Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Question for adult adoptee's and anti-adoption?

I understand a lot of you have issues with newborn adoption (I do too, actually. I think its wrong to put pressure on a woman to relinquish a child. I think it should all be done through the Foster Care system. If a woman chooses not to raise her child, then they go into the system. No money is exchanged, and no-one puts pressure on the mother). I do have a question- Do you have a problem with Foster adoption, or just pre-planned adoption, from mother (through agency) to adoptive parents? I just want to straighten it out in my head, because I understand the disgust with one system, but not the other- especially when some kids really need homes. In Australia, we don't have a direct- adopt from foster care. You have to have been their carer for 2-4 years first, before adoption, and children can veto if they wish, so I suppose I'm directing this at US Americans. What are your reasons for disliking adoption? more

Resolved Question: Adoption in Australia?

I know that it is very hard to adopt in Australia, and would find fostering really difficult. Does anyone know if there is a "foster to adopt" program in place? I am living in QLD and finding it really hard to get information. Does anyone have information about international adoption and success stories? I am still young but would like to be prepared for when i am ready, and to have all the information readily available. I am 20 and my husband 22. We are financially stable he is second in management at his families very profitable company. We own our own home, and have a great supportive family. We both work full time but I would be willing to be a stay at home mum if it meant i could have a family. Please i dont want to have any negative answers im just looking for information on how to help a child who is needing a loving home. I am unable to have children and am looking into the alternatives. I would obviously prefer a younger child to adopt up to about 4 years, as i would love to form a special bond with the child and would prefer not to foster as i would find it hard to let go if the child had to go back to the biological mother. Any information is appreciated! more

Resolved Question: Need help with a Child Support Question.?

Hi everyone, Need help regarding child support. I have 3 children to my ex wife, the 3rd child ( youngest ) was adopted out to my Exes mother when he was born back in 1997 ( his 12yrs old now ). She is in a relationship and she can no longer have kids, and at the time my ex didn't want the 3rd child, we fought and fought about her giving him away, I lost the battle and she flew back to New Zealand to have the baby. Once the child was born she gave it straight to her mother. ! week later she flew back here to Australia and not long there after we divorced, due to the strain of what she did. My exes mother brought up my son from an infant to his current age now of 12, they clothed him, fed him, schooled him, everything a parent would do. Today 17th August 2009 at 1pm I received a letter in the mail from Inland Revenue ( which is NZ version of Child Support Agency here in Australia ) a letter stating that on the 24th June 2009 my exes mother had put in an application for child support from me. I called up NZ to protest this and informed them that what my ex wife did was totally against my wishes and that she went back and gave up our son to her mother, I told them also that the reason she gave her son up was because her mother couldn't have kids to the man she was with and that she was giving the baby up so they could both have a child. the officer basically told me that due to my name being on the birth certificate that she had all the rights in the world to claim child support om me, I explained that I have never seen my son before and how can after all this time she claim child support from me?, the child is hers, not mine, I never new him. The officer said Im sorry john I can totally understand what you are saying but unfortunately you are the father and is liable. My Question to you yahooer's is, can they actually do this to me? what rights do I have regarding this? can I fight this in court or any other way? Before any one asks, the child support officer in NZ asked me, when your son was given up, to your exes mother, was there any papers signed by you to say that you were giving him up? I said NO I didn't sign anything because I was totally against this adoption and wouldn't hear of it, but she went against my wishes and did it anyways, as far as I am aware no papers where given or signed, it was a straight swap over ( so to speak ). That's when the office said well because NO papers where signed then you are the father and you are liable. more

Resolved Question: How many abortions and/or children put up for adoption were there in 2008, AUSTRALIA?

I'm doing an assignment and I really need to know how many abortions were undertaken in 2008 and how many children were put up for adoption in 2008, in AUSTRALIA. Thanks so much :) more

Resolved Question: Adopted child considered to be legal child?

I'm wondering about the legal aspect and process of gaining guardianship from a minor, 16, in Australia. I then wish to bring her back to America, and I wonder the legal aspect of immigration. "Definition of a Child The immigration law defines a "child" as an unmarried person under the age of 21 (a minor) who is * A child born to parents who are married to each other (born in wedlock) * A stepchild if the marriage creating the steprelationship took place before the child reached the age of 18 * A child born out of wedlock (the parents were not married at the time the child was born). Note: If the father is filing the petition, proof of a bona fide (real and established) relationship with the father must be supplied. * An adopted child if the child was adopted before the age of 16 and has lived with the adoptive parent(s) in their legal custody for at least two years * An orphan under the age of 16 when an adoptive or prospective adoptive parent files a visa petition on his or her behalf, who has been adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen or is coming to the U.S. for adoption by a U.S. citizen, or * A child adopted who is under the age of 18 and the natural sibling of an orphan or adopted child under the age of 16, if adopted with or after the sibling. The child must also otherwise fit the definition of orphan or adopted child " "A U.S. citizen's unmarried, minor child is considered an immediate relative, does not need a visa number, and is eligible to receive an immigrant visa immediately. " Is an adopted child considered an immediate relative during the immigration process, or will she need another visa? more

Resolved Question: can someone please give me a link to where I can adopt ex-battery hens for adoption?

I live in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia so I need somewhere there. Thanks! 10 points best answer to whoever gives me a good link the quickest! more

Resolved Question: How many children were given up for adoption in Australia in 2008?

is it the same as 2007? and what is the name of the agency that could help you place your child for adoption.. its for school. I couldn't find the answer. more

Resolved Question: Anybody know the cost of an inter-family adoption in the Philippines? My girlfriend wants to adopt her niece.?

I have a girlfriend from a poor family in the Philippines who I will marry soon and bring to Australia with her 6 year old daughter. But she has a 7 year old niece living with her who she has cared for since birth (abandoned by her own parents). My girlfriend has been her only mother figure and provider all her life, and the two little girls are virtually sisters for that reason. She will have to be left behind to live a sad and lonely life with her grandmother unless my girlfriend can adopt her and bring both girls to Australia. My girlfriend can contact the girl's birth parents for permission. Unknown yet if they will agree. Does anyone know the costs and complications involved if my girlfriend was to adopt her niece? At this point we need to know what adoption might cost. more

Resolved Question: What questions do they ask you if you want to adopt? PLEASE any info would be great:)?

Hi, I am just wondering what questions will they ask me if I want to adopt a dog? In what circumstances would they NOT let me adopt? Any information would be great thanks, oh and I live in Australia, Victoria if that helps:) PS. Yes I have asked adoption questions alot, but I would just love to be fully prepared. xx'EssJay' - Yes thats right, I don't see the harm in asking again, a few more answers wouldnt hurt. x'Michelle B' - Thanks:) x'Lorraine' - Thanks alot, I will take what you said into concideration. x Thanks to everybody that has taken the time to answer so far, I appreciate it!'EssJay' - I am asking to get as many answers as I can from people who have had experience with adopting, because I would like to adopt. Don't bother posting anything on my questions if you are just going to give your opinions on why you think im asking. more