Adoption/Kinship Care: understanding your options, rights and support in Queensland
If you are exploring adoption/kinship care, or alternative care for a child, this page can help. Here you’ll find supportive, factual information about adoption and care pathways in Queensland, including the legal process, your rights, and where to access compassionate, judgement-free support.
SUMMARY
Here you will find supportive, impartial information about adoption/kinship care and alternative care in Queensland, including your rights, the different care pathways, and how to access services.
Adoption and care arrangements are designed to support children and families in ways that suit their individual circumstances. Each option offers a different level of permanency, care arrangement and legal responsibility.
This page outlines adoption/kinship care and foster / alternative care in Queensland, as well as the legal requirements and support services available to families.
ON THIS PAGE
Adoption in Queensland
Adoption is a legal process in which parental rights and responsibilities are permanently transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents. Adoption must be arranged through Adoption Services Queensland.
Once the adoption is finalised, it is permanent.
For more detail on adoption support, see the Queensland Government’s adoption services page.
Giving consent to adoption
In Queensland, birth parents may not sign an Adoption Consent form until:
After signing, parents have a further 30 days to revoke the consent. If revoked, the child must be returned to the parent’s care as soon as possible.
Adoption Services Queensland can support you through this process and answer any questions.
Under the Adoption Act 2009, parents must receive full information before giving consent, including:
To apply for or request adoption information (for example, if you or your child was adopted), see the Queensland Government’s guidance on requesting adoption records.
Kinship care
Kinship care means a child is looked after by relatives, close friends, or trusted adults in their community. These carers may include grandparents, aunts or uncles, or other familiar adults.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, kinship care may include carers from the child’s own community or language group.
Kinship care helps maintain a child’s cultural, familial and community connections, and can provide stability and belonging.
If you are considering kinship care, it is encouraged to speak with family, trusted supports and professionals about this option.
For more information, consult the Queensland Government’s resources on foster and kinship care.
Foster and alternative care
When kinship or family-based care is not possible, foster care may be an option. In Queensland, this care can be either:
Alternative or specialised care can also take different forms:
If you are interested in becoming a carer, Queensland Foster and Kinship Care (QFKC) is a key organisation: qfkc.com.au.
Your rights and support services
Making decisions about adoption, kinship or foster care can feel overwhelming. You have rights, and there is help available:
Key services include:
Talking with family, trusted friends or professionals can help you understand what pathway feels right — and our team is here to connect you with the right services.
Find your nearest Health Service
Search our network of trusted, pro-choice providers across Queensland.
Whether you’re looking for contraception, abortion care, or general reproductive health services, our map helps you locate:
Frequently asked questions
Adoption is a permanent legal process where parental rights are transferred to adoptive parents through Adoption Services Queensland.
Kinship care is a non-permanent arrangement, where relatives or community members care for a child, keeping them connected to family and culture.
No. It is against the law to privately arrange or agree to an adoption.
All adoptions in Queensland must go through Adoption Services Queensland, which ensures the process is ethical, safe, and legally recognised.
Yes, but only when all other care options have been explored first.
Queensland law prioritises kinship or community care so that children remain connected to their family, culture and Country.
Specialist post-adoption counselling and support are available through Post Adoption Support Queensland and Jigsaw Queensland.
Children by Choice counselors can also help you talk through your experiences and connect you with ongoing care.
Call 1800 177 725 or click here to get support.
You can call Children by Choice on 1800 177 725 for free, confidential counselling and information about adoption, kinship care or other parenting options.
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