Forced Adoptions
Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney
Media Statement
Forced adoptions apology
As Archbishop of the Diocese of Sydney and President of ANGLICARE Sydney, I apologise and express our sincere regret for actions that have contributed to the past and ongoing distress of these mothers and their children.
In so doing, we reiterate the Diocesan apology issued through the NSW Standing Committee on Social Issues in 2000.
I unreservedly endorse the view that although policies and procedures were followed at the time, it is clear there were practices that caused emotional pain and long-term negative repercussions.
We are working to implement the recommendations made by the Senate Inquiry into Forced Adoptions. We are also currently putting into place a healing and restoration process with the women who are still experiencing emotional distress as a result of relinquishing their children.
On behalf of the Diocese, I would like express our sincere apology to mothers, fathers, children and other family members who suffered emotional pain or any kind of distress.
Dr Peter F Jensen
Archbishop of Sydney
21st September 2012
Background for media:
• In 1961 the Anglican Church opened Carramar maternity home in Turramurra and the Church of England Adoption Agency commenced as a part of Carramar.
• From 1961-1965 adoptions were arranged directly through Carramar.
• With the implementation in 1967 of the Adoption of Children Act, the Anglican Adoption Agency was set up as a separate entity and adoptions were arranged by the agency for the women at Carramar, as well as other women outside the Carramar network.
• In 1976 the agency became Anglicare Adoption Agency and is now known as Anglicare Adoption Services.
• The current Adoption Act 2000 has been informed by the past experience of birth parents and adoptees. Today, all NSW adoptions are open and adopted children can choose to maintain a relationship with their birth parents.
• Anglicare Sydney currently has two adoption programs, one for the domestic adoption of babies, and the second for the adoption of babies and children with special needs.
