Australia faces a significant decline in adoption rates, with nearly 5,000 children currently residing in institutional care. The number of adoptions fell sharply from over 260 in 2020-21 to just 155 in 2024-25. This decline is seen in both domestic and international adoptions, the latter dropping from 37 to only 19 during the same timeframe. The 19 children adopted internationally came from six countries: Thailand, Taiwan, India, Colombia, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Occupying nearly 90 per cent of the adoption statistics in 2024-25, domestic adoptions primarily involved known child adoptions, which also saw a decrease from 147 to 119.
The trend of falling adoption rates in Australia has persisted for decades, plummeting by 98 per cent since the 1970s. Experts, including Renee Leigh, CEO of Adopt Change, attribute this decline to various factors such as limited local and international adoption options. She highlighted a lack of comprehensive case planning for children in care concerning their potential for adoption, noting that while there appears to be a growing interest in adoption among Australians, this is not translating into increased numbers due to the challenges present in the care system.
Moreover, societal apprehension towards fostering—primarily concerning the impermanence of such arrangements—has steered many away from adopting children who are in need. Instead, some couples pursue surrogacy as a means to start a family. Approximately 4,800 children are currently in institutional housing, where they are exposed to negative outcomes, including homelessness, juvenile justice involvement, and educational disruption. The adoption process can also be lengthy, discouraging potential adopters.
Financial burdens compound the issue, as domestic adoption costs can exceed $3,000, while international adoptions can surpass $10,000. This financial strain is exacerbated by the ongoing cost of living crisis, which affects potential foster families’ ability to welcome children into their homes. Compounding these issues are extended wait times for international adoptions which have worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, averaging around four years.
Leigh advocates for a shift in focus towards stable guardianship and adoption for children unable to safely return to their families. She asserts that many children eligible for adoption face unnecessary delays, calling into question the effectiveness of the current system. As Australia grapples with declining adoption rates, it raises serious concerns about the futures of the many children reliant on institutional care. These children deserve permanent family homes rather than growing up in transient residential settings.