Relative and Step-Parent Adoption Program
The Relative and Step-Parent Adoption Program information booklet provides information for people seeking to adopt a relative or step-child in Queensland. The booklet is available from our Adoption Services Queensland Unit.
Eligibility
A step-parent or relative seeking to apply to adopt a child must meet the eligibility criteria prescribed in the Adoption of Children Regulation 1999.
To be eligible, the step-parent or relative must:
- be a resident or live in Queensland
- be an Australian citizen or married to an Australian citizen
- have been married for a period of two years (an applicant will need to provide a full certified copy of the Marriage Entry issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages as proof of the marriage).
Assessment
The Adoption of Children Act 1964 requires eligible applicants seeking to adopt a step-child or relative to be favourably assessed before an Adoption Order can be made in favour of the step-parent or relative.
An adoption officer or adoption contract worker engaged by our department undertakes the assessment.
Assessment is a complex process that requires the participation of all members of the family, including in the case of a step-parent application, the step-parent, the custodial parent (usually the child's mother), the child and the child's siblings.
Interviews are conducted with members of the family and the child who is the subject of the adoption application.
The matters that are considered in assessing whether the welfare and interests of a child would be promoted by an Adoption Order in favour of a step-parent or relative include:
- the family's motivation for making the application
- the applicant and birth parents' understanding of the effect of making an Adoption Order and possible implications for the child or children in the future
- the applicant and birth parents' expectation of adoption and what it would mean for the family
- evidence of consideration given to alternatives other than adoption
- the views of the child and the child's understanding of adoption
- the length of time the applicant has exercised parental responsibility and care in relation to the child they have applied to adopt
- the home environment and family dynamics, including the quality of the applicant's relationship with the child and the quality of the child's relationship with the applicant
- the nature of the child's relationship with their non-custodial birth parent and members of the extended family (in the event that the child's birth parent is deceased, particular consideration would be given to the child's relationship with members of the extended birth family in the assessment process)
- the quality of the step-parent and custodial birth parent's marital relationship, where applicable
- any previous significant relationships or marriages.
A favourable assessment recommendation will be made only if the making of an Adoption Order in favour of the step-parent or relative would serve the best interests of the child concerned and where there is no other order that can better serve the child's interests.
Fees
- Application fee - $60.00
- Assessment fee - $450.00
The fees are prescribed by the Adoption of Children Regulation 1999 and are subject to change. Further information is available in the adoption fee changes information sheet.
Further information
For information about adopting a relative or step-child in Queensland, contact our Adoption Services Queensland Unit.
- Last updated
- 26 October 2007