Terms we use
On this page, we use the term forced adoption to describe practices that involved the removal of babies from their mothers without genuine choice or consent.
We use the term mother to refer to a person who was forced to give up their child for adoption. We recognise that this term may not reflect how everyone understands or describes their own experience.
We acknowledge that people have different preferences for language, shaped by personal history, culture and context. We also recognise that for some, none of the commonly used terms fully capture their experience. We have chosen this language to provide clarity and consistency, while respecting the diversity of experiences and identities.
Information for mothers seeking to apply
What is the Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme?
Historical forced adoption refers to past practices where mothers were pressured or compelled to give up their babies for adoption. In Tasmania, these practices occurred up until the 1980s.
These experiences caused deep and lasting harm to many people, including mothers, adopted people and families. The impacts continue to be felt today.
The scheme recognises the deep and enduring harm experienced by mothers affected by historical forced adoption practices in Tasmania.
The Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme (the Scheme) provides eligible mothers with a redress payment of $75,000 and a personal apology, for those who wish to receive one.
When does the Scheme start?
The scheme is now open.
To apply please go to Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme | Department of Justice
What does the Scheme include?
For eligible mothers, the Scheme will provide:
- a one-off, fixed monetary payment of $75,000, less any relevant prior payment, such as under the interim redress scheme or a similar payment in Victoria or other jurisdictions; and
- an avenue for a personal apology
Who is eligible?
The Scheme is open to a mother who:
- was a Tasmanian resident;
- gave birth in Tasmania or interstate, and
- had their baby taken from them before the end of 1988 without genuine or informed choice, including where there was pressure or a lack of information about rights.
Does the scheme provide any money for counselling and psychological support?
The scheme initially proposed that it would include a redress payment of $65,000 and a provision of $10,000 for counselling and psychological support for eligible mothers.
Through the consultation process we heard that mothers would prefer to receive a lump sum payment of $75,000, that they could choose to use for counselling and psychological support, should they wish to do so.
As such the Scheme provides a redress payment of $75,000 which the mothers can choose to spend according to their wishes.
What do I need to apply?
To support your application, you will need:
- Evidence of who you are (identity documents such as your driver licence, utility bill, or passport).
- Documents that show the adoption occurred.
You will need to upload these files as a scanned copy or a clear photo when you submit your application.
I am applying on behalf of someone, what do I need to do?
As part of the application form, the mother can nominate a support person who the Department can liaise with. Both the mother and the nominated support person will need to sign the application form.
Applications cannot be made on behalf of mothers who have passed away, or on behalf of their estates.
How can I apply?
The application form and information about how to apply are available at Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme | Department of Justice.
Where can I get help to complete my application?
If you need help completing your application, please contact us on 03 6165 7483 or via email HFARS@justice.tas.gov.au. We have skilled team members available across the State to assist you with this process.
What happens if I do not have a record of the adoption?
You can obtain your adoption records by contacting the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) at How to access information about an adoption - Department for Education, Children and Young People or (03) 6166 0422 for more details on how to obtain these.
If a record of the adoption does not exist with DECYP, please contact us at HFARS@justice.tas.gov.au or at 6165 7483 to discuss about how you may apply for the Scheme.
I do not wish to look at my adoption records. Can I still apply for the Redress Scheme?
We understand that accessing adoption records can feel uncomfortable or distressing. You can still apply for the Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme without reading your records.
You may ask the Department of Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) to provide your adoption records in a sealed envelope, so that you do not have to view their contents. This sealed copy can be submitted with your application.
The Adoptions team at DECYP can talk with you about this process. You can contact them on (03) 6166 0422.
Does it cost anything to obtain adoption records from DECYP?
There is no cost for mothers to obtain their adoption records.
What records of adoption do I need to submit in my application?
You will need to provide:
- a pre-adoptive birth certificate of your child;
- the consent to adoption form, and
- the adoption order.
You may also submit any other documents that demonstrate the adoption. This may include a cover letter or correspondence from the releasing agency, or other official records provided to you at the time.
In most cases, mothers were provided with a pre‑adoptive birth certificate or birth record, a signed consent to adoption form, the adoption order, and a cover letter issued by the releasing agency.
Will the interim redress scheme continue?
No. The interim scheme has now closed. The purpose of the interim scheme was to provide an advance payment for eligible mothers experiencing an urgent or critical need, prior to the full Scheme commencing.
Any applications yet to be determined under the interim scheme will still be processed.
I applied for the interim redress scheme, do I need to reapply?
Your interim redress scheme application and the documents you have already submitted will form part of the application process.
We will contact you to confirm any additional information that we require to support your application. We will need you to sign a further document; however you will not be required to re-submit any documents.
We will provide further details on what is required to complete your application.
If you received $10,000 under the interim scheme, that amount will be subtracted from any payment you receive under the full scheme.
I was not eligible for the interim redress scheme, do I have to apply again?
No, you do not have to apply again.
We will contact you to confirm any additional information that is required to support your full application. We will ask you to sign an additional document, but you will not be required to re-submit any documents.
We will contact you to provide further detail on what is required to complete your application for the full scheme.
How long is the scheme available?
There is no fixed end-date for the Redress Scheme at present.
I have already received a payment for a historical forced adoption, can I still apply?
Yes. If you have received a previous payment relating to historical forced adoption, including a payment under the interim scheme, or from another State or Territory’s historical forced adoption scheme, you may still apply if you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application is approved, any relevant previous payment will be deducted from the $75,000 redress payment.
If your relevant previous payment was equal to or more than $75,000, you will not receive further financial redress however, you will still be eligible for a direct personal response.
What support is available?
If you need help to understand the application process, including if you need help to complete the application form and provide documents, please contact 03 6165 7483 or email HFARS@justice.tas.gov.au.
We have skilled team members available to assist you with this process.
If you need counselling or psychological support, the following services are available:
Supports and services for anyone affected by past adoption practices | Department of Justice
Information for Adopted People
The Tasmanian Government recognises that many adopted people have strong feelings about the Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme and its focus. This section provides information for adopted people seeking clarity about the Scheme’s purpose, scope and decisions.
Does the Redress Scheme apply to adopted people?
No. The Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme is limited to mothers who were directly subjected to forced adoption practices.
While the Government recognises that adopted people may have experienced lifelong impacts related to their adoption, the Scheme has been intentionally designed to address a specific historical injustice — the coercive practices used to remove babies from their mothers.
Does the Government acknowledge the experiences of adopted people?
Yes. The Tasmanian Government acknowledges that adopted people and their families may have been deeply affected by adoption experiences, including grief, identity issues, loss of connection, trauma and other long‑term impacts.
The exclusion of adoptees from eligibility under this Scheme does not diminish or dismiss those experiences.
Why is the Scheme focused on mothers?
The Scheme responds to historical forced adoption practices that were shaped by social attitudes and policies of the time. These practices resulted in profound and enduring harm to mothers.
Why are adoptees not included if adoption also caused harm to them?
This Scheme is not intended to compare or rank harm between mothers and adopted people. The exclusion of adoptees from eligibility under this Scheme does not diminish or dismiss those experiences.
The Scheme responds to historical forced adoption practices that were shaped by social attitudes and policies of the time.
Does this mean adoptees are being ignored or excluded from acknowledgment?
No. Acknowledgment and eligibility are not the same.
While only mothers are eligible for redress under this Scheme, the Government recognises that adoption history has intergenerational impacts, and that adopted people’s voices form an important part of Tasmania’s understanding of past adoption practices.
Does the personal apology under the Scheme acknowledge the wider impacts of forced adoption?
Yes. While the apology is offered to eligible mothers, it recognises the broader and lasting impact of forced adoption practices on families, relationships and lives across generations.
Will there be future support or recognition for adoptees?
The Government is not establishing additional schemes. However, we remain committed to:
- Listening to the experiences of adopted people
- Supporting people to share and have their experiences recognised
- Promoting respectful acknowledgment and understanding of adoption‑related harm
Where can I find support or further information?
If you are an adopted person seeking support, you may wish to contact:
- adoption information and records services
- counselling or peer‑support organisations
- advocacy or lived‑experience groups
Further information about the Scheme and related support services is available on the Department of Justice website.
What support is available?
You can access support and counselling at Supports and services for anyone affected by past adoption practices | Department of Justice