Support
Since the 1955 Adoption Act was passed there have been around 100,000 adoption orders made in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Most people in Aotearoa New Zealand are connected in some way to someone impacted by adoption.
Each adopted person will have a mother and father, generally two adopting parents, eight grandparents, siblings and cousins, aunts and uncles, partners, children and grandchildren.
Over the years, many of the thousands of people with diverse links to an adoption order have approached us with questions they seek answers to, for support to help them take the first or next step, and to learn more about adoption in our country.
Where we can, we aim to help you find what you need.
Sharing experiences are a valuable way of raising awareness of the impacts of adoption, and is often the best support for those whose lives are impacted by adoption.
‘‘The trauma of adoption is a filter that slowly allows the fine granules of who we truly are, our authentic self, to pass through, hopefully in the form of wisdom. This process can take decades, or a lifetime. It is informed by events such as, when we lose someone close, when we watch someone we love die, when we birth our own children, when we bury them, when we experience deep love, joy and loss, and importantly, if we are willing to bear the pain of remembering, we learn and grow and re-form our adoption narrative.’’
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care and Faith based organisations have been hearing submissions from people impacted by adoption since 2021. The Commission is due to publish its report in March 2024, which will include recommendations to Government on matters relating to adoption. We hope the Commission makes recommendations around ongoing support for people impacted by adoption, and that government provides resources for such services.
Please share your thoughts with us about what support services are needed, who should fund support services, and what they might look like?
Email us at adoption@xtra.co.nz
You’ll find more information on the links below…
Support groups - adopted people, inter-country adoptions, birth parents, donor conceived, IVF, surrogacy
Professional support - Counsellors and therapists
Finding your lost ones - Where do I begin my search?
Navigating the system - Finding your way to your adoption records