Commending Australian Korean Adoptees who successfully pushed for an investigation.
Commending Australian Korean Adoptees who successfully pushed for an investigation into historic Republic of Korea-Australia intercountry adoptions.
Australian Government | Department of Social Services LINK
Facebook Announcement
“Investigation into historic Republic of Korea–Australia intercountry adoptions
The Australian Government is launching an independent investigation into the historic Republic of Korea–Australia intercountry adoption program.”
“About the investigation
The Independent Investigation into Historical Intercountry Adoptions from the Republic of Korea to Australia will review adoptions from the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Australia between 1964 and 1999.
The investigation responds to long-standing concerns raised by adoptees, families and advocates. It aims to examine Australia’s role in these adoptions. It also aims to support transparency, accountability and healing.
Robert Cook will lead the investigation. He has over 30 years of legal and judicial experience. This includes a decade as an Australian Capital Territory Magistrate and Coroner and 3 years as Head of the Children’s Court.
We have engaged external auditors to assist with the investigation.
Scope
The aim of the investigation is to identify any past failures and lessons that may inform future practice.
The investigation will:
focus on intercountry adoptions from the ROK to Australia between 1964 and 1999
examine the roles, responsibilities and practices of Australian Government agencies and state authorities
investigate Australia’s policies and processes for managing intercountry adoption
examine how information was obtained from ROK authorities and adoption agencies
investigate whether practices during the time complied with:
Australian and international regulatory frameworks
ethical standards
child welfare principles
consider potential procedure or process failings within the relevant government agencies in Australia.
You can read more about the scope of the investigation in the Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference have been agreed by relevant agencies in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, as well as all relevant Commonwealth agencies.”