AUSTRALIA FUNDS OVERSEAS CHILD PROTECTION MEASURES
The Commonwealth Government will contribute $200,000 to an initiative run by the Hague Conference to help protect children involved in intercountry adoption.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland said, "In addition to our commitment to improve the operation of the intercountry adoption system in Australia, the Government also wants to help other countries improve their own systems."
"These funds will assist various countries to build infrastructure so that safeguards are developed to ensure intercountry adoptions always take place in the best interests of children."
"Australia’s contribution will be directed towards recipient countries who have requested assistance for particular projects, such as Cambodia," Mr McClelland said.
Providing funds through this initiative ensures Australia’s financial contribution and the number of children allocated under existing or future intercountry adoption programs are unrelated. This keeps a key obligation of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.
The Government’s assistance implements another recommendation of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family and Human Services’ report, Overseas Adoption in Australia.
The Attorney-General has also set-up the National Overseas Adoption Support Group, which brings together a cross-section of Australia’s intercountry adoption community to provide advice to the Government.
The Peak Group will hold its inaugural meeting in Canberra next week.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224