Forced Adoption
YOUR STORY MATTERS.
Affected by forced adoption? We’re here to listen, support and guide you.
What happened?
Between the 1950s and 1980s, many women, children and families in Australia were separated through forced adoption.
- Mothers were pressured or coerced into giving up their babies.
- Children were taken without proper consent.
- Fathers and families were left powerless.
These practices have caused trauma, grief and a loss that continues to affect survivors today.
If you, or someone you know is suffering as a result of these practices, help is available.
Margalit Injury Lawyers are investigating a potential class action in Victoria on behalf of women, children and families affected by forced adoptions.
Learn more and register your interest HERE.
Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme
To be eligible for compensation under this scheme, you must be a mother who:
- gave birth in Victoria, or who were Victorian residents and gave birth interstate, and
- were forcibly separated from their newborn babies before 1990, may be eligible under the Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme.
The scheme provides a one-off payment of $30,000 and access to counselling and psychological support.
Applying for compensation under this scheme does not prevent you from bringing a civil damages claim.
Civil damages claim
If you’ve experienced forced adoption in Victoria, whether as a mother, father, or adoptee, you may be eligible to make a civil damages claim for the harm you suffered.
A civil damages claim is made directly against the institution or government bodies responsible for the wrongdoing. It is tailored to your circumstances and has no compensation cap.
Civil damages claims often achieve higher outcomes than the Redress Scheme, and hold institutions more directly accountable for their failures.
We are here to support:
- Mothers separated from their babies.
- Children who were removed from their parents.
- Fathers and extended families affected.
You may be eligible for both.
We’ll talk you through both options so you understand your legal rights. Our first appointment is completely free and there’s no obligation to move forward.
Get in touch
Learn more
Support and resources
If you need support, contact:
- Forced Adoption Support Services Helpline – 1800 21 03 13
More help is available at:
- Find & Connect – information, records and history support – click here
- Relationships Victoria – counselling and peer support – click here
- VANISH – records, counselling and support – click here
To speak directly with our lawyers, call 1800 MARGALIT
We are investigating
Margalit Injury Lawyers are investigating various organisations, institutions and agencies in relation to Forced Adoption claims.
A complete list of these organisations can be found HERE.
Start your enquiry
If you or your family were impacted by forced adoption, we can help. Register your details and we'll be in touch. Your information will remain private and will only be used to connect you.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have already received a payout from the Victorian Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme. Can I still make a civil damages claim?
Yes. Receiving compensation under the Victorian Historical Forced Adoption Redress Compensation Scheme does not prevent you from making a separate civil damages claim.
In many cases, civil claims result in significantly higher compensation, as they take into account your individual pain and suffering, medical costs and financial losses.
We can help you assess your options with one confidential, obligation-free phone call.
How much compensation can I get from a civil damages claim?
You may be entitled to a significant amount of compensation. We will never promise you a number without first assessing your unique circumstances, but you can expect full transparency from us at every stage.
The amount of compensation will depend on your individual situation and may cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical treatment
- Past and future loss of earnings
How do I prove I was affected by forced adoption?
It’s our job to help you with this. However, as a starting point, the following documents can help to establish that you were affected by forced adoption:
– Records from the hospital, maternity home or adoption agency
– Birth certificates
– Adoption orders
– Medical reports
If you do not have any of the above documents, we can assist you in locating and obtaining these.
How much does it cost make a claim?
Absolutely nothing upfront.
We offer a free, no-obligation initial appointment, where we understand your unique circumstances and help clarify your options.
If you choose to work with us on your civil damages claim, we will act for you on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. This means you generally don’t pay our legal fees unless your claim is successful.
You also do not have to pay any legal fees until your claim is resolved, meaning that you will not be out of pocket at any stage during your claim.
Can I make a claim if the hospital, maternity home or adoption agency involved no longer exists?
Yes. In most cases, you can still make a claim against the organisation that replaced or took over the hospital, maternity home or adoption agency when it closed down.
Will I have to go to court?
It is unlikely that you will need to go to court. Most cases are resolved through private negotiations.
We’re here to help you through it all, every step of the way.
Why Margalit?
Having the right legal team can make a huge difference in your claim. Our trauma-informed lawyers provide a safe and confidential pathway for survivors and families to:
- Share your story without judgment.
- Understand your rights and options.
- Access referrals to counselling and support services.
- Get guidance on tracking records and family connections.
- Receive clear legal advice if you want to explore next steps.
CALL NOW FOR A FREE
CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION
Call 03 9133 0288