Australian adoptions difficult, overly-complicated, Deborra-Lee Furness says

It is an "outrage and an embarrassment" that among the world’s nations, Australia ranks last in inter-country adoption, Deborra-Lee Furness said recently.  The actress is advocating for the establishment of a government agency that is solely responsible for overseeing the issue of adoptions in Australia; According to Deborra-Lee, were it not for her dual-residency with the United States, she and husband Hugh Jackman would not have been able to adopt their own children Oscar, 7 and Ava, 2. 

We’ve experienced it first-hand — we tried to adopt in Australia and couldn’t because we were overwhelmed by the hurdles and obstacles they put in our way…I’m fortunate. I have two beautiful children and that’s why people come to me and say, ‘Deb can you help me?’  I tell them it will be long, expensive and may not happen.

By saddling would-be parents with endless "red tape and bureaucracy" — including an up-to 7-year wait and a $10,000 application fee that is non-refundable, even in the event the application is rejected — the Australian government has, in effect, dissuaded countless childless couples from pursuing adoption according to Deborra-Lee.  The U.S. adoptions of Oscar and Ava — by comparison — were quick, inexpensive "and not made impossible like it is here," the actress said. 

We are the most blessed people in the world, but I have friends here who are coming up against so many brick walls.

Deborra-Lee also shared that she and Hugh were able to be present for the birth of both children; The couple have been married since 1996.

Source:  Herald Sun

Thanks to CBB reader Nicky.

 

Comments

syd on August 6th, 2007

WOW – Deb sounds like such an intelligent and compassionate human being. I love it when celebrities use their fame for good causes. I love this couple, they seem so down to earth…and Hugh Jackman is so sexy! She is a lucky lady to have such a wonderful family (and sexy husband!)

PSB on August 6th, 2007

Good for her speaking out! Adoption can be really frustrating, and while I don’t know what it’s like in Australia, there is red tape everywhere. If she can shine a light on the problem there, more power to her.

Silverkoala on August 6th, 2007

I completely agree.
I live in Sydney Australia.
My husband and I have looked into adopting and it is near impossible here. We have even considered moving to the US because it seems a lot easier there.
I really think Australia needs to have a better system in place for those of us who would really love to adopt.

Fan on August 6th, 2007

I’m not sure Hugh and Deb were present for Ava’s birth. Hugh was filming SCOOP in London at the time and I remember him giving an interview saying that they got the call that she was born, went to a store and bought all kinds of baby clothes, and hopped on a plane. They *were* present for Oscar’s birth – Hugh said he even cut the cord.

Lilybett on August 7th, 2007

I’m torn on this whole situation.

Should the government charge a $10,000 upfront admin fee? No way! Should the screening process be rigorous? Absolutely. Should we be finding babies and children homes quickly so they can spend as little time as possible in orphanages or temporary foster care? Yes!

Unfortunately I don’t think you can have all three at once without something giving way.

-mk on August 30th, 2007

Disgusting

The sense of entitlement just makes me sick
Far from being an “outrage” and an “embarrassment” Australia’s adoption policy–one which disuades PAPs from comoditizing and exploiting children from overseas– should be commended. After years of getting it wrong, Australia has come some way in putting things right–issuing apologies and putting policies in place to prevent exploitation of mothers and their infants–where-ever they may hail from.

International adoption is the worst form of colonialism.
All PAPs longing for children “of their own” should be provided with mandatory counseling that is geared toward their facing NOT fixing their infertility…

Now America’s adoption policies–domestic and international–they’re an outrage and embarrassment, not to mention an utter disgrace.

-mk

petra on August 30th, 2007

I think that there is a reason why it is hard to adopt a baby in Australia. They are one of the countries righting the wrongs of adoption. They thankfully have almost abolished adoption. Adoption traumatizes families by separating mother and baby. The psychological consequences are devastating for mother, baby, and often extended family as well. Infertile couples promise young mothers these “open adoptions” here in the U.S. in order to lure them into giving up their babies. Mostly first time mothers who don’t yet understand the bond that has been forming for 9 months, are vulnerable both emotionally and financially They are also often very naive and easily “persuaded” by promotion and rhetoric from adopters and their team in getting the mother to do “what’s best for the child”. Young pregnant mothers make perfect prey for a couple trying to steal away healthy white newborn infants. It is a crime against humanity. War pales in comparison to ripping a newborn babe away from its mother. She is often weak and defenseless and is easily led down the wrong path and coerced. Those that engage in this kind of practice are engaging in evil. They are the only ones who are unaware how sacred the bond between mother and child is because most of them won’t and can’t give birth. The rest of humanity knows how wrong it is, but it is a billion dollar industry that can’t be stopped. So, I’d rather live in a country where adoption is difficult. I am ashamed of the “ease” of adoption in the U.S.
pet

AR on August 30th, 2007

I heard from the Australian press that the natural mother of Ava committed suicide not long after the adoption was finalised. Apparently, she had been promised an open adoption, but this had not been forthcoming, and the pain was too much for her to bear.

Perhaps I am taking a deliberately anti celebrity position, but surely her story is as important as that of Hugh and Deb. Personally, I would not feel very good about myself if the only way I could have children is to buy them. The US is no example to follow in this regard.

Infertility is a tremendous loss, but so is the life of a mother. Her child will never know who her mother really was, and this will haunt her to the end of her days.

Nunny on August 31st, 2007

Ava’s mother committed suicide shortly after losing Ava to these two.

You know, the entire world knows what a scam adoption is, and what it does to people.

That’s why there sre so few babies available for adoption.

You really ought to take some clues from the Guardian and the Telegraph in England – see their adoption coverage for the last two weeks.

sharon on September 2nd, 2007

I hope Debra Lee can make some headway into the adoption process. I have made numerous inquires and because I am single and straight I do not qualify for Australian or overseas adoption. I have even requested a child between 2 and 5 but have been told the only children available to me would be a special needs child which I would accept with open arms if I was to give birth naturally but being single seems to close alot of doors. Please I would appreciate if you did not print my personal details Many thanks Regards Sharon