The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) has welcomed proposed reforms that would enable adopted children and young people to have birth certificates which provide details of both their biological and adopted families.
Under proposed amendments, introduced to NSW Parliament this week, newly adopted people will be issued with an integrated birth certificate along with the existing post adoptive birth certificate that is provided after adoption. Both will be legal identity documents, allowing the adopted person to use whichever one they like.
ACWA CEO, Steve Kinmond, said the reforms recognise the significant lifelong impact that ties to family and cultural heritage have on the wellbeing of those who have been adopted.
"This important reform reflects the rights of children and young people who have been adopted, to have critical information relating to their past that is integral to their identity and sense of belonging," Mr Kinmond said.
Furthermore, Mr Kinmond said he is pleased the planned changes will give those who have been adopted the choice in deciding whether to use the new birth certificate option.
