Yes. 

Since 17 February 2017, same-sex couples have been able to apply to the Department for Child Protection to adopt a child.

Applications by same-sex couples will be treated the same as applications by different-sex couples. 

Yes. 

Same-sex couples are able to apply to the Department for Child Protection to adopt a child born in South Australia who has been relinquished for adoption. 

Each country has its own laws about who can adopt their children. 

As yet, only one country - South Africa - will accept overseas adoption applications from same-sex couples. 

Now that the new law is in place, you are able to apply to the Department for Child Protection to adopt a child from South Africa. 

Not many adoptions occur between Australia and South Africa, with only a few Australian applications being considered each year by the South African adoption authority. 

Yes. 

You can make an application to adopt your partner's child. 

Your application will be treated in the same way as applications by people in different-sex relationships. 

Single people can apply to adopt a child, but a child may only be placed with them in special circumstances. 

Not all overseas countries accept applications from single people for intercountry adoption. 

This part of the new law is not yet in place.

Before the Court can make an order for an adult to be adopted, the Court must be satisfied that before they turned 18 years of age, a significant parent-to-child relationship existed between the person to be adopted and the prospective adoptive parent or parents. 

The Court must also be satisfied that the person to be adopted understands the consequences of the adoption on their interests, rights and welfare. 

A formal application needs to be made to the Court by the people who intend to adopt you. A report by a social worker from adoption services in the Department for Child Protection about the application will be provided to the Court.  

The social worker will need to interview everyone concerned and will need to arrange for you to be properly counselled before you can legally consent to your adoption. 

For more information contact Adoption Services on (08) 8463 3666. 

Your parents or guardian, or any other person who has a proper interest in the application for your adoption, may make submissions to the Court (either personally, or through a representative) as part of your adoption proceedings.

In order for them to know about this, the Adoption Services social worker will ensure that they are notified. 

Your birth parents' consents are not required by the Court for you to be adopted as an adult. 

No. 

This new law provides for the adoption of an adult by someone who has cared for them as a child - such as a step-parent or a foster parent.