Remembering the legacy of forced adoption

Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) has unveiled a plaque and honoured the people who campaigned to raise awareness of forced adoption practices that were once prevalent throughout Australia.

RBWH led the way in 2009 by being the first hospital in Australia to apologise for forced adoptions.

The Royal’s Executive Director of Women and Newborn Services at the time, Professor Ian Jones, was instrumental in issuing the apology on behalf of the hospital and returned to unveil the plaque along with then Women’s and Newborn Services Nursing and Midwifery Director Noelle Cridland.

The project to develop a memorial plaque began in 2017, funded by the Australian Department of Social Services, in association with stakeholders from Adoption Loss Adult Support (ALAS), Association for Adoptees, Jigsaw Qld, and Origins Qld.

The practice of forced adoptions was widespread throughout Australia between the 1950s and 1970s. This plaque, designed by Inkahoots Design in association with stakeholder groups, will increase public awareness of forced adoption practices of the past.

The plaque honours the courage and persistence of those who were affected by forced adoption.

Professor Ian Jones and Senator Claire Moore joined members of stakeholder groups to unveil a plaque honouring those who campaigned for the recognition of forced adoption practices.