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We come together as RASA, a not-for-profit organisation that exists on the lands of Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu . Yartapuulti . Warraparinga . Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung . Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the worldโ€™s oldest continuous living culture. For more than 65,000 years the original custodians welcomed all people to their Lands. They taught us responsibility, reciprocity and connections to these lands, knowing we are all visitors to these places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of knowing these countries, to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders, their communities, their stories. When we learn about Country we recognise the care for the lands, skies, waters, plants, and animals that has always been a part of Aboriginal cultures.

We come together as RASA,
a not-for-profit organisation that
exists on the lands of
Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu .
Yartapuulti . Warraparinga .
Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung .
Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the worldโ€™s oldest
continuous living culture. For more
than 65,000 years the original
custodians welcomed all people to
their Lands. They taught us
responsibility, reciprocity and
connections to these lands,
knowing we are all visitors to these
places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of
knowing these countries, to recognise
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, their Elders,
their communities, their stories.
When we learn about Country we
recognise the care for the lands,
skies, waters, plants, and animals
that has always been a part of
Aboriginal cultures.

We are conscious of our privilege to be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege comes from the ongoing violation of these
lands which continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's
โ€จrelationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and wisdom of First Nations peoples. The knowledge and wisdom we absorb inspires us to work restoratively,
with open-mindedness and holistically, to foster meaningful change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony depends on our ability as an organisation to listen, appreciate, collaborate, learn, and speak up.

We are conscious of our privilege to
be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege
comes from the ongoing violation
of these lands which continues to
harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people's relationships,
health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to
learn from the knowledge and
wisdom of First Nations peoples.
The knowledge and wisdom we
absorb inspires us to work
restoratively, with open-mindedness
and holistically, to foster meaningful
change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony
depends on our ability as an
organisation to listen, appreciate,
collaborate, learn, and speak up.

This is, was and always will be, Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

This is, was and always will be,
Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

Overview

Who It's For

Adoptee adults and children, parents who have lost a child/children to adoption , and adoptive parents. Family members can also access the service.

How We Help

We provide therapeutic counselling, casework, emotional support, records tracing, assistance with family search and reunion, group activities, peer support, community grants and professional development.

What to Expect

Specialised services delivered by people who understand the unique challenges of adoption trauma and its affects across the lifespan.

Programs

Community grants are available through FASS. A Mentoring Program for young adoptees is available through PASS.

Price

Our support services are free, however there may be some external costs associated with search and reunion.

Delivery Options

Face-to-face, telephone and telehealth counselling and group sessions during business hours. After-hours groups and sessions are available by appointment. Group activities and workshops.

Forced Adoption Support Service

Forced Adoption Support Services provide free and confidential support to those affected by forced adoption (also known as local adoption) in Australia. This practice peaked between 1951 and 1975, however we know forced adoption took place outside this timeframe also. 
 

We provide support on: 

  • Grief and loss counselling
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Search and reunion
  • Community and peer support
  • Access to Small Grants programs 

Post Adoption Support Services

Post Adoption Support Services provide counselling, information, assistance and support with family search and reunion, and links to other relevant support networks. Support is available for both local and intercountry adoption.  

We provide support on: 

  •  Identify and belonging
  • Search and reunion
  • Trauma informed parenting support
  • Grief and loss
  • Community and peer
  • Cultural identity  
  • Trauma-informed practice 
Small Grants Program for Forced Adoption Support Service 
 

The Small Grants program is aimed at activities that build community capacity and enhance support for people affected by forced adoption. 

Two rounds of funding are offered each year in February and July, with a maximum amount of $3000 available per application. 

The February 2025 funding round is now open, and applications must be received by 3 March to be considered. 

For more information on the application criteria and current grant round requirements, please see the Program Guidelines. 

Information and Training for Professionals

We offer training for: 

  • Schools
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Community Groups 

New training available: Forced Adoption: Practical Skills and Awareness

The APS also has a training program for Forced Adoption.

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