Adoption Services
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Overview
The Adoption Services in Child, Youth and Family (CYF) are responsible for statutory adoption services.
The Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development now takes the responsibility of the Central Authority under the Adoption (Intercountry) Act 1997. Intercountry adoptions by New Zealanders in overseas courts (under section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955) are, however recorded by the Department of Internal Affairs rather than by CYF Services.
Adoption assessment and placement services
The local and intercountry adoption services include education, preparation and assessment of prospective adoptive applicants, counselling of birth parents, approval of placements, supervision and reporting to the New Zealand Family Court. Post-adoption services for birth and adoptive families are also provided when requested.
Adult adoption information services
CYF's Adoption Service provides information, counselling and mediation to birth parents and adult adopted people who may be seeking access to birth records and or seeking to make contact with each other.
