Three online training courses are available to help general practitioners (GPs), psychologists and other health professionals expand their knowledge and skills to support people affected by past forced adoption.
Forced adoption refers to the removal of babies from their mothers, often illegally and without informed consent. The practice occurred in Western Australia between the 1930s and 1980s, and it continues to have a profound and lifelong effect on many mothers, fathers, adopted people and their families.
Working with the Mental Health Commission and the Department of Communities, WA Health is supporting implementation of recommendations in the State Government’s Report on the Inquiry into Past Forced Adoption in WA (external site).
This includes promoting of adoption-aware, trauma-informed counselling and care for Western Australians impacted by forced adoption and encouraging health professionals to participate in specialised training programs.
Courses available include:
Introductory training for GPs and other health professionals
This free, online, 2-hour introductory course (external site) will help you understand the history and consequences of forced adoption and learn practical skills to support people with lived experience.
Specialist training for psychologists
This 2-hour online course (external site) developed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) improves understanding of forced adoption and supports evidence-informed therapeutic care. It provides 2 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Accredited training for GPs
The APS also offers this accredited training program for GPs (external site) which allows participants to report 1 hour of CPD.
