Australian adoptions difficult, overly-complicated, Deborra-Lee Furness says

It is an "outrage and an embarrassment" that among the world's nations, Australia ranks last in inter-country adoption, Deborra-Lee Furness said recently.  The actress is advocating for the establishment of a government agency that is solely responsible for overseeing the issue of adoptions in Australia; According to Deborra-Lee, were it not for her dual-residency with the United States, she and husband Hugh Jackman would not have been able to adopt their own children Oscar, 7 and Ava, 2. 

We've experienced it first-hand -- we tried to adopt in Australia and couldn't because we were overwhelmed by the hurdles and obstacles they put in our way...I'm fortunate. I have two beautiful children and that's why people come to me and say, 'Deb can you help me?'  I tell them it will be long, expensive and may not happen.

By saddling would-be parents with endless "red tape and bureaucracy" -- including an up-to 7-year wait and a $10,000 application fee that is non-refundable, even in the event the application is rejected -- the Australian government has, in effect, dissuaded countless childless couples from pursuing adoption according to Deborra-Lee.  The U.S. adoptions of Oscar and Ava -- by comparison -- were quick, inexpensive "and not made impossible like it is here," the actress said. 

We are the most blessed people in the world, but I have friends here who are coming up against so many brick walls.

Deborra-Lee also shared that she and Hugh were able to be present for the birth of both children; The couple have been married since 1996.

Source:  Herald Sun

Thanks to CBB reader Nicky

Published 8/6/07 by


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