About Us
Supporting people impacted by adoption for over 35 years
VANISH is a not-for-profit organisation for adults affected by adoption — including adopted people, mothers and fathers separated from a child by adoption, and other family members. VANISH also assists Forgotten Australians (Care Leavers) and donor conceived people.
We provide free confidential services including assistance with applying for records, family tracing, support with outreach and reunion, counselling, support groups and creative workshops. We also offer training for professionals about the impacts of past and forced adoption practices and ways to provide appropriate support.
Established in 1989 by and for people affected by adoption, VANISH is widely respected as a lived experience-led organisation specialising in search and support. Our services are provided by a dedicated team of professionals, assisted by our wonderful volunteers, supporters and members. VANISH receives funding for our core services from the Victorian Government and work closely with their Adoption Services team.
With over 30 years of experience, we are strong advocates for the community we serve.
We lobby to end discrimination, remove barriers and support our community to achieve their rights and meet their needs. Together we work towards a society that honours the best interests of the child and the right to genetic identity and connection.
Our Vision
A society where everyone has the right to know their origins and identity, and where those connections are respected, supported, and protected.
Why we exist
We exist because everyone deserves to know who they are and where they come from. Practices like adoption, donor conception and surrogacy can mean that people grow up not knowing their family history and identity and without the choice to build relationships with their kin.
Our Mission
We support, connect and advocate for people impacted by separation from their family of origin through adoption, out of home care, donor conception and related practices—enabling access to information, origins and identity, and support to heal from the lifelong and intergenerational impacts of these practices. We work from a strengths-based foundation, fostering growth and thriving. Through educating society, professionals and decision-makers, we seek to create lasting change that honours lived experience.
Our Values and Behaviours
Impact: Making change that matters
We make sure our work truly matters.
- We reflect on our work, listen to data, and check in with ourselves to ensure we’re creating the change people need.
- We share stories and celebrate achievements—big and small—within our team and community.
- We communicate our impact openly to inspire, stay accountable, and influence positive change.
Rights: Standing up for what’s fair
We put people’s rights at the heart of everything we do.
- We make rights clear, accessible and easy to act on.
- We model fairness and dignity in the way we lead and work together.
- We speak up to strengthen and extend rights in the community and beyond.
Compassion: Leading with care
We lead with care, kindness and respect.
- We listen deeply and respond with empathy to each person’s story.
- We support and look out for each other as a team.
- We promote compassion in the broader community and encourage others to do the same.
Growth: Always learning, always evolving
We learn, celebrate progress, and keep moving forward together.
- We celebrate small and big wins and invest in our own growth and development.
- We listen to feedback and use it to improve as a team.
- We create opportunities for people and communities to grow through our programs and advocacy.
Inclusion: Everyone is welcome here
We create spaces where everyone feels they belong.
- We ask people what they need and give real choices in how they connect with us.
- We nurture a culture of curiosity, connection and care in our workplace.
- We plan intentionally for diversity, so our team and community reflect many voices and experiences.
Authenticity: Real people, real stories
We show up as our real selves and stay true to our purpose.
- We’re clear and honest about what we can and can’t do, and we own our mistakes.
- We honour and respect each person’s story and lived experience.
- We act with integrity and openness in every interaction.
Our Strategic Priorities 2026-2030
VANISH has defined its Strategic Priorities from 2026 to 2030, ahead of releasing a more detailed Strategic Plan in 2026. To learn more about these Strategic Priorities click here.
Our Story
Our Team
Annual Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get in touch with our friendly team
Contact us to find out more about our services or discuss how we can best support you.