News
We apologised for forced adoption, but not to adoptees
Despite the National Apology, adoptee trauma has not been adequately recognised in its own right, writes Victorian adoptee Jennifer Pont. Republished with permission from Eureka Street.
Apply now to the Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme for Mothers
Applications for the Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme, for mothers separated from their babies in Victoria prior to 1990, are open until 31 January 2028.
13 years after the National Apology: VANISH and ARMS event reflects on progress and the path forward
VANISH and ARMS community members gathered at the Taken Not Given memorial in East Melbourne to mark the 13th anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions.
Meet our volunteers: Introducing Mandy
Mandy, one of our dedicated volunteers and a longtime VANISH community member, shares what brought her back to VANISH after finding her own family.
Ballarat Art Therapy Group for Adoptees: Creativity, Connection and Community
Co-facilitator Marita Jacobsson shares the program’s approach and impact, including one participant’s powerful experience of rediscovering a sense of belonging and self-compassion.
Finding voice through performance: Adoptees reflect on creating TAKEN
Five adoptees reflect on the transformative experience of bringing their lived experience to the stage in December 2025.
Adoptees and mothers continue to fight for an apology in the UK
With 2026 marking 100 years since the Adoption of Children Act, campaigners say the time for recognition and reparation is now.
Introducing our new Chair: Kerryn Pennell
VANISH is delighted to welcome Kerryn Pennell as our new Chair, taking over the role from Todd Dargan.
VANISH holiday closure and alternative support services
VANISH will close at 5pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025 and re-open on Friday 2 January 2026.
Student volunteers catalogue the entire VANISH library
A dedicated team of volunteers from Charles Sturt University’s Master of Information Studies program is cataloguing VANISH’s specialised adoption-related collection.
What VANISH taught me about adoption—and myself
Support Services Coordinator Gail Holstock reflects on 12 years working in post-adoption services at VANISH.
VANISH members advocate for redress for adoptees
When adoptee Bryce Morgan learned about Victoria’s Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme, he saw both progress and a gap. So Bryce wrote to his local MP.
VANISH Voice
The VANISH VOICE is our quarterly newsletter filled with information and updates, personal stories, invitations to VANISH events, and more
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