VANISH members advocate for redress for adoptees

When adoptee Bryce Morgan learned about the Victorian Government’s Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme, he saw both progress and a gap. While the scheme provides crucial recognition and support for mothers affected by forced adoption, it doesn’t yet extend to adoptees who also carry lifelong impacts of separation trauma.

So Bryce wrote to his local representative, Sarah Mansfield, Member for Western Victoria:

Dear Sarah,

I am writing to you regarding the Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme recently established by the Victorian Government. I commend this important initiative, which acknowledges the immense harm caused by historical forced adoption practices and provides long-overdue recognition and support to mothers who continue to live with the lasting effects of forced separation from their newborn babies.

As an adoptee who was relinquished at birth, I wish to bring attention to another group profoundly affected by these same practices—the adoptees themselves. There is now substantial evidence demonstrating that separation trauma at birth can have lifelong psychological and emotional impacts. These often manifest as challenges with trust, attachment, fear of abandonment, and a fragile sense of identity and self-worth.

While I deeply respect and support the government’s efforts to provide redress for mothers, I believe it is equally important to acknowledge and address the enduring trauma experienced by adoptees. The pain of separation did not end with the mother—it was passed on to the child, who also continues to bear its consequences throughout life.

I therefore respectfully urge the Victorian Government to consider extending redress or establishing a complementary scheme for adoptees affected by historical forced adoption practices. Taking this step would make Victoria the first state in Australia to formally recognise the lifelong impact on adoptees and would demonstrate true leadership in addressing the full scope of harm caused by these policies.

I understand that this issue may not be widely known or politically prominent—adoptees are often part of what many call the “forgotten generation.” Nonetheless, I feel compelled to use my voice and share my experience in the hope that it may contribute to greater understanding and change.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my letter and for your ongoing work in representing the people of Victoria. I would be deeply grateful for any support or advocacy you can offer in bringing this matter to further attention within Parliament.

Yours sincerely,

Bryce Morgan

Sarah’s office responded to say that they had discussed Bryce’s email in their weekly meeting and are now seeking advice from the relevant portfolio holder. While this response is preliminary, it demonstrates how individual advocacy can bring important issues to parliamentary attention.

Bryce joins a growing number of VANISH members who have written to decision makers about this issue. If you’re also an adoptee who is interested in writing to your local Member of Parliament, VANISH recommends:

• introducing yourself and where you live
• conveying the personal impact of the issue and sharing your lived experience, if you feel comfortable
• including a specific ask for your MP
• keeping it short, concise (within 1 page), and respectful