In 2010, the NSW Government legislated to allow same-sex adoptions. Since that time, Census data clearly shows that more and more LGBTIQ couples have opted to become parents. But adoption rates by LGBTIQ parents have remained low, primarily due to the low levels of adoptions overall.

This submission argues that increasing rates of open adoption will have a positive impact on children in out of home care in NSW by providing greater permanency. It also argues that increasing the number of open-adoptions will benefit the LGBTIQ community by expanding options by which couples - particularly male same-sex couples - can form a family.

Finally, this submission will argue that existing exemptions that allow faith-based organisations providing foster and adoption services must be removed in order to maximise the benefit of open adoptions for children.