The number of adoptions in Australia has plunged to a record low, with just 384 recorded in 2010-11.
The slump has been blamed on the increased red tape involved with inter-country adoptions and the continued decline of Australian children in the adoption system.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) released their annual report titled Adoptions Australia 2010-11 yesterday.
In the report, AIHW notes that more than half of adoptions in the year were from overseas, with most local children being adopted by people they already knew, such as step-parents or carers.
Only 49 Australian children were adopted by people they didn't know.
The total number of adoptions is down seven percent on last year, and 66 percent from 1990-91.
Inter-country adoptions have fluctuated over the years, but have also dropped significantly since 1990-91, declining 45 percent.
"The long-term fall in numbers can in part be attributed to a decline in the number of Australian children considered to require adoption," AIHW spokesman Brent Diverty said.
"This reflects legislative changes such as the increased use of alternate legal orders, as well as broader social trends and changing social attitudes."
Over 80 percent of children adopted from overseas were from Asian countries, with China contributing the most adoptees (25 percent).
The Australian Women's Weekly joined forces with Deborra-Lee Furness to fight to change laws surrounding inter-country adoption in Australia.
For more information or to join the campaign to change adoption laws, visit National Adoption Awareness Week or email womensweekly@acpmagazines.com.au.
Your say: Do you think the Australian government should make it easier for citizens to adopt orphans from overseas?
Video: Deborra-Lee Furness on adoption
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