Characteristics of intending parents 1

Characteristics of intending parents 1

In researching the debate in the NSW Parliament about whether or not to allow same sex adoption, I came across comments by NSW Liberal MP Greg Smith about a”sensible and practical chapter” of an old  book Understanding Adoption—A Practical Guide. The author  Valerie McLaine apparently  describes some of the characteristics of adoptive parents with whom she has dealt professionally. The comments I thought were also apt for many intending parents accessing surrogacy services.

She states:

      · first the husband and wife are usually very much a couple, their feeling for each other is strong and often very loving. Their marriage has already weathered many crises and can withstand explosive and tumultuous feelings and disappointments. They have a strong commitment to each other.

      · they have the strength to look at issues which are affecting themselves and their children detrimentally and to stick with it often through to a successful recovery, despite what might look like a serious difficulties, highlighted during intensely painful, angry and joyful sessions.

      · they usually take their responsibilities as parents very seriously and the family is a central theme in their lives. In this they can err on the side of expecting a great deal of themselves and of their children. Underlying this can be a constant feeling of having to over-compensate for doubts about being good parents…

    · the parents come for help with some trust of the professional and with some hope that good will come of their efforts to discuss their own difficulties. They are chosen parents, in a sense.
Things to Read, Watch & Listen

The Cost of Adoption in Australia

In this video, Accredited Family Law Specialist and Multi-Award Winning Lawyer, Stephen Page reveals the cost of adoption in Australia.

The Basics of Adoption in Australia

In this video, Award-Winning and Accredited Family Law Specialist, Stephen Page explores the basics of adoption in Australia.

Queensland ART Submission

Dear Reader I welcome the opportunity, albeit very tightly proscribed, in which to make a submission as to the proposed regulation of ART services in Queensland. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS IN THE CONSULTATION PAPER If ART legislation is introduced in Queensland, what should the Act’s guiding principles be? Response: The paramount concern should be that of… Read More »Queensland ART Submission

Family Law Section Law Council of Australia Award
Member of Queensland law society
Family law Practitioners Association
International Academy of Family Lawyers - IAFL
Mediator Standards Board