STCAs As noted above, STCAs are responsible for providing education and information for prospective ICA clients and providing advice and assistance around procedural aspects of ICA. However, how these functions are achieved, and the level of information available to prospective ICA clients through STCA websites varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A summary of the information and linkages available through STCA websites is provided in Table 33. Further insight into jurisdictional differences in the delivery of introductory information sessions to prospective adoptive parents were identified during discussions with STCA representatives. For example, as noted in Table 33, attendance at information sessions is mandatory in some jurisdictions before applications can be accepted (with this requirement noted on STCA websites in the ACT, NSW and SA). Frequency of information sessions differs, ranging from twice-yearly in NSW and the ACT, to quarterly in Queensland, Tasmania and WA. In the NT, information sessions are replaced by a personal interview (of 1.5–2 hours duration) with each prospective adoptive parent, during which relevant information is conveyed. Similarly, in Victoria, information sessions have recently been replaced by personal interviews.
STCAs As noted above, STCAs are responsible for providing education and information for prospective ICA clients and providing advice and assistance around procedural aspects of ICA. However, how these functions are achieved, and the level of information available to prospective ICA clients through STCA websites varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A summary of the information and linkages available through STCA websites is provided in Table 33. Further insight into jurisdictional differences in the delivery of introductory information sessions to prospective adoptive parents were identified during discussions with STCA representatives. For example, as noted in Table 33, attendance at information sessions is mandatory in some jurisdictions before applications can be accepted (with this requirement noted on STCA websites in the ACT, NSW and SA). Frequency of information sessions differs, ranging from twice-yearly in NSW and the ACT, to quarterly in Queensland, Tasmania and WA. In the NT, information sessions are replaced by a personal interview (of 1.5–2 hours duration) with each prospective adoptive parent, during which relevant information is conveyed. Similarly, in Victoria, information sessions have recently been replaced by personal interviews.
iaa-review-dss-accessible-version.docx