Intercountry Adoption With Korea (documents From 2005-2012)

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This meeting brief from 2005-2012 documents DSS engagement with South Korea's Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS), which administers the Australia-Korea intercountry adoption program—one of Australia's largest. The document outlines discussion objectives including addressing exit visa issues and emphasizing willingness to adopt older children and those from adoption breakdowns. Background context reveals that a 2005 review found the program compliant with Hague Convention standards. South Korea announced intentions to become a signatory and transition from sending to receiving country by 2012, though domestic adoption efforts faced challenges with approximately 66% of adoptions breaking down once financial incentives ceased. In 2006, South Korea reduced annual adoption quotas to Australia and increased fees. The document indicates coordination between Australian adoption authorities, NSWCA, and the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department, with external funding support from the Australian Korean Friendship Group Queensland (approximately USD$10,000