"When communities come together, some real healing happens"

Jigsaw Qld are proud members of the Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS). They came to visit us recently and recorded a short video of the work we do to share with their members and the wider Queensland community. The release of the video coincided with the 12th Anniversary of the Australian Government’s Apology for Forced Adoptions (21 March 2025).

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To view the video on QCOSS Facebook page, click here.

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This month (June), we're excited to deliver an online information session on DNA testing for people impacted by adoption. Our presenter is Melanie Dunstan who founded The DNA Connection in 2018. Melanie is passionate about solving mysteries using DNA, helping people to find missing connections or rebuild relationships and create love and identity by reconnecting people back to their biological families. Melanie has five university degrees, including a Masters of Nurse Practitioner. She has also trained as a Genetic Genealogist, Private Investigator, and Skip Tracer. The one hour online information session will cover the following topics:

• what DNA can and can't do

• how to conduct the test

• understanding your results

• next steps after testing

• contacting DNA matches

• resources and support

The session will run from 2pm-3pm on Saturday 28 June 2025. if you'd like to attend please email us at support@jigsawqld.org.au with your name and postcode. Nil fee to attend but you do need to register.​

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​To time with the commemoration of the 12th Anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions, Jigsaw Queensland's President, Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow released a media statement. The statement urged Queensland's Minister for Child Safety, Amanda Camm MP to honour the recommendations in the Senate Report and address the delayed review of the Adoption Act 2009 and to introduce redress for those who continue to suffer from the lasting impacts of forced adoptions. The full written and recorded versions, headlined, 'Queensland Must Act on Overdue Adoption Law Reform' can be found here.

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​Mothers' Retreat - Bribie Island, August 2025. A Mothers' Retreat will be held at the beautiful Bribie Island Surf Club this August. This special weekend is designed to offer care, connection, and a supportive space for mothers who lost a child to adoption. View the flyer here for full details, and contact the passionate organisers to learn more or secure your place. This event is funded by the Australian Government's Forced Adoption Support Services Small Grants program. 

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Listen to the latest episode of Adopt Perspective podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, Overcast or here.

Jigsaw Qld runs regular support groups in Brisbane. They include groups for adoptees and mothers who lost children to adoption and a mixed group for adopted people & their siblings & mothers and fathers separated from their children by adoption and their support people. For 2025 dates and venue information click here. (Note there is a change of venue for the Mixed Group).

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For more information contact us at (07) 3358 6666 or support@jigsawqld.org.au 

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Note: For updates, check our Facebook page. 

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Please arrive before the scheduled start time as doors are locked once the meeting begins to ensure the safety and privacy of participants.

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New online training for workers who support people impacted by forced adoption.

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The Australian Government has launched new online training to help workers who support people impacted by forced adoption. Forced Adoption: Practical Skills and Awareness is an introductory, non-accredited online training course that aims to help workers in the aged care workforce and community service sector to mitigate the risks of triggering people with past trauma. 

For more information and to register for this training click here.

We are delighted to welcome Helen Angela Taylor as the Chief Executive Officer of Jigsaw Queensland.

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Helen is committed to continuing the proud Jigsaw Queensland legacy of support, connection, information, and advocacy.​ Please join us in welcoming Helen.

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Learn more about Helen here. Or listen to Helen's episode on Adopt Perspective Podcast S5 E12 - 4 December 2024 on your favourite podcasting app or here.

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Click here to read the latest Jigsaw Bits and Pieces newsletter!
 

Former Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard joined us on Adopt Perspective Podcast (21 March, 2023) to reflect on the 10th Anniversary of the National Apology for Forced Adoptions. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, Overcast or here.

In Australia, persons affected by adoption score significantly lower than the general population on physical, psychological and social well-being. They are twice as likely to suffer from mild and moderate mental disorders and, over time, are more likely to suffer from a severe mental disorder. Find out more about the accessible, affordable and adoption-specific pathways that are available to get support here.

Dr Trevor Jordan spoke to ABC Radio's Richard Fidler on Conversations. If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen to the podcast at the Conversations website.