Providing information and support for 49 years
Welcome to Jigsaw Queensland Inc. Hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders are affected in some way by adoption. For 49 years, Jigsaw has assisted all people affected by adoption and the professionals who work with them.
Jigsaw advocates openness and honesty in adoption, believing that all people have the potential to speak honestly and openly in ways that respect each other's needs and rights. To this end, we promote enlightened public policy and practical, personal steps that may build and strengthen all family connections.
We are a non-profit, member-based organisation providing both professional and peer support. Our experience has taught us that information and support changes everything. We work with and for everyone affected by adoption, regardless of where or when the adoption took place and also provide support and information for those affected by donor-conception. Our priority is to give our attention to each person's unique needs, no matter who they are.
The mobile website does not include all pages and features. For premium viewing this website is best viewed on a desktop / laptop.
Jigsaw Services
Jigsaw Queensland provides the following services via the phone, email and if possible and appropriate, face-to-face (by appt only):
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Information, referral and support
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Search and reunion assistance
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Emotional support and assistance with record searches and family tracing
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Monthly Support Group meetings
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Guide Book
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Newsletters
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Access to the Jigsaw library
Call Jigsaw on (07) 3358 6666
Forced Adoption Support Services
Jigsaw Queensland is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services to provide forced adoption support services in Queensland.
Call 1800 21 03 13.
Our Mission: Support - Connect - Inform - Advocate
​We've partnered with Axis Clinic to deliver a tailor-made group program for people impacted by forced adoption: Overcoming negative self-talk and learning self-compassion. The program aims to help participants develop their personal practice in self-compassion to address difficulties associated with shame, self-criticism, relational and attachment trauma. It has been created by a team of experienced psychologists, and adapted to meet the specific needs of people impacted by forced adoption. Two separate programs will be delivered from February to April 2025. One is face-to-face and the other is online.
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The face-to-face group will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 8.30pm from 19 February to 9 April inclusive. The venue is our office at 505 Bowen Terrace New Farm. The online group will be held on Thursday evenings from 6.00pm to 8.00pm from 20 February to 10 April inclusive. We will prioritise people who reside outside south-east Queensland for the online group.
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This exciting opportunity for group healing is funded by the Department of Social Services so participants do not need to pay any fees. However, you will need to participate in an intake process and make a commitment to attend all eight sessions. You are eligible to participate in this program if you are an adopted person, or mother or father who lost a child to adoption during the forced adoption era (1950s to 1980s) in Australia, who resides in Queensland or for whom the adoption took place in Queensland.
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If you're interested in completing this program, please contact Axis Clinic on 07 3254 0333 (between 8.00am and 5.30pm) or email admin@axisclinic.com.au
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.
All artwork featured on the Jigsaw Queensland Inc. website has been supplied by Teresa Jordan.
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We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients now live on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and their unique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.
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