WELCOME TO VANISH Inc.
LOCATED in Melbourne with members in all parts of Australia, VANISH is funded by the Victorian State Government through the Department of Human Services.
SERVICES are currently available to those who have a personal experience of separation from family of origin:
• Forgotten Australians - former wards of state and/or those who were voluntarily placed in institutions or foster care in Victoria.
From July 1, 2009 services for Forgotten Australians will be available through the Centre for Excellence situated at Level 5, 50 Market Street, Melbourne. Please contact Maureen Cleary or Caroline Carroll on (03) 9614 1577 who can offer advice about access to professional Counselling, Travel Reunion Funds or the Life Skills’ programs.
VANISH will continue to perform searches for Forgotten Australians at least until the end of 2009. If you have any queries regarding a current search or would like information about starting a search please contact VANISH on (03) 9328 8611 or info@vanish.org.au
• People affected by adoption - adopted persons, birth parents, birth relatives, adult children of adopted people and adoptive parents.
• People affected by donor conception.
Services are free to individuals who were adopted and/or were in ‘out of home care’ in Victoria. There are however, costs associated with obtaining relevant certificates, files and records. VANISH extends its services to persons from interstate and overseas for a small fee.
VANISH a community organisation based on the self-help model, offers a support service that aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions. Most staff members have a personal experience of separation from family of origin and so are able to empathise with service users and offer appropriate assistance and support.
PRIVACY anonymity and needs of service users are respected at all times.