CODE 1   Placements under adoption quotas

Adoptions where the placement occurred under a program quota system. Quota systems refer to systems put in place by countries of origin which limit the number of adoption applications which can be sent by Australia to that country in any given year. This can create a waiting period before an application can be sent to the country of origin. Some countries of origin only place quotas on younger children without special needs (as defined by the practice of that particular country). Other countries apply quotas to assist in the management of available ‘exit permits’ for adopted children exiting the country in any given year.

CODE 2   Placements not under adoption quotas

Adoptions where the placement did not occur under a program quota system.

CODE 3   Placements through alternative referral programs

Adoptions where the placement occurred through an alternative referral program. Referral programs include programs where a profile of an adopted person is sent to Australian Central Authorities to help identify suitable prospective adoptive parents. This category includes the China Online Special Needs program.