DCP Hub

02/10/2024

There is important new case law out of Melbourne which deals with parental responsibilities in a 3 parent family dispute, shared with us by donor conceived lawyer Courtney at CDT LEGAL.

This case firmly cements that, here in Australia, the recently amended best interest principles do indeed apply, and that the best interests of the donor conceived child are indeed the paramount consideration at law.

The distinguishing feature of this case is the allocation and removal of legal parental responsibility. This highlights the importance of ALL PARTIES obtaining good and thorough advice as to the potential issues to avoid, insofar as possible, what this family went through. It also highlights the ongoing importance of addressing time and parenting matters throughout the parenting journey.

Link to summary of issues and decision: https://www.cdtlegal.com.au/law-news

Link to transcript of case: https://www.austlii.edu.au/.../cth/FedCFamC2F/2024/800.html

This case demonstrates how a Court will deal with shared parental responsibility, shared care arrangements, and time arrangements where there has been a breakdown of the primary relationship in a three parent family. Notably, it shows a broad and flexible approach by the Court to the s60CC best inte...

01/10/2024

We desperately need more counselling specialists in our field.

In preparing for our first , we realised there actually aren’t many counselling professionals with direct experience supporting .

Thank you Donor Sibling Registry for your continued work to expand the support available to DCPs

Title: Counseling Donor Family Members Subtitle: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals Subject Classification: Counselling, Psychology, Society and Culture BIC Classification: JKSN2, JM, VFV BISAC Classification: PSY000000 Binding: Hardback, Paperback, eBook Publication date: 28 Mar 2022 ISBN (Har...

29/09/2024

Quality research projects give donor conceived people the chance to have their voices heard. We need to see more of it being done!!

New IRB-approved surveys on DCPData!

The first IRB-approved survey is a completely anonymous survey exploring the experiences of donor-conceived people in navigating their genetic-relative family health history and the factors that are important in creating a platform/resource to share health information amongst DCP. Following completion of the brief survey, participants will have an opportunity to enter for a chance to win one of ten $25 Amazon gift cards.

Adults (18 years+) that are donor-conceived and live in the United States are eligible for this study.

This research is being conducted by Courtney Cross, a graduate student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, with academic support by Gina Davis, MS, CGC, Tiffany Lepard, MS, LCGC, and Dr. Jing Jin, PhD.

We are very excited to see the results!

21/09/2024

It’s happening!
Despite a power outage 45 mins before we were meant to start, is under way!!

20/09/2024

Have you come across the Australian Surrogacy And Donor Week Awards yet?

Check out the nominees here. Voting open till 10 Oct.

https://asdawards.au/vote/

Congratulations to all our nominees! It's over to you now to take a moment to vote for you favourites whether they are a business or an individual.

20/09/2024

We haven't even held our first event, and we're already planning the next ones!!

Donor Siblings are on our radar as a key topic of learning and discussion.

This article highlights the importance of sibling relationships to some* donor conceived people.

*edited to add the important note that not all donor conceived people see these relationships as important and to acknowledge that it’s different for each family’s unique circumstances.

Advances in reproductive technologies, and contemporary family structures, have turned familial relationships on their head, and human rights law needs to catch up.

20/09/2024

TICKET SALES END AT MIDDAY TODAY!!!

You’ve got 30 minutes.
Go!!

19/09/2024

Wow!
The UK's Human Fertility and Embryology Authority (HFEA) "has proposed that the law should be changed so that donor anonymity is removed from the birth of any donor-conceived child, rather than when they are 18 (which is currently the case)."

The laws around donor anonymity could change as at-home DNA testing gets more popular.

17/09/2024

⏰⏰ Don't wait any longer. Set a reminder & get your ticket booked! ⏰⏰

Tickets for the in-person event in Kew (Melbourne) are only on sale UNTIL 5PM TODAY (18 Sept)

Tickets for the live stream are on sale until midday Friday 20 Sept.

Here's where to book: www.dcphub.com.au/how-to-tell

17/09/2024

⭐🎉We have our first eBook at the 🎉⭐

Check out this super sweet true story about how two donor siblings met as babies.

Order your download at https://www.dcphub.com.au/book-shop/p/when-arlo-met-sam-ebook

17/09/2024

How amazing would it be to have one single national donor registry??!?

Dr Manuela Toledo, Fertility Specialist, TasIVF Medical Director, and Board Member of FSANZ shares, “I was honoured to be at Professor The Hon Greg Hunt's presentation of the landmark 10 Year National Fertility Roadmap to improve the effectiveness, affordability and accessibility of IVF treatment for people across Australia.”

Manuela was joined by Dr Alison Gee, Fertility Specialist at IVF Australia, and Dr Petra Wale, President of the FSANZ Board and Principal Scientist – Innovation, and Head of Health Informatics at Virtus Health.

As a leader in the field, Melbourne IVF advocates the plan’s objectives to increase Australia’s birth rate and support the birth of healthy children through IVF and assisted reproductive treatment (ART).

The framework’s recommendations include uniform national legislation for ART in Australia, a single national donor registry and an expanded definition of infertility. 🌱

We believe these initiatives will improve Australia’s world-leading access to IVF and further benefit patients who want to achieve their dream of starting a family.

Melbourne IVF looks forward to working through the draft recommendations with FSANZ. 👏

17/09/2024

A new donor register will be in operation in the ACT (Australia) from March 2025, and will give recipient parents the donor's name, home address and other details after the birth of their child. Info about the register is in the link below.

The ABC (.au) is today running an alarmist article claiming that this new legislation will result in international s***m banks no longer servicing the Canberra IVF clinics and local s***m donors staying away.

This was the claim made when Victoria changed its ART laws to lift the veil of anonymity, but it never came to fruition.

What do you think will happen in the ACT?
What do you think about this narrative of child rights vs right to become a parent?

(article link in comments)

Helping people conceived through assisted reproductive technology to access health information.

16/09/2024

Time is running out to get your tickets!
You've got until Wednesday to book your ticket to attend the event, and until Friday 5pm to book for the live stream.

Get on it!!

A seminar to give recipient parents the tools and confidence to start and continue the conversation with their kids about how they were conceived with the help of a donor. Suitable for all family types including SMCs, Rainbow Families and Hetero Families.

15/09/2024

No need for Prince Charming gives a brilliant example here of how the conversation evolves as donor conceived children grow and their understanding of their world changes.

It’s not always easy to know how to keep this conversation going or what words to use or when.

Which is why we created our on 21 September in Melbourne and live streamed.

The tickets are in sale until Wednesday so it’s not too late to book! www.dcphub.com.au/how-to-tell

13/09/2024

This could be useful if you fit into their criteria.

Happy Friday Everyone!
If you're an LGBTQIA+ parent/caregiver of a baby (0-12 months), Drummond Street Services and the Murdoch Children's Institute have an opportunity for you to take part in the evidence-based Family Foundations co-parenting program. The Family Foundations program is designed to enhance communication, reduce conflict, and promote mental health in early parenthood.

The program can be delivered online via Zoom or Teams and is facilitated by a psychologist or allied health professional with experience working with LGBTQIA+ people. If preferred, the session times can be scheduled in the evening to allow all co-parents to attend.
If you would like to know more, please call Drummond St: 03 9663 6733. Or email MCRI: [email protected]

13/09/2024

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere and can’t make it to our because the time difference is too tricky, check out this event from Donor Conception Network.

Not sure how to begin a conversation with your child about donor conception? Maybe you're unsure whether telling is the right thing to do? Or perhaps you’re concerned about who to tell and not tell in your life? Our Telling & Talking workshop is designed specifically with your needs and questions in mind. It provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore the benefits of telling and how to get started.

Run by facilitators who are also parents of donor conceived children, this workshop offers a unique perspective. You'll learn how children understand what they’re told and roleplay some scenarios. Plus, you'll get to connect with others in small and large groups throughout the day, building a support network. And the benefits don't end there - you'll gain access to an ongoing peer support group and receive comprehensive handouts about all aspects of donor conception.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain clarity and find the reassurances you've been seeking.

Our next two workshops are designed specifically for mum-and-dad families:
📆 5 Oct (online) or 23 Nov (in person, London)
⏰ 9.30am-5pm

We’ve been running this workshop for over 15 years and our charity has been helping families like yours for over 30 years, so you can feel assured that you’ll come out at the end with the tools you need to confidently tell your family story.

Find out more and book: https://www.dcnetwork.org/events/telling-and-talking-2/

13/09/2024

We’re pretty thrilled to share Sarah Jefford OAM - Surrogacy & Donor Conception’s amazing news.

She’s one of our facilitators at our next week. We think she’s a legend.

12/09/2024

We'll explore these concepts and how they impact the way we talk to our kids and other people about being donor conceived at our on 21 September.

If you're curious to find out, book your tickets now at www.dcphub.com.au/how-to-tell

12/09/2024

On "RUOK? Day", we want to remind you that its ok to not always feel ok. We also want to remind you that you are not alone.

If you need some extra support right now beyond that available from family and friends, you can reach out to:
Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800
Life Line 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
Switchboard's Rainbow Door 1800 729 367

12/09/2024

⭐⭐Our collection of books for donor conceived people and their families is growing! ⭐⭐
Check out these new titles, now in stock:

- What Makes a Baby - perfect for explaining basic reproduction to little people
- Making a Baby: an Inclusive Guide - a little more advanced, explaining different conception methods including IVF in kid-friendly language
- Triple Helix: the amazing story of Australian donor conceived woman, Lauren Burns

Available now at www.dcphub.com.au/book-shop

If you're coming to our on 21 September, you'll be able to flip through all our stock and buy your favourites.

10/09/2024

Books are a key tool for talking to your children about their conception story, so we're thrilled to have two local authors attending our . You'll be able to meet Alisha Burns and Natalie Hart, buy their books and get them signed!

Book your tickets at www.dcphub.com.au/how-to-tell

***mdonation

10/09/2024

⭐The How to Tell program is now full and finalised!⭐

Come along to learn from the wisdom and experience of Courtney du Toit, Marques La Rosa, Ian Smith, Sarah Nowoweiski and Rita Alesi. You'll also have a chance to buy books and meet the authors of My Perfect Family and The Journey to You Children's Book.

Tickets available at www.dcphub.com.au/how-to-tell.

A seminar to give recipient parents the tools and confidence to start and continue the conversation with their kids about how they were conceived with the help of a donor. Suitable for all family types including SMCs, Rainbow Families and Hetero Families.

09/09/2024

We've had a number of people ask us why we shared the views and stock the book of an Australian donor conceived woman who has very strong views about the morality and ethics of donor conception. The answer is simple - we acknowledge her views as completely valid in light of her very 💩 experience.

But just because we acknowledge the validity of her views, doesn't mean we necessarily share all of them. We can understand her position but not agree with it.

We don't see this as Us (recipient parents) vs Them (donor conceived adults). We're all part of the donor conception community and we all just want things to be better for donor conceived people. In fact, we believe its worth seeking out and listening to the experiences of donor conceived adults - they've learnt the hard way and there's so much we can all learn from them so the next generation of donor conceived people and their families don't have to face the same 💩 storm.

09/09/2024

We're thrilled to announce that Rita Alesi will be presenting at How to Tell on... the HOW!
Yep, we know we're cutting it fine with less than 2 weeks to go before the event but its taken some work to find just the right person to discuss this core topic. Rita has been a Counselling Psychologist & Consultant for 3rd Party Reproduction (donor and surrogacy) for 30 years so we figure she's got a thing or two to share!

So, if you haven't yet booked, tickets are still available for another week at www.dcphub.com.au/how-to-tell