Institute of Open Adoption Studies appoints director
Associate Professor Amy Conley Wright now directs the University of Sydney's State Government-funded venture in partnership with Barnardos Australia.
Leading the institute's strategic vision: Associate Professor Amy Conley Wright.
The University of Sydney has announced the appointment of Dr Amy Conley Wright as director of the Institute of Open Adoption Studies.
Associate Professor Wright will direct the institute in its mission to investigate evidence-based pathways to a safe home for life for children who have been permanently removed from their parents by order of the Children’s Court in New South Wales.
Associate Professor Wright, who began work in the newly created role in late March, will lead the institute’s dedicated focus on open adoption in the best interests of children and young people in out-of-home care.
“I am thrilled to be appointed Director of the Institute for Open Adoption Studies and commend the New South Wales Government and the University of Sydney for establishing the institute,” said Associate Professor Wright.
“We have a historic opportunity to deliver policy and practice-relevant research to support permanency outcomes for children in care. In this work, we will be guided by the views and lived experience of children, young people and their families. To achieve our mission, we will work closely with the not-for-profit sector, government, and the judiciary.”
We will be guided by the views and lived experience of children, young people and their families.
Associate Professor Wright has international expertise in child advocacy, child and family policy, family support, and child maltreatment prevention.
Professor Diane Mayer, Head of School and Dean of the Sydney School of Education and Social Work and Chair of the institute’s governance committee, welcomed the addition of Dr Wright’s leadership at the institute.
“Associate Professor Wright will bring substantial experience and expertise as the institute’s director,” said Professor Mayer. “We are delighted Amy will lead the institute in its mission to research and recommend policy that provides more NSW children with a safe and loving home.”
Open adoptions feature contact between birth and adoptive families and provide children with information about their biological and family history, and how they were adopted.
