The Adoption of Children Act 1964 (No. 7147) was “An Act relating to the Adoption of Children and for Purposes connected therewith.” The Adoption Act 1964 banned all private adoptions. The Adoption of Children Act 1964 was passed on 5 May 1964, commenced on 1 January 1966, and was repealed by the Adoption Act 1984 on 16 November 1987.
The Adoption of Children Act 1964 provided that adoptions may be arranged by the Director-General or by a private adoption agency. Charitable organisations had to apply to the Chief Secretary for approval as a private adoption agency.
There were 22 private adoption agencies approved in Victoria following the passage of this legislation.