Australia, July 28 -- New South Wales Land and Environment Court issued text of the following judgement on June 27:

1. This proceeding concerns the proposed adoption of a child, whom I will call Eric Lowe, who is aged 19 months, by the proposed adoptive parents, whom I will call David Samuel Bailey and Emily Jayne Bailey. For convenience, and without intending any disrespect, I will refer to each of the individuals involved in this matter by his or her first name.

2. By Summons filed 4 April 2025, the Secretary, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, seeks the following orders:

1) an order for the adoption of Eric in favour of the proposed adoptive parents; and

2) an order approving the name "Bailey" as the surname and "Eric Michael" as the given names of Eric.

3. Each of Eric's birth parents consents to the adoption order.

4. The Secretary also seeks a notation to the orders that the Court is satisfied that the arrangements proposed in an adoption plan which has been signed by the proposed adoptive parents and by each of Eric's birth parents (the Adoption Plan) are in Eric's best interests and are proper in the circumstances.

The circumstances of the case

5. In November 2023, Eric was born at X Hospital in New South Wales.

6. Eric's birth mother, as registered on his birth certificate, is Robin Stevens (not her real name), who was aged 22 at the time of Eric's birth.

7. Eric's birth father, as registered on his birth certificate, is Luke Green (not his real name), who was aged 25 at the time of Eric's birth.

8. Robin and Luke entered Australia on temporary visas. They were in a relationship for around six months, which ended after Robin's family refused to give approval for their marriage. Robin only learned of Eric's conception after the end of this relationship. She did not inform Luke or her family that she was pregnant, and did not seek any medical assistance or advice in relation to the pregnancy prior to presenting to the hospital for Eric's birth.

9. At the time of birth, Robin requested adoption for Eric. Consultation between Robin, Open Adoption and Permanency Services and the local Community Services staff resulted in a decision to follow voluntary adoption procedures.

10. Departmental foster carers were identified for Eric, with the foster mother and Robin both spending time with Eric during his hospital stay following birth.

*Rest of the document can be viewed at: (https://www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au/decision/197aaccd3a310a4fe8ea76cf)

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