Northern Territory Consolidated Acts Northern Territory Consolidated Acts11. Adoption of Aboriginal child
(1) Where an order for the adoption of an Aboriginal child is to be made, the Court shall satisfy itself that every effort has been made (including consultation with the child's parents, with other persons who have responsibility for the welfare of the child in accordance with Aboriginal customary law and with such Aboriginal welfare organisations as are appropriate in the case of the particular child) to arrange appropriate custody -
(a) within the child's extended family; or
(b) where that cannot be arranged, with Aboriginal people who have the correct relationship with the child in accordance with Aboriginal customary law.
(2) In making an order for the adoption of an Aboriginal child, where, in the opinion of the Court, the custody referred to in subsection (1) is not possible or would not be consistent with the welfare and interests of the child, the Court shall ensure that a placement is made that is consistent with the best interests and welfare of the child and in so doing shall -
(a) give preference to the adoption of the child by applicants one or both of whom are Aboriginal persons who are, in the opinion of the Minister, suitable to adopt the child;
(b) take into consideration the placement of the child in geographical proximity to the family or other relatives of the child who have an interest in, and a responsibility for, the welfare of the child; and
(c) take into consideration undertakings, if any, by the persons who will have the care and custody of the child to encourage and facilitate the maintenance of contact between the child and its own kin and with its own culture.