Nearly Three Decades of Adoptee-Led Connection, Support and Advocacy
Founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1998, InterCountry Adoptee Voices (ICAV) began as a small peer-support network created by and for intercountry adoptees.
Over nearly three decades, ICAV has developed into an international platform connecting adoptees, strengthening collective advocacy, creating educational resources and contributing lived-experience perspectives to government and international policy discussions.
Our history reflects the dedication of many intercountry adoptees who have volunteered their time, shared their experiences and worked collaboratively to create change.
1998 – 2004
Building Community and Connection
InterCountry Adoptee Voices began in 1998 as the InterCountry Adoptee Support Network (ICASN), founded by Lynelle Long in Sydney, Australia.
Created by and for intercountry adoptees, the network provided opportunities for connection, peer support and sharing lived experiences across different birth countries.
During these early years, ICASN organised gatherings, developed its online network and contributed to education about the experiences of intercountry and transracial adoptees. The publication of The Colour of Difference in 2001 was an important milestone in bringing adult adoptee voices into public awareness.
Explore The Colour of Difference →
2005 – 2014
Finding Our Collective Voice
As the network developed, ICASN increasingly brought adoptee perspectives into discussions with governments, adoption professionals and service providers.
In 2005, adoptee representatives contributed to Australia’s parliamentary inquiry into overseas adoption. Subsequent participation in national advisory processes provided opportunities to raise concerns about the lifelong needs of adoptees, access to support and the treatment of illegal and illicit adoption practices.
This period helped establish adoptee voices in policy discussions that had historically been dominated by governments, adoption agencies and adoptive parents.
Explore ICAV’s Australian Advocacy History →
2015 – 2018
Strengthening Advocacy and Lifelong Support
In 2015, the network became InterCountry Adoptee Voices (ICAV), reflecting its growing emphasis on adoptee-led advocacy, rights and systemic change.
ICAV strengthened its engagement with Australian governments, advocating for recognition of the lifelong needs of intercountry adoptees and improved post-adoption services.
During this period, ICAV worked alongside International Social Service Australia in advocating for a dedicated tracing and reunification service. In 2017, The Colour of Time was published, bringing together adoptee experiences across different stages of life and demonstrating the enduring impacts of intercountry adoption.
Read About Our Advocacy for Lifelong Support →
2019 – 2021
Expanding International Representation and Education
ICAV’s international engagement grew through collaboration with adoptee organisations, government authorities and international bodies.
In 2019, ICAV contributed to Hague work addressing illicit practices in intercountry adoption and supported opportunities for adoptee leaders to participate in international discussions.
Alongside its advocacy, ICAV continued developing educational resources based on lived experience. In 2021, it launched its Video Resource for Professionals, bringing together Australian intercountry adoptees to help teachers, doctors and mental health professionals better understand the lifelong complexities of adoption.
Explore the Video Resource for Professionals →
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2022 – 2023
Advancing Rights, Justice and Accountability
ICAV continued strengthening international collaboration and advocating for recognition of people affected by illegal and illicit intercountry adoptions.
Through the Voices Against Illegal Adoption (VAIA) collaboration, ICAV contributed lived-experience perspectives to United Nations discussions informing the 2022 Joint Statement on Illegal Intercountry Adoptions.
ICAV also continued presenting evidence, perspectives and recommendations to international bodies, advocating for truth, identity restoration, accountability, appropriate support and access to justice.
In 2023, ICAV celebrated 25 years of community connection, education and advocacy.
Reflecting on 25 Years of ICAV →
Explore International Investigations and Advocacy →
2024 – Present
Continuing Adoptee-Led Advocacy and Reform
ICAV continues to connect adoptees internationally and contribute to policy reform, historical investigations, community consultations, education and research.
Recent initiatives include adoptee-led consultations, expanded resources on identity and rights, and engagement in national and international investigations into historical intercountry adoption practices.
In 2025, ICAV published its Intercountry Adoptee Rights Charter, setting out a comprehensive rights-based framework informed by lived experience.
Throughout 2026, ICAV has continued supporting adoptee participation in research and policy processes, strengthening collaboration across communities and advocating for meaningful government responsibility.
Explore the Intercountry Adoptee Rights Charter →
Read About Current Australian Advocacy →
The People Who Shaped ICAV
ICAV’s history has been shaped by the contributions of many intercountry adoptees who have volunteered their time, offered peer support, represented their communities, shared their experiences and participated in collective advocacy.
We acknowledge and thank our former representatives, contributors and collaborators whose commitment helped build ICAV into an international network.
ICAV’s achievements reflect not only its founder’s work, but the collective efforts of adoptees across generations, countries and communities.
Explore Our Work in More Detail
- Reflecting on 25 Years as Founder of ICAV
- ICAV Advocacy in Australia
- Intercountry Adoptee Rights Charter
- Investigations of Intercountry Adoptions
- Video Resource for Professionals