During 2008-09, there were 441 adoptions across Australia (one more than in 2007-08): - 61% were intercountry adoptions, 15% were local and 24% were 'known' child adoptions - 71% of all intercountry adoptions were from China, South Korea, the Philippines and Ethiopia - 71% of adopted children were aged less than 5 years. This report contains comprehensive information relating to adoptions in Australia, including characteristics of adopted children, adoptive families and birth mothers.