Tasmanian mothers who were subjected to historical forced adoption practices will be able to seek compensation under a redress scheme, the state government has announced.

As many as 250,000 forced adoptions have taken place across Australia since the 1950s, with several state and federal inquiries having highlighted the trauma suffered under the practice.

Forced adoptions saw Tasmanian mothers such as Christine Burke, who was unmarried but in a loving relationship, sign over their babies .

The announcement will make Tasmania the second Australian state or territory behind Victoria to announce a redress scheme, with the initiative being a recommendation from a national 2012 Senate inquiry.

A mother's quest

Marilyn Rulyancich's baby was snatched from her during Australia's forced adop

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