Under the Adoption Act 1994 (s.10 and s.143), the SAT reviews decisions relating to the licensing of private adoption agencies and contact and mediation services. It also reviews decisions related to the accreditation of body corporates to undertake Hague Convention adoption functions.

Other decisions under the Act can be reviewed by the Director General of the Department of Community Development or appealed to the Family Court.

Applications for adoption and applications for licences to offer adoption services are handled through the Department of Community Development.