What governmental approach was typically used in assimilating Aboriginal children in Australia?

The approach of adoption into white families was a prevalent method used to assimilate Aboriginal children in Australia, particularly during the 20th century. This practice was part of a broader policy aimed at eradicating Indigenous identities and cultures under the belief that Aboriginal people were inferior and that integrating them into white society was necessary for their welfare and progress. Many Aboriginal children were forcibly taken from their families and placed in the homes of white families or institutions, often resulting in a loss of cultural identity and trauma for the children and their communities. This systematic removal and adoption represented a significant and painful aspect of Australia's history, known as the Stolen Generations, highlighting the oppressive nature of assimilation policies.

The other options either do not accurately reflect historical practices or focus on approaches that were less common or effective during the period of Aboriginal assimilation. Integrating Aboriginal children into local communities or establishing self-governance programs would not align with the prevailing attitudes of the time, which prioritized forced assimilation rather than community inclusion. Additionally, forced multicultural education is not representative of the policies that were widely implemented, as education often aimed to suppress Indigenous cultures rather than celebrate diversity.