Community values and attitudes have changed over the years and historical records may contain language that would now be considered offensive or discriminatory.
Historical records may also present a different view of reality from your lived experience. Some content might be surprising or hurtful, and can potentially trigger painful memories.
You can choose someone you trust to help you access historical records.
This could be a:
- family member
- friend
- counsellor
- trusted worker from an organisation.
Your support person can:
- help you understand the process
- assist you to apply for records
- offer emotional support and encouragement.
Supported release
Supported release is a free service that can assist with accessing records available from the Department of Health, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Department of Justice and Community Safety and other sources.
All Victorian care leavers can request the supported release service.
Support is provided to:
- explain the records’ historical context
- discuss any potentially distressing content
- help interpret decisions that may have exempted any information from being released to you
- submit further applications – if more records exist
- provide access to counselling and identify other supports.
Supported release is provided by the Care Leavers Record Service located within the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
More information about how to apply for the supported release service is available on the Making a Freedom of Information request page.
Other services available
Find and Connect
Find and Connect is an online resource that provides information about non-government services that may also hold relevant records.
The site also provides links to counselling and assistance for people who spent time in care as children between 1920 and 1980.
You can use it to:
- read information about and view images of children’s homes
- get help to find records about your childhood in institutions
- connect with support groups and services in Victoria.
Open Place (Relationships Australia Victoria)
Open Place is a support and advocacy service that coordinates and provides direct assistance to people who grew up in Victorian orphanages and homes prior to 1990.
Relationships Australia Victoria manages Open Place services in Victoria. This includes:
- advocacy, case work support and referrals to other services such as health, housing, education, income support and employment
- counselling with qualified staff – the counselling can be for you, your family or in a group session with other people. You can attend in person or online if you prefer
- drop-in centre (located in Richmond), peer and social support groups, events, educational and personal development activities and workshops
- financial assistance for health needs (e.g., dental expenses)
- access to records
- supporting people applying or thinking about applying for redress through the National Redress Scheme.
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN)
CLAN is a national, independent, peak membership body which represents, supports and advocates for people who were raised in Australian and New Zealand orphanages, children’s homes, missions and foster care.
Their services include, but are not limited to:
- free counselling
- helping you to access state ward files and records
- helping you to locate lost family members and friends
- social get-togethers
- supporting you with Centrelink, housing, policy and courts
- assisting you to apply for the National Redress Scheme.
VANISH
Vanish supports adults affected by adoption. This includes adopted people, mothers and fathers separated from a child by adoption, and other family members. VANISH also supports Forgotten Australians (Care Leavers) and donor-conceived people.
The organisation offers free services including help with applying for records, family tracing, outreach and reunion support, counselling and support groups. VANISH was established by and for people affected by adoption, and is a strong advocate for the adoption community.
National Redress Scheme
Redress for Historical Institutional Abuse (Redress) is for people who experienced physical, emotional or psychological abuse and neglect as children in institutional settings in Victoria before 1990. If you are eligible, you can apply for a Redress payment.
Redress services and supports are available to assist with a Redress application.
Support for Stolen Generations
Link-Up Victoria is part of a national network of Stolen Generations services across Australia. Link-Up Victoria provides support services to members of the Stolen Generations to find family, and for family to find members who are Stolen Generations.
Support for people with a disability
The Victorian Office of the Public Advocate provides services to protect and promote the rights, interests and dignity of people with a disability and mental illness living in Victoria.
The Victorian Government helps to promote the participation of people with a disability by funding disability advocacy and self advocacy organisations.
24-hour support
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). If you need immediate support, contact one of the below 24-hour services:
- BeyondBlue – 1300 224 636
- Full Stop Australia – 1800 385 578 or 1800 211 028
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Mensline – 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
- 13YARN – 13 92 76
Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information unit (FOI) is legally obliged to balance your right to receive information with other laws and guidelines that sometimes restrict the information you may receive.
We know this can sometimes be confusing or frustrating.
If FOI has deleted (redacted) anything from your records, you are entitled to know their reasons.
In 2015 the Commonwealth circulated Access Principles for Records Holders & Best Practice Guidelines. All State and Territory Freedom of Information regimes were asked to make sure they do not hinder care leavers’ access to information about their childhoods and families.
The principles are consistent with Recommendation 16 of the Senate’s Forgotten Australians report. They say that:
“…you have the right to receive copies of all personal identifying information about yourself, your family, identity and connection; circumstances surrounding your placement in care; and details of your time in care.
“This includes information you need to establish the identity of close family members, including details of parents, grandparents, siblings (as well as half siblings, aunts, uncles and first cousins).”
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic), Part V– Amendment of Personal Records (sections 39-49), allows you to write to the record holder and request the amendment of a record concerning your personal affairs (or those of your next of kin). You can do this if the record is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or would give a misleading impression. The record can be altered or a note added.
Updated