Accessing Your Case File

The department or funded out-of-home care organisation is responsible for you during your time in care and will have the records about you. You may want to access your case file from your time in out-of-home care. You need to check with your department or out-of-home care organisation about the process for viewing or getting your case file or information contained in it. You might want to consider having a support person with you when you look at your file. They may also have original documents such as your birth certificate or academic records. You should contact your caseworker to get access to these documents, as many young people have experienced difficulties in accessing these important documents once they have left care. It is important for you to prove who you are, as these documents are necessary when applying for a driver’s licence, Australian passport and government benefits (e.g. Youth Allowance).

Here some more information about how to get your file depending on which state you will be accessing applications from.

QLD – visit this site for more information on accessing your case file and downloading an application form
https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/about-us/right-information#s-2-accessing-information 
Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women can be contacted for any questions about applying for your information under this service on:
Phone: 1800 809 078 (freecall)
Email: rti@csyw.qld.gov.au

SA – visit this site for more information on accessing your case file and downloading an application form
https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/department/freedom-information
Department of Child Protection can be contacted for any questions about applying for your information under this service on:
Phone: 8226 4399
Email: DCP.FOI@sa.gov.au

NSW – visit this site for more information on accessing your case file and downloading an application form
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/families/out-of-home-care/about-out-of-home-care/were-you-in-out-of-home-care

VIC – visit this site for more information on accessing your case file
https://dhhs.vic.gov.au/making-freedom-information-request
Contact the freedom of information unit on (03) 9096 8449 or 1300 650 172 or foi@dhhs.vic.gov.au for an application pack or apply online at http://www.foi.vic.gov.au
(Clearly describe the documents you seek (Ward of State/Child protection files) and include your full name, address and date-of-birth, and certified proof of identity).

TAS – visit this site for more information on accessing your case file and downloading an application for this if necessary
https://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/about_the_department/your_rights/accessing_personal_information
The Children and Youth Services Client Information (Under the Department of Health and Human Services) can be contacted for any questions about applying for your information under this service on:
Phone: 1300 737 639

WA – visit this site for more information on accessing your case file https://www.dcp.wa.gov.au/ChildrenInCare/Documents/Access%20to%20Information%20Case%20files%20and%20Records.pdf