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).