Applying for Ward Records

AFRS has an application form that you will be asked to complete and return.

Adoption and Family Records Application form [Word 57kb]
FS6 General Information Sheet (version 1.2) [Word 57kb]
FS4 Fees and Charges Fact Sheet (version 1.2) [Word 46kb]
Department of Human Services Privacy Policy [PDF 68kb]

Once the application is received, the files will be obtained and information released to you. A decision about what information will be released must be made within 45 days of receiving your request.

Information about other services we offer, for example assistance to make contact with family members, is located on the 'Support Services' page of this website.

You must be an eligible person to receive wardship files. If you are unsure about this, please contact AFRS for more information.

If you wish, you can also enquire directly to the Department of Human Services Freedom of Information Unit about obtaining ward file. Please be aware that FOI can only provide postal release of records.

What information can I receive?

All applicants receive information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

A former ward will receive a copy of all the information in their file that is about them. If the file contains information about someone else (for example, another ward) then this information may not be released to the applicant. If there is any information in your ward file that is not released, the reasons for this will be explained to you.

DHS FOI Contact Details:

LINK-UP contact details:

Link-Up Victoria
139 Nicholson Street
East Brunswick 3057
PO Box 494 Northcote Plaza,
Northcote 3070

Tel: (03) 8388 1855
Fax: (03) 8388 1898
Email: info@linkupvictoria.com.au

Applying for information that is not held by the Department of Human Services

Non-government agency records

Because former wards often lived in non-government homes and institutions, various church or other community agencies still have records that relate to former wards. We have contact details for many of these agencies, and can help you obtain these records, or contact the agency on your behalf.

Medical records

Hospitals, medical or psychiatric facilities may also hold records about former wards.

While AFRS does not release medical records or non-government files, we will assist you to apply for this information.

Former wards from outside Victoria: assistance available

There are a number of agencies around Australia who can assist former wards.
We can assist you to get in touch with services in your state.

Victorian non-ward care leavers

Sometimes children and young people spent some time in alternative care in Victoria but were not wards of state. If you were in care but not a ward, we can assist you to contact non-government agencies that may hold records about you.

We can also help you get in touch with other support agencies and professionals, so please contact us for further information.