What to expect when accessing records about you
Where do I start?
It wasn't until the day I turned 50 that I even had the balls enough to ask for my file … And that took a lot of guts for me to go and ask for that.[1]
One woman told of driving into the main driveway over a dozen times, over several years before she had the courage to get out and ask for help.[2]
People seek out their personal records for different reasons, and are seeking answers to particular personal questions – everyone's story is different.
There are some common triggers that lead many 'care' leavers to start the journey of accessing their records – the death of a parent or family member, the birth of a child – becoming a parent, hearing something in the news, curiosity about your childhood, and childhood friends, attending a reunion – everyone is different.
It can take a long time to actually make the decision to approach an organisation and ask about your records.
What can you expect to find on the journey?
Where are the records?
To locate records relating to people who were formerly in 'care', you can Browse Organisations A-Z. Click on an organisation in the list to find out about the records - where they are, and how you can access them. (Note: Another way to find a organisation or institution is by typing the name of the organisation in the search box.)
If you can't find the place you are looking for in Pathways, or you would like support in some way, there are Support Services that can help you locate your records, and support you through the process.
Notes
1. 'Graeme', from After the orphanage, p.157 [Return to text]
2. 'Forgotten Australians' report, p.257 [Return to text]