Many Forgotten Australians are seeking access to records from their time in care and are looking to reconnect with family members. Former residents of Queensland institutions can receive assistance with this process through Lotus Place on the Services and supports page.
The Department of Communities which includes the former Department of Child Safety, holds a large number of files and records relating to:
- people who were under the care and protection of the State Government and placed in orphanages/institutions (eg Tufnell, Neerkol, Nudgee, Queen Alexandra Home, Silky Oaks), family group homes and foster care
- people who were under the care and control of the State and placed in detention centres (eg Westbrook and Wilson).
Access to these records is available under the Right to Information Act 2009 and Information Privacy Act 2009.
Access to Queensland Government records
The Queensland State Archives also hold a number of records which may be of assistance to Forgotten Australians. These include school enrolment records and historical records relating to the operation of children's homes and institutions in Queensland.
Contact the Queensland State Archives for further information.
Information about the records held by church and community agencies which ran children's homes are contained in Missing pieces - Information to assist former child residents of children's institutions to access records. Requests to access records held by churches and community organisations should be made directly to the relevant organisation.
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