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Queensland - Archival Collection

Institution Files (c. 1871 - c. 2001)

Queensland Government-run Institutions

From
c. 1871
To
c. 2001

Institution Files, Queensland Government-run Institutions is a collection of records. Some institutions also kept individual client files on children who were placed there.
The information on these files includes details of placement of the child in the institution and when they left, as well as the reason for placement. In some cases detailed information about the child and his/her family is on the file. This can include information about health and family background, as well as educational reports and correspondence. Copies of many documents on the institution file are often included on the Family or Individual file.

Details

Access Conditions

Former residents wishing to access records about their time in care can contact the Time in Care Information Access Service, in the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women.

Although the files are confidential and access is therefore restricted, the Department supports the rights of former residents to obtain information about themselves.

The Department is aware that former residents often want the records of their family member and/or other people. This information is often sensitive and personal in nature. To safeguard the rights of privacy, clients are unable to obtain information about other people, including other family members, without the authority of the person/people concerned.

This protects the right to privacy of all individuals, as personal information on other people will be given out only with their permission.

Records

These Files are generally kept at the institution until after the child is discharged from care, when the file is transferred to the Department.

A definitive date range for these records cannot be confirmed and is only an estimate.

Publications

Books

  • Department of Families, Missing pieces: information to assist former residents of children's institutions to access records, State of Queensland, 2001. pp.7-8. Details

Sources used to compile this entry: Department of Families, Missing pieces: information to assist former residents of children's institutions to access records, State of Queensland, 2001. pp.7-8..

Prepared by: Lee Butterworth