For access to records controlled by the Department of Communities and its predecessors, please contact the Department of Communities Freedom of Information Unit:
Postal Address: Freedom of Information, Department of Communities, Locked Bag 5000, Fremantle WA 6959
Phone: (08) 6414 3344
Email: foi@communities.wa.gov.au
Quote this number to access your records: State Records Office of Western Australia Reference code, S1099
These records are held by State Records Office of Western Australia (24 July 2001 - current).
‘Files – Community Welfare (“A” Series) is a very large series of files on administrative matters relating to the welfare of children in out of home care in Western Australia from 1908 to 1990. It contains files created by the Public Charities and State Children’s Department, the State Children’s Department, the Child Welfare Department, the Department for Community Welfare and the Department for Community Services. Records in this series often name children and young people who came into contact with the Department or other agencies. Records also document actual and proposed policy and practice.
This series includes records with both open and restricted access. Open access records can be ordered from SROWA by any member of the public. Individuals will need to apply to the Department of Communities, Freedom of Information Unit in order to access restricted records.
This series includes records relating to the administration of children’s homes, missions, children’s courts, child migration programs, foster care programs, and records relating to the ill-treatment of children.
It also contains the annual reports of the departments, records relating to the passing of legislation, records relating to policy development, and correspondence with other state government departments, such as the Justice Department, and external agencies.
The below document contains a list of items in this series that may be of relevance to Care Leavers. The items are arranged by the Home/Institution or theme that they refer to.
Series 1099 Files – Community Welfare (“A” Series): List of items
