The Dependent Children Register Cards are arranged alphabetically by surname. These cards relate to children born between 1945 and 1972 who were admitted to State care (there are some exceptions). They record the name of the child, registration number (State ward 'B' file number), date and place of birth, religion, parent's name and address, allowance rate and particulars of movement, name and address of guardian, admission and transfer date and classification. Children were discharged from State care when they turned eighteen, or were adopted or were reunited with their natural family.
Access to these records is currently restricted. In New South Wales, records relating to individuals, such as case files and correspondence are closed to public access for 100 years. Records such as registers and indexes are closed to public access for 80 years.
Care Leavers wishing to access records about themselves will need to complete a Care Leaver Records Access Application Form (downloadable from the Care Leaver Records Access Unit website or available at a Community Services Centre). Completed application forms with proof of identity can be sent to the Care Leaver Records Access Unit, or lodged with a Community Services Centre. For further information please contact the Care Leaver Records Access Unit.
Quantity: 25 boxes
Sources used to compile this entry: Thinee, Kristy and Bradford, Tracy, Connecting Kin: Guide to Records, A guide to help people separated from their families search for their records [completed in 1998], New South Wales Department of Community Services, Sydney, New South Wales, 1998, https://clan.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/connectkin_guide.pdf.
Prepared by: Melissa Downing
Created: 10 August 2011, Last modified: 5 June 2023