Queensland Government-run Institutions
Observations Books are records that were kept in Queensland government-run institutions. They were used by staff at the end of each shift, to record information about each child in a section. This information included medical issues and medication, injuries or incidents and a brief description of their behaviour and activities during that shift.
Although the files are confidential and access is therefore restricted, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services 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
A definitive date range for these records cannot be confirmed. It is estimated that they relate approximately to the years 1950 to 2001.
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. p.15; pp.21-22..
Prepared by: Lee Butterworth
Created: 3 January 2012, Last modified: 29 May 2014