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
These records are part of Records of the Department of Child Protection and Family Support, and predecessors (1894 - current).
The Children’s Court Register gives a record of the cases held in the Perth Children’s Court, which was set up as part of the State Children Act 1907. This legistation made the government child welfare departments responsible for keeping records about children who had appeared before the Courts. The register lists the names and other information about children who had cases held in the Children’s Court between 1908 and 1973, except for the years 1909-13 which are missing.
Access to these records is restricted and confidentiality is protected by Child Protection and Family Services. If you believe the Department may hold records about you, or about a family member, you are encouraged to apply. Access is governed by the Freedom of Information Act 1992 and CPFS has a form on their website which you must use to apply for records.
These Children’s Court registers were originally recorded in 21 volumes. They are now held on microfilm by Child Protection and Family Support. There are no records for the period 8 April 1909 to 21 February 1913 because the original registers were not able to be found at the time of microfilming.
The Children’s Court registers contain the following details for the children and young people who went before the court, though some entries will have more background information than others: