How to apply for your Adoption Records
Applying for your Adoption Information
In Australia, adoptees can apply to access their adoption records through state and territory government agencies, as adoption laws and record-keeping are managed at the state level.
Each state and territory has its own process for requesting adoption records. You will need to complete their application form and provide proof of identity (drivers license, passport, or birth certificate).
What information can you access?
Depending on your state and circumstances, you may be able to access:
- Your original birth certificate (before adoption)
- Adoption order details (legal records of the adoption)
- Biological parents’ names
- Hospital and medical records (if available)
- Letters or documents left by birth parents
- Information on siblings (if known and permitted)
To obtain your adoption information, please apply to the state in which your adoption took place.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Community Services Directorate – Adoption and Permanency Services
Website: https://www.act.gov.au/community/families/find-adoption-records-and-birth-relatives
Page name: Find adoption records and birth relatives
Phone: 02 6207 1069
NEW SOUTH WALES
NSW Department of Communities and Justice – Adoption Information Unit
Website: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/children-and-families/adoption/finding-information-on-past-adoptions.html
Page name: Finding information on past adoptions
Phone: 1300 799 023
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Territory Families, Housing and Communities – Adoption Services
Page name: Find out about a past adoption in the NT
Phone: 08 8922 7443
QUEENSLAND
Adoption Services Queensland – Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs
Page name: How to request adoption information
Phone: 07 3097 5100
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Freedom of Information Team (this team also handles adoption information applications) – Department for Child Protection
Page name: Applying for adoption information
Phone: 08 8226 4399
TASMANIA
Adoption Services – Department for Education, Children and Young People
Page name: How to access information about an adoption
Phone: 03 6166 0422
VICTORIA
Adoption Information Services – Department of Justice and Community Safety
Website: https://www.vic.gov.au/past-adoption
Page name: Find information on a past adoption
Phone: 1300 194 757
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Department of Communities – Adoption Services
Website: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/past-adoption-information-and-support
Page name: Past adoption information and support
Phone: 1800 182 178
Need some help applying for your adoption files?
Filling out government forms can be confusing at times, and it can also bring up a range of emotions that you may not have been expecting.
Reach out to the Funded Support Services for advice and support.