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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

Website: https://nt.gov.au/community/child-protection-and-care/adoption/find-out-about-a-previous-adoption-in-the-nt

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

Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/caring-child/adoption/post-adoption-support-services/how-request-adoption-information

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

Website: https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/support-and-guidance/adoption-processes/applying-for-adoption-information

Page name: Applying for adoption information

Phone: 08 8226 4399

TASMANIA

Adoption Services – Department for Education, Children and Young People

Website: https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/safe-children/adoptions-in-tasmania/about-adoption-in-tasmania/how-to-access-information-about-an-adoption/

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.