Finding records
We can help you find historical records. If you were in a government or non- government home or institution as a child or young person, you may want to find information about your time there. You may have spent time in:
- an orphanage, foster care, family group home or children’s home
- a remand, reception or youth training centre
- a mental health service such as a psychiatric facility or hospital
- a disability institution.
To help you find records, we have over 200 collection guides. Each guide is for a specific government and non-government home or institution and details the types of records that are available.
We understand that searching through the guides and reading the information could be distressing. Please know, there is support available to help you.
Using the guides
How to search the guides and apply for records.
About Finding records
A brief history of the records, and whose records can be found.
Get support to find records
Help is available for you.
Start your guide search
The guides can help you find historical records.
Updated 12 June 2025
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