Records held by Wesley Mission

Records held by Wesley Mission includes client files and admission, discharge, and notification registers relating to the Children’s Homes run by Wesley Mission and its predecessors, dating back to 1893. The information listed below is indicative of the type of information contained in these records, however this may vary depending on who created the record, the Home it relates to, and when it was created. Other records of children’s homes operated by Wesley Mission and its predecessor organisations may also be available.

Access Conditions

If you once lived with Wesley Dalmar, records of your time are still with Wesley Dalmar. You may have lived in a residential home, a group home or with Wesley Dalmar foster carers. If you would like to see your file, this is how to go about it:

If you were in care before 2007 call the Carlingford office and ask to speak to an Aftercare worker. The Aftercare worker will assist you to access your file and provide an opportunity to talk about what it was like for you when you lived in care.

It may take some time to prepare a copy of your file for you. Once it is ready, you will be invited to meet with Wesley Dalmar’s Aftercare worker, or a caseworker, to go through the file copy, which you can then take away with you. Reading about your past for the first time can be difficult, so you are encouraged to bring a trusted friend with you.

In recognition of the needs of past Wesley Dalmar residents, an assessment and treatment program is now available free of charge through Wesley Private Hospital, where the psychology service has a wealth of experience in assisting people recovering from past trauma. Talk to the Aftercare worker about how to access this support service.

An Aftercare worker provides support to people who have been in the care of Wesley Dalmar Out of Home Care and who have left the program.

NOTE: If you were in care after 2007 call the office that managed your time in care and ask to speak to the Manager. They can provide information and support to help you to get established in life.

Records

Records held by Wesley Mission relating to children’s Homes run by Wesley Mission and its predecessors include:

Client Files (1893 – )
The type and amount of information contained within these files varies, with the earlier files being less comprehensive than the later ones. On the earlier files (e.g. 1893-c.1940s), there might only be an admission sheet which records the child’s name, date of birth, and reason for admission. Occasionally there might be an adoption agreement form on the file. Later files may contain information about parents and other family members, schooling and medical reports, case notes and correspondence about the child.

Quantity: 6 filing cabinets (approx.)

Notification of Reception (1926 – 1965)
The Notification of Reception volumes contain carbon copies of Returns of Particulars to be Registered Pursuant to section 34 of the Child Welfare Act 1939, regulation 42 (Child Welfare Department Form 14). There are 21 volumes and the information includes: full name of child; date and place of birth; religion of child; name, marital status, address and occupation of parents; name and address of person from whom child was received into the home; date child was received; particulars of arrangements made by parent for clothing and medical attendance; and amount of monies paid and by whom.

Reference Numbers: Box G, items 78 – 93; Box E, item 61

Notifications of Discharge (1917 – 1970)
These Notification of Discharge forms are declarations by the custodian (i.e. the Matron of the home) to the Director of the Child Welfare Department that custody of the child is being relinquished. The forms record: the name of the child; the address of the custodian; to whom the child was discharged (e.g. parent) and their address; the relationship of the future custodian to the child; and the date of discharge. There are 17 volumes.

Reference Numbers: Box G, items 101 – 117

Register (1942 – 1974)
This register records: the name, date of birth and religion of the child; the name, address, occupation and description of the parents; the name, address, occupation and description of any person other than the parents from whom or to whom the child was received or handed over; date child was received; date child was handed over; particulars of arrangements made by the mother for the care of the child; amount agreed to be paid per week for the child’s maintenance and by whom.

Quantity: 7 volumes

Admission and discharge registers (1893 – 1940s)
Includes very basic information such as date of admission and discharge and name of the child.