Do Birth Parents Have the Right to Know You Interviewed Their Family Members? Understanding Confidentiality in NSW Adoption Assessments

When extended family members are invited to participate in an adoption assessment, one of the most common questions they ask is:
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"Will the birth parents find out that I spoke to the assessor?"

​At Counselling and Social Support Services (CASS), we understand how sensitive these conversations can be. Family relationships are often complex, and extended relatives may worry about conflict, backlash, or damaging already fragile connections. Ensuring that people feel safe, respected, and fully informed is essential to ethical adoption practice.
This article explains how confidentiality works in NSW open adoption assessments, what information is shared, and what remains private — based on current DCJ practice and legislative requirements.
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Do birth parents receive a copy of the adoption assessment report?

No. Birth parents do not receive the full adoption assessment report.
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This is a common misconception. In NSW:

• The full adoption assessment is provided to DCJ only.
• The Supreme Court does not receive the full assessment.
• Instead, the Court receives a Section 91 (s91) Court Report, which summarises the relevant information required for judicial decision making.

This means the detailed assessment including interviews with carers, household members, and extended family  is not provided to the Court or to the birth parents.
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Do birth parents find out which family members were interviewed?

No. Birth parents are not told which extended family members participated.
DCJ has confirmed that:

• All parties receive redacted versions of the adoption assessment.
• Any sensitive information provided by extended family is removed.
• The identity of extended family members who contributed is not disclosed.
• Their comments are summarised in a non identifying way.

This protects the privacy and safety of relatives who choose to participate.
For example, instead of naming a maternal aunt, the assessment may state:
"A maternal relative expressed support for Gabriella's long term placement and permanency plan."
This ensures the information is included, but the person is not identifiable.

What information from extended family interviews is included?

Extended family contributions are included only in a summarised, non identifying form. This may cover:

• general views on the child's wellbeing
• insight into family history
• cultural or identity information
• views on adoption or future contact

What is not included:

• names
• personal details
• identifying quotes
• information that could expose the relative to conflict
• anything the relative has asked to remain confidential

DCJ caseworkers routinely redact sensitive content to protect family relationships

What if the information in the file is incorrect?

​It is not uncommon for historical records to contain errors, especially when multiple agencies or workers have been involved over time.
If extended family members identify inaccuracies — such as incorrect names, relationships, or caregiving history — these can be corrected. DCJ has confirmed they are happy to update ChildStory records when new, accurate information is provided.
This ensures the assessment reflects the true family structure and history.

How CASS supports extended family members during the process

At CASS, we take great care to ensure extended family members feel safe and informed before participating. We explain:

• what the interview involves
• how their information will be used
• what will remain confidential
• what birth parents will and will not see
• how their contribution supports the child's identity and long term wellbeing

We also reassure them — accurately — that:

"Your participation is confidential. The adoption assessment is provided only to DCJ. Birth parents do not receive the report, and they will not be told who I spoke with. Any information you provide will be summarised in a way that does not identify you."
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This clarity often helps relatives feel comfortable contributing to the process.

Why confidentiality matter

Confidentiality is essential for:

• protecting family relationships
• ensuring extended relatives can speak openly
• supporting accurate assessments
• reducing fear and anxiety
• maintaining safety
• upholding ethical practice

When relatives feel safe, they are more likely to share meaningful insights that support the child's identity, cultural connection, and long term wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Extended family members play an important role in helping children understand their story, identity, and cultural background. Their contributions are valued — and protected.
If you are an extended family member invited to participate in an adoption assessment, you can be confident that:

• your identity will remain confidential
• your information will be summarised sensitively
• birth parents will not be told you participated
• your contribution will help support the child's lifelong wellbeing

 
If you have questions or concerns, CASS is here to guide you through the process with transparency, respect, and care.
 
Kindest Regards,
 
Seak Manor
Founder/Director- BManag-GradDipCounselling-MCFT
IA Panel and Adoption Assessor-DCJ
Counselling and Social Support Services (CASS) Pty Ltd
ABN: 50 664 546 703