LINK-UP PROGRAM

This program continues to assist those members of the “Stolen Generations” who have been separated from their families as a result of the past laws, policies and practices of governments.KARU does this by providing guidance and support in family history research, access to records, providing search aids, and services to assist and facilitate family tracing and family reunions.

KARU also assists the descendants of those removed under the past laws and policies to trace their families and come to terms with the legacy of the past .

WHAT LINK-UP CAN DO

1. Family History Research

To provide guidance to individuals and family members who want to do their own family history research. [Note: the Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has a family tracing service.  The service may be contacted toll free: 1800 730 129.]

To assist individuals and family members access records held by Government and non-Government agencies.

2. Family Tracing

To provide a family tracing service to people who want to resume contact with their natural families.  [Note: We are able to guide clients in accessing adoption or foster* records held in the other States also.]

Changes to the NT Adoption of Children’s Act 1993 allow for adopted persons, birth parents and relatives to apply for information.  An Aboriginal person with entitlement to this information may inquire at either KARU or the THS Adoptions & Substitute Care Unit.

* [Note: Where no adoption has occurred, but long term fostering, an Aboriginal person with entitlement to these records may inquire at either KARU or the THS Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit.]

3. Family Reunion

To co-ordinate family reunions.
To provide support and guidance to people who want to resume contact with their birth families and/or birth community.
To provide support and guidance to people making their journey home by accompanying them when they meet their families for the first time.