Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) Policy

Over the course of their life time, people who have spent all or part of their childhood and adolescence in local authority care may want to access information about this period in their lives. There can be a range of reasons why people who have left care want to do this including curiosity about why they came into care, what happened and when, a need to make sense of difficult memories and life events, to clarify disparate explanations, a desire to trace family members, seeking clarification on family ancestry to inform hereditary illness or disease, and also to obtain photos or certificates.

It is important that people who have spent time in care receive comprehensive information about their family background and time in care to enable them to make informed decisions about their lives. Statutory guidance underlines the principles and processes that should be in place in response to requests for access to care records.

Under the Care Leaver Regulations, Care Leaver support extends to age 25. Legislation requires that a child's case record must be kept until the 75th anniversary of his or her date of birth. It is expected that the principles of good practice as outlined in 'The Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations - Volume 3: Planning transition to adulthood for care leavers' to apply to any Care Leaver regardless of their age.

The Council will reflect on these principles and good practice when responding to data subject access requests from care leavers.