The Courier can reveal an investigation has been launched into how the “eyes-only” kinship report on the couple’s personal life was copied and sent to family members, solicitors and a member of the public.

DHS recently conducted the report as part of the couple’s bid to become legal guardians of a child relative, who is currently in foster care.

A victim of the leak said he and his wife were “devastated” by the privacy breach.

“That paperwork should never have got out from DHS,” he said.

“My family is devastated – there were things in (the report) we didn’t want anyone to see.”

The man said his wife was “a mess” for days after the report was leaked on January 30.

“It’s gone out to three solicitors, my daughter, her ex-partner and another copy was sent to the courthouse,” he said.

“What a disgrace. Someone would have had to make six copies then send it ... these are supposed to be intelligent people (at DHS).”

A department spokesman told The Courier that privacy and confidentiality at DHS was considered “paramount”.

“This matter is being taken extremely seriously,” the spokesman said. “An investigation is underway into what appears to be an isolated incident where a DHS staff member inadvertently provided documents containing information about a case to several wrong recipients.”

The spokesman said training for local DHS staff was conducted last year, but more would be provided in the wake of this case.

“Following this incident, privacy guidelines were reissued and further training has been scheduled to remind and further educate staff of their privacy obligations.”

The Ballarat man said he had received “nine or 10” phone calls from a DHS representative in the past week trying to apologise.

“They even offered to pay for counselling,” he said. “It’s really affected us and I just want to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”