Witnesses of alleged child sexual abuse at Worimi Shelter in the early 1980s are being asked to come forward.

Worimi Shelter was a state-run facility at Broadmeadow, near Newcastle, in the 1960s which closed in 2000.

On Monday, Slater and Gordon Lawyers allege their client, a proud 57-year-old First Nations Anaiwan man, was abused in 1983 by two male officers working at the facility.

The alleged abuse had a significant impact on the man's mental wellbeing, Slater and Gordon Senior Practice Leader Ciara White said.

"Our client was 15 years old when the alleged abuse occurred. He was in State care and entrenched in the youth justice system when two separate officers, each entrusted with his safety, allegedly took advantage of him," she said.

"After the first incident, he reported the alleged abuse to another male officer. Instead of protecting him, that officer told him words to the effect of 'get used to it, kid, you're in the big boy's home now', and then allegedly abused him as well.

"Following the report, the alleged abuse continued on multiple occasions, and by that point our client, a teenager, felt completely helpless."

The firm alleges the state failed to ensure their client's safety during his detainment by taking necessary precautions, and is calling for any information that could assist them to understand how extensive the alleged abuse was at Worimi Shelter in 1983.

"Any information on the State-run Worimi Shelter or the two male officers at the centre of the allegations could assist our client in seeking justice for the alleged abuse," Ms White said.

"It's vital that witnesses and victim-survivors with relevant information have the opportunity to provide their accounts safely and confidentially with a trauma-informed legal professional."

Anyone employed or detained at Worimi Shelter in the early 1980s is urged to contact Slater and Gordon for a confidential discussion on 1800 565 892.