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South Australia - Organisation

Davenport House (1964 - 1977)

  • Davenport House

    Davenport House, c. 1967, courtesy of South Australian Government.
    Details

From
1964
To
1977
Categories
Government-run, Home and Hostel

Davenport House was established in Millswood in 1964 for secondary school girls under the care of the Department. Up to 18 girls could be accommodated, but between 1972 and 1975 it averaged 11. Girls attended local schools and could take up outside activities with permission from the matron. Davenport House closed in 1977.

Details

Davenport House was established in 1964 as an open residential care centre for secondary school girls under the care of the Children's Welfare and Public Relief Department. It was named for Lady Davenport, a member of the first State Children's Council.

The building was purchased by the Department in 1964, but due to a delay in completion of required renovations, only eight girls were initially allowed to reside there. Once building was complete, 18 girls could be accommodated. Between 1972 and 1975 the average number of girls living at davenport House was 11.

As at Allambi Girls' Hostel, girls from Davenport House attended various local schools. With the permission of the matron they were allowed to take up outside activities such as sport. Church attendance was arranged and girls' homework was supervised. The Department provided girls with a small amount of pocket money. The first superintendent of the home was Miss E M Dobbin.

While Hostel Staff fulfilled some parental duties, contact between the girls at Davenport House and their families was encouraged. The girls were also encouraged to take responsibility for their own care. While some children leaving Davenport House were returned to their families, others were placed in foster-care or private hostels.

Davenport House closed on 18 May 1977.

Location

1964 - 1977
Location - Davenport House was situated at Eva Street, Millswood. Location: Millswood

Publications

Online Resources

Photos

Davenport House - girls' bedroom
Title
Davenport House - girls' bedroom
Type
Image
Date
c. 1967
Publisher
South Australian Government

Details

Davenport House
Title
Davenport House
Type
Image
Date
c. 1967
Publisher
South Australian Government

Details

Sources used to compile this entry: George, Karen, Finding your own way, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc., 2005, http://nunku.org.au/resources/; Mullighan, the Hon E.P., Children in State Care Commission of Inquiry: Allegations of sexual abuse and death from criminal conduct, presented to the South Australian Parliament by the Hon. E.P. Mullighan QC, Commisioner, Children in State Care Commission of Enquiry, Adelaide, South Australia, 2008, 564 pp, https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/107201/children-in-state-care-commission-of-inquiry-introducation.pdf.

Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George