Family Homes were established by the government after the passing of the Community Welfare Act in 1972. These Homes provided smaller group care, for up to ten children under the supervision of house parents. The Homes were generally used for short term emergency care. Homes were established in both city and country areas.
Family Homes were established by the government after the passing of the Community Welfare Act in 1972. These Homes were established in both city and country areas and were run by house parents who were approved foster carers, rather than departmental officers. Family Homes provided smaller group care, with less than ten children being accommodated at one time. The aim of Family Homes was to provide a form of home and family life for children in care.
During the 1980s Family Homes mostly provided short term emergency accommodation for children in need. They were often used in cases of family crisis or while other placement options for children were being explored.
The establishment of country based Homes reduced the need to transport children to the city. It also allowed country children to remain in their own familiar community.
Sources used to compile this entry: Annual Report of the Department of Community Welfare, 1977; Annual Report of the Department of Community Welfare, 1982.
Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George
Created: 4 November 2011, Last modified: 8 March 2018
Last updated: 7 August 2023
Cite this: https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/sa/biogs/SE00838b.htm
First published by the Find & Connect Web Resource Project for the Commonwealth of Australia, 2011
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