[Taken from the ReConnections and Re-collections document http://www.connections.org.au/pdfs/ReConnections-and-ReCollections.pdf]

The Family Centre stood on the old site of the Presbyterian Babies' Home, Linda, 19 Canterbury Road.

A major change was implemented under Director Carol Richards, following a successful pilot program in 1974 to care for children in a small group of five with three live-in staff, acting as surrogate parents, on a 24-hour roster. Despite funding difficulties, building work was undertaken to create four units in the grounds of the centre, where children and staff would have immediate access to a psychologist and social workers. Senior Social Worker, then Assistant Director, at this time, Sherrie Coote, recalled the closure of institutionalised residential care for children from birth to 8 years of age and the subsequent opening of a Residential Assessment Unit, operated by a specialised multi-disciplinary team of professionals. Rather than separating at-risk children from their parents, the whole family was admitted into the therapeutic unit for three months.

Location

1977 - 2000

The Canterbury Family Centre is situated in Canterbury Road, Camberwell. Location: Camberwell