[Taken from the Western Australian guide Signposts]

Group Homes could be developed relatively inexpensively, so they were able to be located within country towns close to the child's home of origin, which was seen to be particularly advantageous. "The involvement and access to parents by these placements is often a major step in the rehabilitation of a family group." (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1979). For notes on a general history of these facilities, see the section on Group Homes at the beginning of Signposts.

The WELSTAT (welfare statistics) Collection of 1979 notes "Beverley Cottage 1 & 2" as 'scattered group homes' (ie. "a family group home whose grounds do not adjoin those of another family group home, or other residential child care establishment, operated by the same enterprise.") that was operated by an agency other than the Department.

The first cottage in Lukin St, Beverley was established in 1979 and was visited by the Chairman of the Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care in 1980. Mission Grant in Aid for 50% of capital costs in 1978. Cottage parents provided care for Aboriginal school-age children, not all of whom attended school.

"Centre-Care Children's Cottages based at Beverley and managed by the Catholic Church continues to provide placements for Aboriginal children mainly from the southern part of the State." (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1980).
A Grant-in-Aid was received for renovations to the Lukin Street cottage in 1980.

In 1983, the Department's Annual Report noted that Centrecare Children's Cottages had "facilities in Northam, Beverley and Brookton in which care is provided by Aboriginal Cottage Parents for approximately 20 Aboriginal children. The children, mostly in sibling groups were referred from most areas throughout the southern part of the State involving local [Departmental] staff in a liaison capacity." (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1983).

"The label of 'Centrecare kids' seems to be unavoidable given the high level of visibility of these children in the small towns of Beverley and Brookton. This appears to be an important consideration in the planning of future cottage locations. Northam is a bigger centre and this may be more appropriate for future developments. The agency believes that a Northam based cottage for older children as training for independent living is a priority. The emphasis on liaison between Centrecare staff and the local schools has produced a very effective working relationship, and this together with peer group influence achieves a regular school attendance even though truancy was a primary factor in a number of the case histories of children at Centrecare." (Report on the Activities of the Consultative Committee in 1984/85, Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care November 1985).

In 1986, the "children's profile in small country schools" was "still a difficulty which is under consideration." But it was possible for the agency to report by this time that all its direct care staff were Indigenous. (Report on the Activities of the Consultative Committee in 1985/86, Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care October 1986).
A cultural dance project was undertaken in July/August 1988.
Alternative school and after school programs continued in 1989, involving other local Indigenous children, not only residents of the cottages.

In 1989, the CCRCC reported that recent years had seen "a relatively high number of referrals…mainly involving teenage children with special needs including substantial educational and behavioural problems". To meet the needs of these children, the youth care and family care cottages in Beverley continued to function, but "a local advisory group was formed in Beverley to address community concerns being expressed over the number and type of difficult children being brought into the township." It was also reported that while "some progress" had "been made in resolving the issues involved", there remained "a need for care and discernment in deciding placements." (Report on the Activities of the Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care in 1988/89, February 1990).

Djooraminda has its own entry in Signposts, and this should be consulted as it gives more information about the approach taken.

Records Records for the Beverley Reception Centre run by Centrecare to assess and select children for placement in the cottages are held by Djooraminda [see entry and contact details below].

Access While access to records is restricted to protect the privacy of individuals, people are encouraged to enquire.

Contact
The Director, Djooraminda
36 Arbon Way, Lockridge WA 6054
PO Box 94, Beechboro WA 6935
Phone: (08) 9378 2522
Fax: (08) 9378 1113
Email: enquiries@centrecare.com.au
www.centrecare.com.au

Freedom of Information
Department for Child Protection
PO Box 6334, East Perth WA 6892
Phone: (08) 6217 6388 or (08) 6217 6381
Fax: (08) 9222 2776
Free call in WA: 1800 000 277
Email: foi@dcp.wa.gov.au/

Events

1979 - 1991

Beverley Cottages provided residential care at beverley. Location: Beverley