Darlington Cottage was established in 1974 as a government-run group home for up to 10 school-age boys whom authorities believed would not be able to settle into foster care. In 1977, Darlington became part of the Hillston detention centre program.
According to government reports (Signposts 2004, pp.183-184), Darlington Cottage was a large house, able to accommodate up to 10 boys at one time. The boys went to school locally. In 1975, authorities (p.184), gave an insight into what they hoped to achieve by placing boys at Darlington, which was ‘mainly for boys who can cope with a normal school curriculum but this is not a necessary criterion providing the individual has a degree of motivation to attend school and the school is able to provide a course of studies suitable to the boy’s needs…The establishment of this cottage has allowed for boys resident there to become totally involved in the community and to develop social competence.’
By 1977, Darlington Cottage had become part of the Hillston detention centre program and developed a strong relationship to youth justice-related accommodation.
From
1974
To
1977
Alternative Names
Darlington Hostel
1974 - 1977
Darlington Cottage was located in the hills suburb of Darlington, Western Australia (Building State unknown)
Subsequent