The Dowdle Family Group Home was operated by the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches. First located in Fairfield, it opened in around 1963. Around 1977, the Dowdle Family Group Home moved from Fairfield to Salisbury. On 22 June 1977 control was transferred to the newly-formed Uniting Church. From March 1985 it was known as “Dowdle”. In October 1986, Dowdle moved to Bellevue Avenue, Salisbury. It closed in 1993.
Dowdle Family Group Home was licensed initially under The State Children Act. Subsequently it was licensed under The Children’s Services Act on 4 August 1966.
A publication from 1968 stated that the purpose of Presbyterian family group homes in Queensland was:
to provide children, bereft of normal family living, with a home environment, controlled by substitute parents. Each home accommodates ten children. Children of all denominations accepted, but they attend Presbyterian worship.
The children are classified into normal family units and natural families of brothers and sisters are kept together. They are assimilated into local schools, churches and other community activities (Social Services Queensland, 1968, p.93).
From
c. 1963
To
1993
Alternative Names
Dowdle
c. 1963 - c. 1977
The Dowdle Family Group Home was situated at 119 Ashby Street, Fairfield, Queensland (Building Still standing)
c. 1977 - c. October 1986
The Dowdle Family Group Home was situated in Salisbury, Queensland (Building State unknown)
October 1986 - 1993
Dowdle was situated at Bellevue Avenue, Salisbury, Queensland (Building State unknown)