The Destitute Persons Act Amendment Act 1886 (1886 - 1927)

More Information [close]

The Destitute Persons Act Amendment Act 1886 established the State Children's Council and introduced the term 'State Child' into legislation. The State Children's Council took over all the functions of the Destitute Board in relation to children. The establishment of this Council enshrined into the welfare system the separation of children requiring the care of the State from adults needing assistance. Under this Act the term State child was regarded as having the same meaning as 'child', 'destitute child', 'neglected child' and 'convicted child'. A State child could be a boy or girl under the age of eighteen years who was 'subject to the care and control of the State'. Once a child was placed under the care of the Council, the Council had 'absolute authority' over the child 'for all the purposes of the Act.' The Destitute Persons Act Amendment Act 1886 was repealed by the State Children Act 1895.