Author
Djuric, Bonney
Publication Date
2011
Publisher
Chargan
Place Published
Georges Terrace
Page Numbers
215
ISBN ISSN
9780987093455
Description
Abandon All Hope explores the history and experience of the Parramatta Girls Industrial School from its beginnings as Australia's first purpose built orphanage for Catholic children in 1841 to its demise as a child welfare institution in 1983.
Chapters are ordered chronologically starting with the settlement of Parramatta, the establishment of the adjacent convict Female Factory, and the Roman Catholic Orphan School through to its later use as the Girls Industrial School - Parramatta Girls Home. It also traces the evolution of the child welfare system in NSW from the mid 19th century to the reforms of the 1980s and examines how societal attitudes and legislation determined the type of 'care' provided.