The Children's Welfare and Public Relief Board replaced both the State Children's Council and the Destitute Board in 1926 as a result of the passing of the Maintenance Act 1926. The new Board took responsibility for all matters relating to destitute and neglected children and adults and had the power to proclaim institutions for State children. The Children's Welfare and Public Relief Board was abolished in 1965 with the passing of the Maintenance Act Amendment Act 1965. It was replaced by the Social Welfare Advisory Council which unlike the Board played only an advisory role. The powers of the Children's Welfare and Public Relief Board were transferred to the new Minister and Department of Social Welfare.
Under the provisions of the Maintenance Act 1926, the powers and functions of the Children's Welfare and Public Relief Board included:
1849 - 1886 Destitute Board
1886 - 1927 State Children's Council
1927 - 1966 Children's Welfare and Public Relief Board
1966 - 1970 Department of Social Welfare
1970 - 1972 Department of Social Welfare and Aboriginal Affairs
1972 - 1990 Department for Community Welfare
1990 - 1998 Department for Family and Community Services
1998 - 2004 Family and Youth Services, Department of Human Services
2004 - 2006 Children, Youth and Family Services, Department for Families and Communities
2006 - 2011 Families SA, Department for Families and Communities
2011 - 2016 Families SA, Department for Education and Child Development
2011 - 2018 Department for Communities and Social Inclusion
2016 - Department for Child Protection
2018 - Department of Human Services
Sources used to compile this entry: George, Karen, Finding your own way, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc., 2005, http://nunku.org.au/resources/.
Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George
Created: 4 February 2011, Last modified: 6 January 2017