Fatima Home for Children, in Toowoomba, was operated by the Order of the Sisters of Mercy. It was licensed on 5 September 1974. Loretta Cottage was established 1981/82 and closed 11 May 1984. Fatima ceased to operate as a residential facility in December 1995.
The Sisters of Mercy provide the following short history for Fatima Home for Children:
In 1974 the Sisters of Mercy expanded their service to Toowoomba and joined with the Toowoomba Diocese and the St Vincent de Paul Society in opening the Fatima Family Centre which provided a local response to the growing numbers of children in South-West Queensland who needed alternative care placements. Initially a family group home model with houseparents caring for small numbers of children in residential cottages, Fatima’s programs expanded during the 1980s in response to changing needs. By the early 1990s, Fatima had five programs offering a continuum of care – family support, emergency placements for children under 12, foster care, adolescent residential placements and an independent living program.
Today Mercy Family Services – Fatima Centre, provide a counselling and reunification program to children, young people and their families involved with the child protection system.
From
1974
To
1995
5 September 1974 - December 1995
Fatima Home for Children was situated at 104 South Street, Toowoomba, Queensland (Building State unknown)