Archives



Community Services Victoria, State Government of Victoria

Community Services Victoria (CSV) came into being in 1985. Formerly, it was known as the Department of Community Welfare Services. A number of functions were transferred from the Department of Health to the new CSV in 1985, including intellectual disability services, maternal and child health, kindergartens and child care.

Health and Community Services, State Government of Victoria

Health and Community Services, State Government of Victoria, came into being in 1992. Formerly, it was known as the Community Services Victoria.

Department for Neglected Children, State Government of Victoria

The main responsibility of the Department for Neglected Children upon its establishment was the maintenance and management of ‘neglected’ children including: supervision of State wards in receiving houses and probationary schools, provision of trade apprenticeships programs, ‘boarding out’ of children in the service of persons willing to take charge of their maintenance and education, provision…

Geelong Protestant Orphan Asylum

Geelong Protestant Orphan Asylum was the new name given in 1862 to the Geelong Orphan Asylum. The orphanage’s name was changed to clarify the asylum’s religious connections and support base. There was no formal connection between the orphanage and the church.

Glastonbury – Geelong Protestant Orphanage

Glastonbury- Geelong Protestant Orphanage was the new name given in 1955 to the Geelong and Western District Protestant Orphanage. In 1977, the name changed again, to Glastonbury Children’s Home. In 1955, Glastonbury- Geelong Protestant Orphanage applied to the Victorian government for registration as an approved children’s home. The inclusion of Glastonbury in its new name…

Department of Community Welfare Services, State Government of Victoria

The Department of Community Welfare Services, State Government of Victoria, came into being in 1978. Formerly, it was known as the Social Welfare Department. In 1983, the Department of Community Welfare Services comprised the Family and Adolescent Services Division, the Youth Services Section, the Adoption Section, Residential Child Care and the Regional Services Division. In…

Victorian Adoption Network for Information and Self Help

The Victorian Adoption Network for Information and Self Help (VANISH Inc) started operating at 167 Drummond Street, Carlton on the 13th of February 1989. It is a self-help organisation which provides search, information and support services for people affected by adoption and donor conception. Until 2009, it also provided services to Forgotten Australians. In June…

Children’s Protection Society

The Children’s Protection Society (CPS) was established in 1971. Previously, it was known as the Victorian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (founded in 1896). The Children’s Protection Society operated the following emergency shelter Homes: Robin House in Fitzroy, Swan House in Traralgon, Currawong House in Hamilton and Alys Keys House in Heidelberg….

Fernhurst

Fernhurst was established by St John’s Homes for Boys and Girls in 1968 to provide residential care for young people on Children’s Court probation. It was run in conjunction with the Church of England Boys’ Society.

Darling Babies’ Home

The Darling Babies’ Home was established by the Community of the Holy Name in 1927. It was run by the Mission to the Streets and Lanes for babies and young children up to the age of 5. The Home was closed in 1967. In 1927, the Mission to the Streets and Lanes launched an appeal…