The Welfare Branch replaced the Native Affairs Branch in 1953. This occurred as a result of the passing of the Welfare Ordinance 1953 which created the position of Director of Welfare. Under the Welfare Ordinance, the Director of the Welfare Branch became the legal guardian of all ‘wards’, a term used in that legislation to refer to Aboriginal people. After the passing of the Child Welfare Ordinance 1958, the Director of Welfare was also appointed as the Director of Child Welfare and in that role became the guardian of every State child. Prior to the establishment of the Welfare Branch, the State Children’s Council was responsible for the welfare of non-Aboriginal children. In 1970 the Northern Territory Administration was re-organised and the Welfare Branch was upgraded to become the Welfare Division.
An office of the Welfare Branch was also located in Adelaide from 1963. This branch was responsible for children from the Northern Territory who were moved interstate into foster or instutional care. This office comprised two welfare officers who resported to the Head Office of the Welfare Branch in Darwin. This branch was sometimes referred to as the Welfare Section or Welfare Office.
Under the Welfare Ordinance which led to the creation of Welfare Branch, the Director of Welfare had specific duties towards all wards . In his role he was expected to take steps
to promote their social, economic and political advancement for the purpose of assisting them and their descendants to take their place as members of the Community of the Commonwealth.
When read in relation to Aboriginal people, this duty reflects the move ‘from protection’ towards ‘assimilation’.
The Welfare Branch through the Director was also responsible for supervising and regulating ‘the use and management of institutions’.