Walcott Centre (1980 - 1984)

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Walcott Centre was the new name given in 1980 to the government-run Mt Lawley Reception Home. Mt Lawley had offered temporary accommodation to children and young people prior to placement in foster care, group Homes or other institutions. It also accommodated children and young people awaiting Children's Court matters, or referred from the Court.

The Walcott Centre was part of system of support hostels that gave increasing emphasis to assessing children's needs and planning for their future. Two hostels were attached to the Walcott Centre, Tudor Lodge and Stuart House. Together, Walcott and these hostels had three main functions: temporary accommodation for those awaiting Children's Court matters; assessment of future placement and management needs; and 'stablising and training' those whose behaviour at home, school or in another placemement had been 'inappropriate'.

By 1983, Walcott was divided into two group Homes on the campus: Andrew House and Cawley House. These both closed in 1984, to be replaced by group Homes in the community. The Walcott Centre's residential program ceased at this time, but the Centre continued to offer alternative schooling programs for some time after 1984.

In July 1993, when the youth justice functions of the Department for Community Development were transferred to the Ministry of Justice, the Walcott Centre property was also transferred.