Boarding out was the original term used to describe the placement of children and young people in the care of a foster mother or foster parents in a private home. This was later referred to as foster care.
When the practice began in the 1850s children could be placed with or without the payment of a government subsidy. Boarding out was first incorporated into legislation in the Destitute Persons Relief Act 1866, South Australia. By the 1960s this practice was referred to as foster care.
Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George
Created: 8 November 2011, Last modified: 26 February 2015