Cottage Homes or family cottages were a model of institutional 'care' which began in the United Kingdom in the late nineteenth century. Along with boarding out, cottage Home accommodation was seen as a preferred alternative to congregate, dormitory-style accommodation. In Australia as early as 1885 the Way Commission - an inquiry into the workings of the Destitute Board - recommended a shift from large institutional care to cottage Homes. However, it was not until 1960 that the government established its first cottage Home, Merrilama cottage at Glenelg.
Prepared by: Karen George and Gary George
Created: 4 November 2011, Last modified: 5 May 2015