| Kalgoorlie Group Home |
| Years of Operation | From 1987 as the successor to the Goldfields Group Home in Boulder [see entry], for an unknown period; then re-opened in 1997. |
| Role Of Facility | Residential child care on a family model. |
| Sponsoring Agency | Departmental - predessors to the current Department for Child Protection |
| Brief History | Group Homes were established by the Department “for children who need a more specialised type of family care than can be provided in a normal foster home or boarding placement. The children placed in these facilities are not necessarily problem children, but because of their circumstances they would find it difficult to settle into a private family. The Departmental group home can provide a skilled and stabilising environment as a stepping stone to future return home or foster placement” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1974).
In addition, Group Homes could be developed relatively inexpensively, so they were able to be located within country towns close to the child’s home of origin, which was seen to be particularly advantageous. “The involvement and access to parents by these placements is often a major step in the rehabilitation of a family group.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1979). For notes on a general history of these facilities, see the section on Group Homes at the beginning of Signposts.
In the 1985/86 year, $118,606 was expended on the construction of the new Group Home in Kalgoorlie – a purpose-built facility to replace the existing Goldfields Group Home in Boulder [see entry]. As there was no capital expenditure recorded in the Annual Report for 1987, it can be assumed that the Group Home was probably operational by that time.
In 1995, the Kalgoorlie Group Home was reported as being “tenanted by foster parents not providing a group home service.” (OHAC Cost Project, Department for Community Services, June 1995).
“The Kalgoorlie home for children up to five years old was reopened to provide a safe environment for young children who had failure to thrive and required medical treatment. It also provided short term accommodation while suitable family placements were located.” (Family and Children’s Services, Annual Report 1997/98). |
| Records | Case records for young people placed by the Department may reside with the Department for Child Protection.
Additionally, the Department for Child Protection’s Aboriginal Index and the guide, “Looking West”, should be consulted for information. |
| Access | While access to records is restricted to protect the privacy of individuals, people are encouraged to enquire. |
| Contact Details | Freedom of Information
Department of Communities
Locked Bag 5000, Fremantle WA 6959
Telephone: (08) 6217 6888
Country free call: 1800 176 888
Email: foi@communities.wa.gov.au
Website: www.communities.wa.gov.au |
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