| Northam Cottage (Centrecare / Djooraminda) |
| Years of Operation | Operating from at least 1979 for an unknown period. |
| Role Of Facility | Residential child care on a family model. See entry for Djooraminda. |
Other facilities in
Signposts that are
related to the
Sponsoring Agency | See the entry “Djooraminda” in the earlier section of Signposts, “Non-Government Agencies and their Subsidiary Institutions” |
| Address(es) | Dulu Street, Northam.
Northam is situated approximately 100 kilometres east of Perth. |
| Aliases | Northam Cottage |
| Brief History | In 1979, “Northam Cottage” was reported in the Welstat Collection as a scattered group home that was operated by an agency other than the Department.
In 1983, the Department’s Annual Report noted that Centrecare Children’s Cottages had “facilities in Northam, Beverley and Brookton in which care is provided by Aboriginal Cottage Parents for approximately 20 Aboriginal children. The children, mostly in sibling groups were referred from most areas throughout the southern part of the State involving local [Departmental] staff in a liaison capacity.” (Annual Report of the Department for Community Welfare, June 30th 1983).
“The label of ‘Centrecare kids’ seems to be unavoidable given the high level of visibility of these children in the small towns of Beverley and Brookton. This appears to be an important consideration in the planning of future cottage locations. Northam is a bigger centre and this may be more appropriate for future developments. The agency believes that a Northam based cottage for older children as training for independent living is a priority. The emphasis on liaison between Centrecare staff and the local schools has produced a very effective working relationship, and this together with peer group influence achieves a regular school attendance even though truancy was a primary factor in a number of the case histories of children at Centrecare.” (Report on the Activities of the Consultative Committee in 1984/85, Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care November 1985).
In 1986, the “children’s profile in small country schools” was “still a difficulty which is under consideration.” But it was possible for the agency to report by this time that all its direct care staff were Indigenous. (Report on the Activities of the Consultative Committee in 1985/86, Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care October 1986).
“Caregivers in group homes comprise one couple who live-in, ideally caring for up to eight children. Generally, the husband continues in his existing employment, with the wife paid either an honorarium or wage. Group homes operate on a model where substitute care is provided until changes in the circumstances of the child’s original caregivers permit their return home. In some instances a child may move on to other carers on a more permanent basis (as in adoption) or with older youth to semi-independent accommodation. Departmental group homes are supervised at the local divisional level. Group care services provided through the non-government sector fall under the mandate of the Consultative Committee on Residential Child Care, and provide cottage care via salaried child care worker staff. The contemporary trend towards community based group care services for children is resulting in the closure of institutionalized settings and campus-based residential facilities.” (Submission of the Department for Community Services to the Residential Planning Review Taskforce, March 31st 1987).
A cultural dance project was undertaken in July/August 1988.
Alternative school and after school programs continued in 1989, involving other local Indigenous children, not only residents of the cottages.
Two cottages were operating there in 1991 but by 1994, there were 3 cottages in Northam. |
| Records | Records for the Beverley Reception Centre run by Centrecare to assess and select children for placement in the cottages are held by Djooraminda [see separate entry in Signposts and contact details below].
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 | The Director, Djooraminda
36 Arbon Way, Lockridge WA 6054
PO Box 94, Beechboro WA 6935
Telephone: (08) 9378 2522
Facsimile: (08) 9378 1113
Email: enquiries@centrecare.com.au
Web: www.centrecare.com.au
Freedom of Information
Department for Child Protection and Family Support
PO Box 6334, East Perth WA 6892
Telephone: (08) 9222 2555
Facsimile: (08) 9222 2776
Country free call: 1800 000 277
Email: foi@cpfs.wa.gov.au
Website: www.childprotection.wa.gov.au |
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