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Forgotten Australians 

A group of children outside Magill Orphans Home

Who are the Forgotten Australians?

Forgotten Australians are people whose lives have been affected by institutional and out-of-home care as children, now faced with re-institutionalisation as they age. This page is designed to support practitioners in the Health Sciences field and focuses on Forgotten Australians, their aged care needs, and trauma-informed care. 

Forgotten Australians and Aged Care

Survivors not victims

Someone finally asked me 'What happened to you?' instead of 'What's wrong with you?'
-- A trauma survivor
Reframing victims as survivors is fundamental to the process of re-empowering individuals that have experienced trauma.

Aged Care and Trauma-informed Care

Trauma-informed care recognises the history of trauma and trauma responses in people's lives. It prioritises the physical, psychological and emotional safety of consumers and service providers while providing the opportunity for consumers to build control of their lives. 

Orphanages & Children’s Homes in South Australia

Allambie Girls' Hostel, Norwood

Allambie Girls' Hostel, Norwood

Barton Vale Girls Home, Enfield

Barton Vale Girls Home, Enfield

Bedford Park Boys Training Centre, Bedford Park

Bedford Park Boys Training Centre, Bedford Park

Magill Boys Reformatory, Magill

Magill Boys Reformatory, Magill

Campbell House Farm School, Meningie

Campbell House Farm School, Meningie

Cann Home, Magill

Cann Home, Magill

Clark Cottage, Clarence Park

Clark Cottage, Clarence Park

Destitute Asylum, Adelaide

Destitute Asylum, Adelaide

Fullarton Girls' Home, Fullarton

Fullarton Girls' Home, Fullarton

Caring for Forgotten Australians

This video is adapted from the Department of Health's Caring for Forgotten Australians, Former Child Migrants and Stolen Generations Information Package (2016). The video includes 7 quizzes as you move through the slides.

Training Modules — Helping Hand

Online Learning -- Working with aged care clients who experienced childhood trauma in 'care'

The course developed by Helping Hand is an introduction to understanding the impacts of childhood trauma for people now entering aged care. It focuses on the experiences of Forgotten Australians, Stolen Generations, Former Child Migrants and people affected by forced adoption.

Library resources

Search via the Library Collection. Below is a small selection of books and book chapters to get you started.

Search via the Library Collection. Below is a small selection of journal articles to get you started.

Government resources — Forgotten Australians

Standards, policies, and legislation

Do you need support?

If you require support after accessing the above resources, please contact one of the following: