Today on the 14th anniversary of the Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants, the Albanese Labor Government recognises the disgraceful treatment of children in out-of-home care institutions across Australia.
On 16 November 2009, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants.
Up until the end of the 1980s, more than 500,000 children were removed from their families, and approximately 7000 child migrants were displaced from their home countries and placed in institutional homes.
The National Apology was directed to Australian-born children in residential institutions, the Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants who had been subject to deprivations and abuse whilst growing up in care across Australia in the 20th century.
Child migrants were children who had been sent to Australia – mostly from the United Kingdom, but also from Malta – and placed in institutions throughout Australia. They were typically aged eight to 13-years-old upon their arrival into Australia, however some were as young as three.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth acknowledged the ongoing pain that former child migrants and their families carry.
“Today, we remember and recognise the years of mistreatment and neglect experienced by children who were placed in institutional homes,” Minister Rishworth said
“And while we cannot make up for the trauma, pain, and suffering that these children experienced, we can remember, and we can reflect.
“Fourteen years ago, as part of the apology, the then Australian Government announced the introduction of the Find and Connect program. And this program will continue with $23.5 million over five years committed for Former Child Migrants and Forgotten Australians through to 2026.”
The Find and Connect Support Service aims to assist Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants to reconcile with their history and life stories.
Find and Connect Support Services offer specialist counselling, referral services, peer, education and social support programs along with help to access records and reconnect with family where possible.
Funding has been dedicated to services across Australia, and to the Find and Connect website, an online resource for people who grew up in institutional homes, and their families, to track down historical records.
For more information on Forgotten Australians (Care Leavers), Former Child Migrants and the national apology, please visit the National Museum of Australia’s online exhibition.
To access Find and Connect Support Services, call 1800 16 11 09 or visit the Find and Connect web resource.
