In Australia, the closure of orphanages can be attributed to several factors and changes in social welfare practices. Here are some key reasons why orphanages were closed in Australia:
- Shift towards Family-based Care: One of the main reasons for the closure of orphanages in Australia was a shift in focus towards family-based care. Research and understanding of child development and well-being have highlighted the importance of providing children with stable and nurturing family environments whenever possible. This shift led to a preference for foster care, adoption, and other forms of family-based placements over institutionalized care in orphanages.
- Deinstitutionalization and Child Protection Reforms: In the latter half of the 20th century, there were significant reforms in child protection and welfare practices. The focus shifted from institutional care to more individualized and community-based approaches. Deinstitutionalization aimed to address the negative effects associated with large-scale institutional settings and instead promote smaller, home-like environments that better met the needs of children.
- Recognition of Children’s Rights: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Australia ratified in 1990, emphasized the rights of children to grow up in a family environment, whenever possible. This international agreement influenced policy and practice in Australia, leading to a greater emphasis on family-based care and the closure of orphanages.
- Emphasis on Child-Centered and Trauma-Informed Care: There has been an increased understanding of the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma on children’s development. As a result, there has been a shift towards providing child-centered and trauma-informed care that prioritizes the individual needs of each child. Family-based care is seen as better able to provide this personalized and responsive approach compared to institutionalized settings.
- Improved Support Services and Alternatives: The closure of orphanages in Australia has been accompanied by the development of improved support services and alternatives for children in need of care. This includes increased investment in foster care, adoption services, and community-based support networks. The aim is to provide children with more stable, nurturing, and individualized care arrangements that better meet their emotional, social, and developmental needs.
It’s important to note that while orphanages have largely been closed in Australia, there are still residential care facilities and group homes available for children who require out-of-home care due to specific circumstances. These facilities are typically smaller in scale and provide a more personalized approach compared to traditional orphanages.