Tuart Place:

While in Western Australia, I had the privilege of visiting Tuart Place, an invaluable service supporting adults who spent their childhoods in out-of-home 'care'. This includes former child migrants, Forgotten Australians and members of the Stolen Generations. 

My visit began with a conversation with Dr. Phillipa White, Director of Tuart Place, who shared the organisation’s history, triumphs and challenges. Dr White explained that the precursor to Tuart Place was the ‘Christian Brothers Ex-Residents and Students Services’ (CBERSS), originally established to support men who grew up in Christian Brother's institutions. CBERSS was developed in response to recommendations from the ‘Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care’ which called for an independently managed fund to meet the needs of ex-residents.  CBERSS was therefore funded by the Christian Brothers, but functionally independent from them. 

In 2009, CBERSS merged with Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT).  FACT was formed by 'care' leavers who had struggled with their own transition from ‘care’ and so wanted to set up a drop-in centre to support others. In 2011, with growing demand for services (particularly following the introduction of the National Redress Scheme), Tuart Place secured Lottery West funding to expand its remit. The result was a new co-designed service for 'care' leavers. Officially launched in 2012, it was named after the resilient Tuart tree, native to Western Australia.

Dr. White described Tuart Place as a service "with real heart".  'Care' leavers have shaped every aspect of its operation – from governance to day-to-day activities - with nearly half of the board comprising 'care' leavers.  The atmosphere at Tuart Place is purposefully welcoming, informal and non-bureaucratic. “Participants feel a real sense of ownership” Dr White explained.  Services include: counselling; assistance with records and family tracing; help with National Redress Scheme applications; aged care support; social activities and life skills sessions. 

The drop-in model fosters trust, allowing participants to decide when they’re ready to engage more deeply.  However, Tuart Place is no stranger to challenges. For years, its location in a Christian Brother's owned building has sparked concerns over potential conflicts of interest, affecting access to federal funding.  The organisation's refusal to compromise its independence – including declining requests to direct service users to Christian Brothers’ legal representatives – led to eviction threats.  A protest coordinated by 'care' leavers and staff secured a two year lease extension and plans are now underway to relocate to a new property.

Dr White also shed light on the complex histories of Australia’s child migrants.  Between 1947 and 1970 an estimated 20,000 children were sent to Australia, (many from the UK and Malta), under migration schemes promising better lives.  Instead, children faced harsh conditions, exploitative labour and widespread abuse and neglect in institutions such as those run by the Christian Brothers.  Many child migrants were wrongly told they were orphans, only to later discover surviving family members – a discovery fraught with emotional challenges and cultural disconnection. "There was a sense of not being at home in either place" Dr White reflected.  She also reflected on the ramifications of institutionalization.

Our discussion shifted to 'care' leavers’ experiences of transitions and endings – the focus of my Churchill Fellowship.  Dr White emphasised that 18 is far too young to expect anyone to manage on their own, noting concerning outcomes for young people leaving 'care'.  She discussed that the 'care' leavers who had been part of the beginnings of Tuart Place had seen leaving 'care' as the worst time.  "They experienced trauma in ‘care’ and trauma upon leaving ‘care’, without any thought for how that’s going to play out for that person."   

When asked what professionals should know, Dr White stressed the need for sensitivity and ongoing support for young people transitioning out of 'care'.  Access to care-giving agencies or trusted individuals can provide the guidance typically offered by parents.  She argued that investing in aftercare services would not only improve outcomes but also reduce societal costs.

Following our discussion, I had the opportunity to join service users for a singing group and shared lunch. Several individuals also very kindly volunteered to talk to me about their experiences of ‘care’. (Please see my next blog for their reflections and thoughts). 

 My visit concluded with a deep appreciation for the sense of community at Tuart Place.  It not only provides practical support but also fosters belonging and connection.  With my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Tuart Place.