Child Care

Former Children in Care

In all, there were thirteen homes established across the state between 1941 (Rathgar) and 1958 (Murray Vale). Most were closed between the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s, with the Sunnylands and Orange District residential programmes eventually being phased out by 1997.

The Homes

• Melrose, Pendle Hill
• Sunnylands, Wollongbar
• Adelaide Walker, Strathfield
• Woodlands, Newcastle
• Rathgar, Grafton
• Rathmore, East Maitland
• Ellimatta, East Maitland
• Glen Eden, Glen Innes
• Buena Vista, Orange
• Gumleigh, Wagga Wagga
• Lillimur, Dubbo
• The Laurels, Kogarah
• Murray Vale, Albury

Our records show that over a 60 year period about 3,300 children were placed in our homes by parents, relatives, or the courts.

The need for the provision of support for these now adult people was recognized by the Board, and in early 2004 a UPA After Care Support officer was appointed.

UPA has confirmed the previous apologies we have offered, and in response to the Senate’s 2004 “Forgotten Australians” reports request, the Board has now issued a formal corporate apology.

The United Protestant Association of NSW was a provider of child care in residential homes across NSW from 1938 with the expressed goal of providing Christian care. We acknowledge that at times we failed in that endeavour. UPA embraces the recommendations contained in the Senate's "Forgotten Australians" report.

As an organisation, we publicly and unreservedly apologise for any abuse or mistreatment suffered by children in our care and actively seek to help the process of healing.

UPA is committed to offering a just and compassionate response to all former children-in-care who make contact with us.

Click here to contact After Care Support

Downloads & resources

• If you know someone who was in care with UPA
• If you were in care with UPA