Some of the information contained in the following videos, websites and documents is distressing. It describes cruelty and abuse of children. It is sad and confronting, but they are not just sad stories. They are a call to action. A call that these survivors have been making for decades, which led to some action, such as the establishment of services like Wattle Place. But there is still so much more that needs to be done, and CAN be done. We hope, as you make your way through this information, you will identify small (or big!) changes you can make, or actions you can take, to bring a little bit of justice to these remarkable survivors.
If you are aware of resources that we should add to this list, please contact us.
If anything in this information causes you distress, please talk to someone or seek support through the crisis numbers at the bottom of the page.
Wattle Place information
Tracing your Family Tree Booklet
Videos
The Forgotten Australians – Adele Chynoweth at TEDxCanberra
Who are the Forgotten Australians? – Youtube
Forgotten Australians: Wattle Place – Daily Telegraph video
My stolen childhood, and a life to rebuild | Sheila Humphries | TEDxPerth
Mothers share their personal experiences with Forced Adoption – ABC
Forgotten Fathers – SBS Insight episode
Angela’s story part 1 – ABC (Adopted person’s story)
Angela’s story part 2 – ABC (Adopted person’s story)
Angela’s story part 3 – ABC (Adopted person’s story)
For family, friends, partners and loved ones supporting a survivor of trauma – Blueknot
Without our Consent a Queensland Story – Jigsaw Queensland
Key Organisations
Alliance for Forgotten Australians
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN)
Link-up NSW Aboriginal Corporation
Survivors and Mates Support Network (SAMSN)
Blue Knot Foundation – National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma
Key websites
National Museum of Australia Inside: Life in Children’s Homes and Institutions Exhibition
National Library of Australia Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants Oral History Project
Australian National Maritime Museum Britain’s Child Migrants virtual Exhibition
Forced Adoptions History Project
Adopt Perspective Podcast – Jigsaw Queensland
Australian Department of Social Security – Forced Adoption Practices
Key documents
UNSW, 2017, Long term Outcomes for Forgotten Australians Study
AIHW, 2018, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stolen Generations aged 50 and over Report
Impact of past adoption practices: Summary of key issues from Australian research – Final report
Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices
Final Report: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Useful Documents
Practical Tips for Aged Care providers to support their clients to develop their own “About Me”