What We Do
Wattle Place is a free, trauma-informed support service for people impacted by institutional or foster care experiences, institutional child sex abuse or forced adoption in Australia
We support Forgotten Australians, Former Child Migrants, members of the Stolen Generations, people 26 or over who spent time in NSW out of home care, those with lived experience of forced adoption and people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse who are eligible for the National Redress Scheme.
Support is tailored to individual needs, and can include:
- Counselling (face-to-face, phone, or online)
- Help accessing personal and institutional records
- Therapeutic casework, advocacy and referrals
Support Services at Wattle Place
We operate across four primary services, listed below. For more information, and to find out if you are eligible for free support with us, please visit the service pages.
Forgotten Australians Support Service
For people who were placed in NSW institutions or foster homes before 1990, or after 1990 and are aged over 26. We offer counselling, connection, access to records and practical support in a safe, understanding environment.
Find and Connect Support Service
Assistance for anyone placed in out-of-home care anywhere in Australia before 1990. We assist with accessing records, tracing family, and navigating the emotional impacts of uncovering the past.
National Redress Support Service
Support for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We guide people through the Redress process, offering emotional support and help navigating outcomes – always at the survivor’s pace.
Forced Adoptions Support Service
Therapeutic support, assistance with records and reunions, and connection to peer networks for people affected by past forced adoptions — including adoptees, parents, and family members.