This chapter appears in Child Maltreatment in Residential Care: History, Research, and Current Practice, a volume of research examining the institutionalization of children, child abuse and neglect in residential care, and interventions preventing and responding to violence against children living in out-of-home care settings around the world.
Abstract
This research explored life experiences of “care” leavers who have lived in institutions (such as children’s homes and orphanages) or other forms of out-of-home care (OOHC) as children. Participants in this study were drawn from the larger cohort of those who were in care between 1930 and 1989: Forgotten Australians, members of the Stolen Generations, and Child Migrants. The findings are based on surveys completed by 669 participants, interviews with 92 participants, and 20 focus groups attended by 77 participants. This chapter specifically focuses on (1) experiences of maltreatment in care, (2) factors related to maltreatment, and (3) the effects of maltreatment on adult outcomes. Almost every participant in this study experienced abuse and maltreatment in care. Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse frequently occurred concurrently. Children experienced a high level of abuse from predatory adults, and many were also abused by peers. The quality of schooling was generally poor and many children left care illiterate and innumerate. Children were involved in hard physical labor from a very young age, mainly unpaid. Although related factors differed by the type and source of maltreatment, in general, participants were more likely to be maltreated while in care if they were younger at entry into OOHC, were state wards at entry, stayed longer in OOHC, had more placements, did not have or rarely had contact with their families, and did not have anyone helpful in care. Participants were more likely to experience educational neglect while in care if they were older generations, had more placements, and lacked contact with their families. The consequences of maltreatment in care seemed to be extended well beyond their childhoods persisting into late adulthood. Although the effects differed by outcomes, experiencing all types of abuse while in care had more negative effects on various adult outcomes. The educational neglect had negative effects for some outcomes, mainly related to financial aspects of life. Most participants in this study were denied almost all rights to protection, nurture, learning, health, and well-being while growing up in care. Instead, they experienced neglect, abuse, and great trauma. This has clearly had lifelong health and well-being impacts. Based on these findings, implications for policy and services are discussed.