National Aged and Community Care Roundtable for Forgotten Australians
The National Aged and Community Care Roundtable for Forgotten Australians is a group that brings together Forgotten Australians and other Care Leavers as well as a diverse range of individuals and organisations throughout Australia all focused to help increase the availability, appropriateness, and quality of aged and community care services for Forgotten Australians.
There were over 500,000 children who were placed in institutions and out-of-home 'care' around Australia. They are known as Forgotten Australians and included Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian children and Child Migrants.
Many suffered abuse and neglect while in these facilities from the very people who were supposed to care for and protect them.
These institutions included Churches, Orphanages, Children’s homes, Group Homes, Youth Detention Centres and Adult mental health facilities. As well as being often denied access to health care, education, love, and affection there have been innumerable reports of mental, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Because of these conditions, many Forgotten Australians continue to face an array of complex issues which include mental and physical illnesses, homelessness, substance abuse, relationship issues, and poor literacy1 .
Forgotten Australians
Learn More About Aged Care and Forgotten Australians
Forgotten Australians, or individuals who experienced institutional and out of home 'care' as children, are considered a special needs group by the Australian Government under the Aged Care Act. This is aimed at assisting Forgotten Australians as they age to access appropriate care and support.
To learn more about this, click here.
Stories
Robert's Story
Robert is a 60-year-old Forgotten Australian. He was removed from his abusive mother (who herself was institutionalised) by the Department of Community Services and eventually placed in the 'care' of a relative. Robert has a brain injury as a result of childhood abuse and therefore has some cognitive impairment and difficulty processing information.
These stories were part of the submission to the Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety. The names have been changed for the individuals' privacy.
Note: The National Aged and Community Care Roundtable for Forgotten Australians use the term Forgotten Australians and other Care Leavers. It is understood that many individuals who were placed in out-of-home or institutional 'care' do not wish to be identified as 'Forgotten Australians' and this preference should be respected. We respect and acknowledge every individual.