New study aims to provide answers for 500,000 ‘forgotten Australians’

A LANDMARK study will aim to ensure history isn’t repeated and shine a light on the trauma, neglect and maltreatment suffered by many in childhood institutions, or out-of-home care.

Bianca Grice is a former domestic violence victim. She does not wish to be identified - photographed as silhouette. Pic Chris Higgins

THEY are the 500,000 ‘Forgotten Australians’ who grew up in institutions or other types of public care and were often left with a litany of trauma, neglect and maltreatment.

The first national research study will be launched this week into adult survivors of Australian childhood institutions, or out-of-home care, who were there between 1930 and 1989.

The Long-term Outcomes of Forgotten Australians Study hopes to interview at least 1000 survivors from around the country to help ensure the mistakes of the past are never repeated.

“Concern has grown nationally and internationally about the history of trauma and victimisation experienced by the profoundly disadvantaged and vulnerable groups — Forgotten Australians, the Stolen Generation and Child Migrants — while growing up in institutions and other types of public care, and in their transition into adulthood,” chief LOFA investigator Professor Elizabeth Fernandez said.

“They frequently brought to this transition from care a history of trauma, of maltreatment, instability of living arrangements, educational neglect, alienation from their siblings and families and elevated levels of physical and mental health need.”

Prof Fernadez said the confidential nature of the research means they may uncover more instances of institutionalised child sexual abuse.

However, researchers are just as interested in positive experiences they believe will provide insights into people’s courage, strength, resilience and actions that enabled them to survive.

It’s hoped their findings, to be handed down towards the end of next year, will improve the lives of 40,000 Australian children currently in out-of-home care.

Speaking directly to those affected, she said: “This research is important in giving you a voice to share the challenges of your journey in care and after leaving care.

“Through sharing your experience you are ensuring the rights and wellbeing of those who are living in care today and into the future are protected.”

The study will be launched on Wednesday at UNSW by Justice Peter McClellan, chair of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

To complete the survey online visit: www.forgottenaustralians.unsw.edu.au or phone [phone].