Our story
Over 110 years of history.
Last updated: 21 Nov 2024
A legacy of progress and excellence in child and family welfare
Since its inception in 1912, the Centre has played a pivotal role in shaping child welfare in Victoria, evolving from a small voluntary movement into a leading authority in the sector. Established amid a growing recognition of the inadequacies in child protection systems, the Centre’s early dedication laid the foundation for a more structured approach to addressing child and family welfare.
Throughout the decades, our commitment has guided us in adapting to changing social and legislative landscapes to better meet the needs of vulnerable children and families. From pioneering legislative reforms and advocating for enhanced child protection frameworks to expanding our reach, integrating with national initiatives and merging with Tasmania, our history reflects a continuous evolution driven by our dedication to improving the lives of children and families.
Our journey of growth and adaptation alongside our members, some of which have been affiliated with us since the 1930s, forms our enduring legacy as a cornerstone of child and family welfare advocacy and reform in Victoria.
As we continue to evolve, our mission remains at the forefront: to drive excellence in the sector, advocate for children and families, and support our members in delivering outstanding services.
1888 – 1920s
1988 – 1910: Early Child Savers
Melbourne was at the forefront of a vigorous child-saving movement. In 1910, a group of Child Savers and the principal societies they represented in Victoria came together to establish the Child Saving Council. Driven by the lack of social security or welfare systems, insufficient relief funds and overwhelmed private charities, this movement saw various welfare organisations and individuals come together to address the plight of children living in poverty.
Child Savers of the era were driven by a deep commitment to reforming the care of neglected urban children. Their efforts were motivated by a belief that existing institutions and organisations were not adequately addressing the needs of these vulnerable children. At this time, children had minimal rights and were often viewed as property rather than individuals in need of protection, a view enshrined in English canon law.
1912: The Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria (CWAV)
The Child Saving Council changed its name to the Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria (CWAV) when Mr A. E. Clarke called together representatives of child welfare organisations to arrange a Children’s Welfare Exhibition held at the Masonic Hall, Collins Street, Melbourne, from 18 November to 24 November 1913.
1919: The Children’s Maintenance Act
The Children’s Maintenance Act 1919 (Vic) was passed, allowing for state guardianship of children based solely on destitution. This pivotal development underscored the urgent need for structured child welfare systems, setting the stage for the CWAV’s future initiatives.
1922: The CWAV’s vision
By 1922, the CWAV’s objectives, formulated with the Association’s Rules and Regulations, were aimed at igniting interest in social work for children, inspiring voluntary service, and encouraging collaboration among various child welfare institutions. As a peak body, the CWAV facilitated cross-organisational communication, driving the collective effort to improve child welfare.
Child Saver’s perspectives on reform
Child Savers sought to challenge and reform the passive approaches of orphanages and statutory organisations. They pushed for legislative changes to protect children from cruelty and neglect, a cause that found strong support among Melbourne’s leading churches and reform alliances.
Their advocacy was also fuelled by concerns that poor people, seen as criminal and dependent, might affect the lives and fortunes of the wealthy. Society’s future, they argued, depended on children being removed from such environments.
At the time, a ‘good’ society was based on the family, the church and consequent stability. The child Savers believed children from urban slums could become more upright, respectable citizens if transported to rural areas at an early age.
Despite the many destitute people, no suggestion was made that the economy be vastly restructured.
1930s
The early 1930s
The CWAV evolved into a crucial coordinating body for non-government child welfare agencies in Victoria, representing over 80 community organisations at its peak. At its height, it represented more than 80 community organisations delivering child and family support and welfare services.
The CWAV was largely a voluntary organisation, with its Executive Committee comprising well-respected community members who dedicated their time and expertise to the cause.
The CWAV gained a reputation for effective advocacy and highlighting sector issues to decision-makers.
1937: Annual General Meeting
At the AGM, it was decided that three institutions would be visited each year to maintain close ties with the community and monitor the progress of various initiatives.
1940s
1940: World War II
World War II shifted public focus from welfare to wartime efforts. In 1940, a subcommittee proposed establishing an office to manage a reference library, compile child welfare statistics, and facilitate the exchange of institutional information. They also suggested organising a series of lectures to advance child welfare knowledge.
Between 1940 and 1942, the CWAV’s ability to conduct quality inspections was limited due to the poliomyelitis epidemic and petrol rationing, resulting in fewer visits. Despite this, a visit to the Salvation Army Boys’ Home in Box Hill and the Presbyterian Children’s Home in Burwood demonstrated the significant work being done.
1941-42: Adoption information
The CWAV explored the creation of a Central Bureau to manage adoption information from affiliated institutions. Discussions highlighted the need for prospective adoptive parents to have better education on their responsibilities.
1942 - 1943: The first sector forum
As a broad voluntary organisation, the CWAV’s 1942-43 agenda included:
- Amending the Children’s Welfare Act
- Managing clothes rationing in institutions
- Distributing Salvage Army clothing
- Air raid precautions at institutions
- Addressing truancy
- Assessing the impact of war on children
- Moral laxity evidenced in the behaviour of young people in the streets.
The CWAV expressed alarm over the rising number of young girls facing charges related to “vice and crime”, advocating for greater police authority and liaising with the National Council for Women on this critical issue.
From 1942 to 1943, the committee sought to enhance the Association’s activities and foster closer connections among affiliated institutions. Due to transport challenges for educational visits, they decided to host a series of lectures instead. The first, on 26 March, featured Mr J. B. Banks, Officer in Charge of Children’s Courts, who spoke about the development and work of Children’s Courts in Victoria. This event marked the Centre’s first sector forum, with around 40 representatives attending. The committee planned to continue these addresses in the following year.
1943 - 1944: Formation of a National Body
CWAV representatives attended a Canberra meeting organised by the NSW Association of Child Caring Agencies to explore creating a national body. This led to establishing the Child & Family Wellbeing Association of Australia Inc. (CAFWAA), now a part of Families Australia.
1946: Enhancing child welfare
Victoria had 70 children’s charitable institutions. The Herald highlighted deficiencies in their care, prompting CWAV and VCOSS to collaborate on developing improved child welfare policies.
1949: The state of children’s homes
Of 5,000 children in state and voluntary homes, 2,000 were privately placed, and 3,000 were State Wards.
1949-50: Key discussions and concerns
The Executive Committee addressed several issues, including:
- The Parliamentary Bill for the Proposed Central Children’s Court and the merits and demerits of the scheme were deliberated.
- The minimum age at which children could be brought before the court for criminal offences.
- The treatment of certain cases before the Courts, particularly those concerning families with no place of abode.
Rates of pay for employees at Children’s Homes.
1950s
1950 - 1951: Legislative reforms and policy
Attention focused on revising child welfare legislation. A subcommittee chaired by Mr. E.M. Derrick advocated for progressive policies, increased recognition of voluntary organisations, and the creation of a Child Welfare Advisory Council. Following a news article on a model Child Welfare Act, the committee discussed necessary legislative updates with the Children’s Welfare Department and highlighted the need for staff training in Children’s Homes.
1950 - 1953: Advocacy and funding issues
During this period, the CWAV:
- Demanded fair reimbursement for voluntary agencies caring for state wards.
- Reviewed and critiqued the Children’s Welfare Act 1928 with VCOSS.
- Campaigned for higher payments for State Wards, arguing that proposed increases were insufficient and burdened voluntary organisations.
In July 1950, a General Meeting discussed a letter from the Secretary of the Children’s Welfare Department addressed to Institutions taking Wards of the State regarding future payments on behalf of such Wards. This meeting unanimously agreed that the suggested increase was inadequate and would leave much of the responsibility for providing for such children to the voluntary organisations housing them. Institutions would be unwilling to provide beds for State Wards or a quota system, as suggested in the Secretary’s letter until they knew the new payment rate.
1953 - 1954: Funding adjustment
The maintenance allowance for State Wards in Children’s Institutions was increased by ten shillings.
1954 1955: Association objectives
The Association aimed to:
- Stimulate interest in child social work.
- Inspire voluntary service in the field.
- Encourage cooperation and collaboration among Victoria’s children’s institutions to enhance administrative efficiency.
- Promote the interests of these institutions effectively.
The 1955 Children’s Welfare Act significantly improved Victoria’s child welfare; it established the Children’s Welfare Advisory Council, with CWAV playing a vital role in the selection of representatives – two were to be selected by the Minister from a panel of not less than four persons nominated by the Association. It was considered important that these members be actively involved in child welfare work and closely connected with the Executive.
1957 - 1958: Debates on childcare methods
Debates focused on “Changing Methods in Child Care,” emphasising the benefits of the cottage system over the traditional large institutions. Despite higher costs, cottages were favoured for their ability to create close, therapeutic bonds between staff and children. An ideal cottage size was proposed as twelve children—large enough for efficiency but small enough to maintain a homelike atmosphere.
1958: The first Child Care Week
The CWAV inaugurates the annual Child Care Week.
1960s
1960: The Social Welfare Act
The Social Welfare Act consolidated human services functions and initiated the deinstitutionalisation of children’s homes. CWAV highlighted the Act’s significance at its 49th Annual General Meeting.
CWAV called for the State Government to fully cover the costs of State Wards in voluntary institutions. Although there was a slight increase in funding, members deemed it insufficient.
1964: Establishing a city office
The Government of Victoria recognised CWAV’s work with an annual grant of £250, enabling the establishment of a city office to support its expanding activities. This recognition marked a pivotal shift from a volunteer-driven organisation to a professional entity, coinciding with the early 1960s’ increased focus on social work following the identification of battered baby syndrome.
1965: Early intervention
The CWAV emphasised the importance of early intervention and family support. A report underscored that a strong home life and good parenting are crucial for preventing social issues like juvenile delinquency and advocating for cost-effective prevention over remediation.
1967 – 1968: Voluntary reporting
An inter-departmental committee established by the Minister for Health recommended voluntary reporting of child maltreatment but opposed mandatory reporting.
1970s
1970s: Child protection
Since the 1970s, child protection departments have continued to return children to their homes, aligning with the deinstitutionalisation policy.
1972: 50 Market St, Melbourne
The Whitlam Government launched a broad social reform agenda. CWAV expanded its operations by leasing office space from the Mission of St James and St John, eventually moving to various locations before settling at Level 5, 50 Market St, Melbourne, which remains its current office.
1972: 60 years on
During CWAV’s Diamond Jubilee, the 60th AGM celebrated the organisation’s history of dedication to child welfare. The Annual Report praised the Association’s significant impact on understanding children’s needs and advancing legislation and services.
1975: New family support services
Family Law Act established children’s interests as paramount, emphasising no-fault and child-focused considerations.
New services included the Supporting Mothers’ Benefit and Commonwealth subsidies for family planning clinics, childcare centres, migrant services, and community health centres.
1976: Consultancy and Research Unit
Victoria saw a substantial increase in child protection funding. CWAV successfully lobbied for funds to create its first Consultancy and Research Unit to enhance child welfare practices.
1976: Adoption trends
Due to the Supporting Mothers’ Benefit, infant adoptions significantly declined after 1973; however, intercountry adoptions rose, and the First National Adoption Conference was held in 1976.
VACCA was established by Auntie Mollie Dyer.
1978: The need for expertise
The Association began strategic planning for future development. Alan Williams highlighted the need for expertise in education, health, and welfare, along with robust research and publication efforts. He also pointed out the challenges, including reactive rather than proactive representation and the need for a more coordinated voice.
1978: The need for expertise
The Association began strategic planning for future development. Alan Williams highlighted the need for expertise in education, health, and welfare, along with robust research and publication efforts. He also pointed out the challenges, including reactive rather than proactive representation and the need for a more coordinated voice.
1980
1983-84: The Carney Report
The Child Welfare Practice and Legislation Review Committee, led by Terry Carney, conducts a major review of child welfare legislation, known as the Carney Report; it emphasises rights-based reforms in child protection.
1985: The dual-track system
Community Services Victoria assumes responsibility for child protection from the Department of Community Welfare Services. A dual-track system involving Victoria Police and the Department is introduced.
1986: The 6th National Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect
The 6th National Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect in Sydney highlights child sexual abuse as a critical issue on the international stage.
1988-89: Removal of the dual-track system
An inquiry into Victoria’s child protection system, led by Mrs Delys Sargeant and Justice John Fogarty, finds it lacking and recommends phasing out the dual-track approach, with the Department taking the lead.
1990s
1990: UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
Australia signs the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
1991: Daniel Valerio
Following the highly publicised death of 4-year-old Daniel Valerio, a departmental inquiry is conducted. It reinforces the need to eliminate the dual-track system but defers decisions on mandatory reporting.
1992: Mandatory reporting
The Kennett Government introduces mandatory reporting under the Children and Young Persons Act.
Funding inadequacies become apparent, with prevention and early intervention services suffering.
1996: Residential care review
Victoria’s Auditor-General reviews child protection services, identifying significant issues such as inadequate notification responses and poor supervision in residential care.
Competitive tendering for government-funded services is introduced.
1997: Bringing Them Home
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission releases Bringing Them Home, a report on the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
1995 - 1999: The National Child Protection Clearinghouse
The Commonwealth Government increases its involvement in child protection, establishing the National Child Protection Clearinghouse and funding research into child abuse prevention.
The focus shifts to early development, trauma, and intensive family preservation services.
2000
2000: Child and Family Act review
CWAV calls for a Ministerial Advisory Council, a Child and Family Act review and an Independent Commissioner for Children and Young People.
The Bracks Labor Government establishes the Ministerial Advisory Council on Child, Youth, and Family Services.
2001: Children and Young Persons Act review
The Department of Human Services announces a review of the Children and Young Persons Act.
2003: The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
With support from the Victorian Government, CWAV transforms into the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, becoming the peak body for community service organisations in Victoria.
2004: Forgotten Australians
The Senate releases the Forgotten Australians report on institutional care.
2005: The Office for Children
The Office for Children is established, and the Children, Youth, and Families Act (2005) is drafted.
2006: Victorian government apology
The Victorian government apologises for past failures following the Forgotten Australians report.
2007: The Children, Youth and Families Act and the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act
The Children, Youth and Families Act (2005) and the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act (2005) are enacted.
2008: Government apology
The Australian government issues an apology to the Stolen Generation.
2008-2009: Senate review
The Senate reviews responses to the Lost Innocents and Forgotten Australians reports.
The Australian government apologises for past institutional abuses.
2011: Victorian Government Inquiry
The Victorian Government announces the Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry, aiming to address systemic issues in child protection.
2011-2012: Adoption investigations and a Royal Commission
The Senate investigates former forced adoption practices.
The Victorian government’s Betrayal of Trust inquiry examines child abuse by non-government organisations.
The Australian government announces a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
2013: Government apology and Aboriginal self-determination
The Australian government issue an apology related to forced adoption practices.
The Centre and other agencies advocate for Aboriginal self-determination in child welfare.
2013: Vulnerable Children Strategy
Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Strategy is released, emphasising definitions, performance frameworks, and accountability.
2015: Victoria’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence
Following family violence-related deaths, Victoria initiates its first Royal Commission into Family Violence, producing 227 recommendations.
2016: Home Strech
The Centre and Anglicare launch the Home Stretch campaign to extend out-of-home care until age 21.
2016: Roadmap for Reform
The Victorian Government’s Roadmap for Reform is launched, with the Centre’s CEO co-chairing the implementation group.
2017: Marriage Law and OPEN
The Centre supports the Yes vote in the marriage law survey.
The Centre launches the Outcomes, Practice, and Evidence Network (OPEN) to promote evidence-based child welfare practices.
2018: The Victorian Aboriginal Children and Families Agreement
The Australian government announces a National Redress Scheme for institutional child sexual abuse.
The Wungurilwil Gapgapduir Agreement is signed to reduce Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.
2019-2021: Forced adoptions investigation
The Victorian government investigates historical forced adoptions.
2023: NSW Home Stretch
NSW adopts the Home Stretch campaign, extending out-of-home care to age 21 nationwide.
2024: Tasmania merger
The Centre was launched as the peak body for child and family services in Tasmania In October of 2024 by the Hon. Roger Jaensch Minister for Children and Youth and Prof. Leah Bromfield, Director and Chair of Child Protection at the Australian Centre for Child Protection.
