This document discusses the experiences of children who were placed in institutional care in Australia during the 20th century. It provides context on inquiries, apologies, and memorials that have brought greater awareness but questions whether justice has been delivered. The document calls for a National Redress Scheme, data collection, identity recognition for services, and education to address the lasting impacts of abuse like loss of identity, mental illness, and homelessness. It asks why knowledge has failed to deliver justice for these "Forgotten Australians".

1. Alliance for
Forgotten Australians
“Has knowledge brought justice”?
A survivor’s perspective.
Caroline Carroll OAM
© Alliance for Forgotten Australians

2. Introduction
 Australia has a history of locking up children.
 During the 20th century, an estimated half million
Australian children were placed in institutional
care in Australia. Many were criminally abused
and neglected.
 Have these children, now adults received justice?
 What is justice for these adults?
 How can these adults receive justice?

3. Current context
 DVD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzCQKq7ttTg#t=18 )
 Royal Commission, Australian Senate and
State Government inquiries.
 National and state apologies.
 Memorials.
 Specialist support services.

4. Impact of past ‘care’ experiences
 Loss of identity
 Low self esteem
 Poor access to schooling
 Reduced employment options
 Difficulties with personal relationships
 Poor health and wellbeing
 Mental illness
 Harmful use of drugs
 High risk of homelessness

5. Royal Commission into Institutional
Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

6. Memorials across Australia

7. National Apology to Forgotten
Australians

8. What is needed?
 National Redress Scheme
 Data collection
 ‘Special needs’ recognition, identity
card (health, housing & community
services)
 Recognition of early onset ageing
 Professional education

9. We are still waiting!
 Why has justice not been delivered?
 How do we explain the gulf between
knowledge and justice?
 Why has knowledge failed to deliver
justice?
 Three examples from the media.

10. The Alliance for Forgotten Australians
Chair: Caroline Carroll
www.forgottenaustralians.org.au
Phone: +61 438460184
E: ccarroll@openplace.org.au
Contacts