Full description
May Villa home was established in the Sydney suburb of Carlingford in 1919. It initially became a home for around 30 girls defined in 1919 as 'feeble-minded', in 1920 the girls were transferred from May Villa. It became a home for primary school aged boys who were also defined as 'feeble-minded'. It had a special school attached to the premises with teachers trained in the Montessori method. (1)
May Villa catered for intellectually handicapped boys who were mainly school aged but did include some older boys. (2)
The 1967 annual report for the Department of Youth and Community Services stated that 'the Home must provide a concentration of personalised care and attention, especially as the boys, as with all wards, have nearly all experienced neglect and deprivation and most are socially and emotionally maladjusted in addition to the difficulties posed by their intellectual handicap. It isimperative, therefore, that these boys be helped to develop affectionate and secure relationships withresponsible adults so that the attainment of their full potential as adults can be guided along sound lines.' (3)
In 1967 the full strength at May Villa was 30 boys. That year 12 boys left the home for foster placement, transfer, or restoration to parents and 12 new boys were admitted. (4)
In 1975 the younger intellectually handicapped boys from May Villa were transferred to Brush Farm Home and May Villa began operating as a Residential Care Unit for primary schoolage boys, all of whom attend community schools. (5)
May Villa was closed by the end of 1983. (6)
Endnotes
1. Find & Connect website http://www.findandconnect.gov.au (accessed 11 April 2014).
2. Department of Youth and Community Services, Annual Report, 1945, p.14.
3. Department of Youth and Community Services, Annual Report, 1967, p.27.
4. Department of Youth and Community Services, Annual Report, 1967, p.27.
5. Department of Youth and Community Services, Annual Report, 1976-1977, p.33.
6. Department of Youth and Community Services, Annual Report, 1983-84, p.85.
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