VPRS 17996 Tattoo Removal Program Files

Full description

This series consists of case files of trainees who participated in the Tattoo Removal program which operated out of Winlaton Youth Training Centre (VA 5093) from, c. 1980 - 1981. The purpose of the program was to remove the trainee's tattoos (with their informed consent) by re-tattooing them with skin coloured dye. It was felt that tattoos were a stigma which caused trainees to be treated negatively in the community. For example, to experience difficulty in gaining employment.

Each file contains the following documents:
tattoo information sheet providing personal particulars of and details of a trainee's tattoo
a parent's permission form for trainees under 18 years of age
a referral from a doctor
progress notes form detailing the progress of the treatment.

The files also contain photographs of both the trainees and their tattoos prior to treatment and in some instances, photographs of the trainees.

To remove tattoos, a tattooist periodically visited Winlaton. The service was also offered to ex-trainees and members of the public at other locations. The Tattoo removal Program was funded by a Children in Residential Care Grant from the Felton Bequest.