Seaforth Convalescent Home, later Seaforth Home (GA2614)

Seaforth Home at Tarlson Street, Somerton Park, was opened as a convalescent home for children in 1921. It was originally under the control of the State Children's Council and its agency, the State Children's Department. Many of the children accommodated there were outpatients of the Adelaide Children's Hospital.

From 1928, Seaforth became a receiving home for girls and boys under the age of six who had been brought into State care.

In the 1930s, between 30 and 50 children lived at the home, the majority being girls. By the mid-1940s there were more than 60 children accommodated there.

The name of the institution was changed from Seaforth Convalescent Home to Seaforth Home in 1946. Seaforth was described as an institution for male and female infants and toddlers up to six years of age, and girls up to the age of eighteen. The majority of children placed at the home were those charged as 'destitute', 'neglected', or 'under unfit guardianship'. The number of children increased to nearly 100 by the early 1960s. The home was later known to receive intellectually and/or physically handicapped babies who required specialist care.

Seaforth Home closed in 1975, and five independent cottage homes were established on the site.

Source:

Finding your way: A guide to records of children's homes in South Australia, Nunkuwarrin Yunti of SA Inc, July 2005.