FOSTERING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR FAMILIES
For almost 150 years, Kennerley has been an integral part of caring for vulnerable Tasmanian children. While we believe that children are best placed to be with their family of origin, the reality is that this is not always possible.
Our focus is always on the children and their development through supportive family environments that can take many forms, and quality care.
On the 7th of April 1869, The Hon. Alfred Kennerley, mayor and premier elect of Hobart established Kennerley Boys Home and Industrial School. Alfred Kennerley was a community minded man who saw family’s needs and he was committed to making a difference through education and assistance when they most needed it. The children and young boys that came to Kennerley did so at their parent’s request, or when they became orphaned and had no one to care for them.
Times were tough and when families were struggling to provide for their children Kennerley Boys Home always helped out. The young men exiting Kennerleys care had trades and were job ready when they left Kennerley because we knew how important a good education was. Over time Kennerley opened their doors to include girls and family groups to make sure that children and families were kept together.
Today almost 150 years later, we are still here because Tasmanian families still need us. Kennerley continues to be a vibrant contemporary
Tasmanian organisation with as much heart as it has always had, growing and developing to meet your needs and society’s expectations ensuring access to quality home-based care for children and young people.
Kennerley has embraced the change to family based models of care and moved away from Institutional care for children because we know what’s best for children and young people to grow into confident and competent young people. We have always strived to provide contemporary trauma informed care for young people with a strong emphasis on their education and development because they are an investment in our collective future.