Description: This is a copy of a pamphlet produced by the Commonwealth Department of Social Services between around 1969 and around 1972 to provide information to ‘girls’ in Homes for unmarried mothers. It appears to be from the State of Queensland as it only refers to Homes and locations in that state.
This pamphlet was provided to the Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices Senate Inquiry in 2011 by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
It shows that young women were able to apply for unemployment benefits while they were in the maternity home, up until 12 weeks before the expected birth of their baby. For the last 12 weeks, young women could receive a ‘Special Benefit’. There was also a Sickness Benefit available if there were medical complications associated with the pregnancy.
Women were further eligible to receive a Maternity Allowance of $30, whether or not they kept their baby. The pamphlet states that ‘In some Homes this allowance is used to help pay for the costs of your confinement. Matron will advise you about this.’
