The children of Fairbridge: insights for child welfare practice

The Prince of Wales Fairbridge Farm School was a residential child care center located near the town of Duncan, British Columbia. This program was in operation from 1935 to 1951 and was home to 329 British children who immigrated to become its residents. The author's father was one ofFairbridge's residents, which gives this thesis a personal component. Past residents of Fairbridge have formed the Fairbridge Canada Association. Through this association, they keep in contact with each other through semiannual reunions at the old Fairbridge site and a quarterly newsletter. The existence of this association, coupled with stories the author grew up hearing from her father, suggested that Fairbridge was a unique and successful residential child care center. This is in sharp contrast to the negative connotations that are often associated with residential child care programs. The aim of this research was to explore the Fairbridge Program and to assess the extent to which its practices can be used as guides for current child welfare initiatives. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explores 'the experiences of individuals, who as children, resided at Fairbridge'. The data came from in-depth conversations or self-recordings of eight former residents of Fairbridge. To put this topic into context. the literature review looks at the development of child welfare in relation to political changes regarding residential child care. The Fairbridge program, from its conception to its closing, is also reviewed. The experiences of participants are presented in summative themes. which are illustrated in a visual model. These themes give insights into considerations when raising children in a residential child care environment. Three important summative themes are attachment, self-identity and well being. These illuminated the importance of consistency in residence and house mates when in residential care and give insights to the role adults can play in the lives of children being raised without family.