For almost 150 years, Kennerley has been an integral part of caring for vulnerable Tasmanian children. While we believe the best place for children iswith 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 Kennerley’s care had trades and were job ready 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 societal 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 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.

Kennerley still provides community respite to mums and dads needing our assistance, foster care for children who cannot remain safely in their family home, independent living programs for young people leaving foster care, and an Education and Enrichment program with a curriculum designed to assist them to reach their individual potential.

Kennerly is a private, not-for-profit organisation run by a volunteer board, dedicated and professional staff, foster carers, and volunteers. If you are ready for the opportunity of a lifetime, give us a call to ask how you can open your heart and your home.

On 30th June 2020, Kennerley was officially awarded Safeguarding Children Service accreditation by the Australian Childhood Foundation. This means that anyone working with us, whether they are families, contractors, or service providers, interactions are characterised by our underpinning SGC policy and procedures.

If you want to work for us, volunteer or become a foster carer, you will need to undertake an induction, complete online training, commit to safeguarding children through a commitment statement, andmake sure you have a current WWVP card.

Our policies require recruitment screening questions so that you understand our expectation in putting children’s and young people’s safety first.