John Carey Guest, 1952-61

Component identifier:

Series 2

Content Summary:

Epstein's second child, John Carey Guest (known as Carey), was born on 26 September 1952. Shortly after his birth he contracted encephalitis, which left him severely intellectually disabled. In 1957, after it became clear that the family could no longer provide the level of care required, Carey was placed in residential care at Kew Cottages in Melbourne.

Epstein's association with Kew Cottages led to a lifetime involvement in issues relating to the disabled. She and her husband were founders of the Kew Cottages Parents' Association, the first such organisation to be associated with a government institution, and Epstein was foundation President. The Association was responsible for many reforms in the field of mental health.

Epstein went on to write several books and numerous articles about the disabled, in an attempt to raise public awareness about disability. Her book, Image of the King: a parent's story of mentally handicapped children, details her personal experiences as the mother of a disabled child.

Included in this series are cards and letters from family and friends, including a sympathy letter and poem from Olive Pell, received when Carey was placed in care, and a case history notebook of Carey's progress, which was kept Epstein. There are also papers relating to the Kew Cottages Parents Association, which include a notebook recording proceedings of meetings, a copy of the constitution and newspaper cuttings.

See also series 8 for related material.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were acquired in instalments from June Epstein. Two larger instalments were received in 1994 and 1999 and three smaller ones in 1993, 1994 and 1996.

Names:

Epstein, June

Contents

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