"The Stolen Generation" is a phrase, which is now familiar to most Australians. It speaks of the suffering and sometimes permanent damage caused to many Aboriginal children unjustly removed from their families and frequently raised in institutions. This essay will look at the issues brought about from the stolen generation, the role of the government as well as the long lasting effects.

The stolen generation occurred between the years 1910 and 1970 mainly in rural Australia. It involved the removal of full blood aboriginal children as well as "half-castes" from their families, to be placed in institutions or foster care with a white family. The negative consequences of removing the children cannot be under estimated. For the majority of people involved, the effects have been "multiple and profoundly disabling." (`The Stolen Generation', vol. 91, pg.16) Nor do the effects stop with the children being removed - removal polices continue to resound...