History

DE has specialised in the care and support of children and young people with significant intellectual and physical disabilities for over 30 years, with its main focus having been the management of Greystanes Children's Home.

The original service began in 1954, when the late Elizabeth McDonald began caring for children in a home situated in the same street as the former Greystanes Children's Home and current DE office.  In the mid 1970's, parents of the residents assumed management of the business and worked with the Federal Government to build the existing Home, which was opened in 1984.

With changes to legislation and philosophy relating to the care of children with disabilities, Greystanes Children's Home has now closed as a residential institution and all accommodation services are provided in community based homes where care can be more individually focussed.

DE is funded through grants from the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.  These grants are supplemented by service user fees and fundraising.