Wybra Hall's purpose was to provide residential care, custody, control, guidance and direction to children by the direction of the Department of Community Welfare.;;;;Wybra Hall (built in 1860) is located in Mangalore, and was purchased by the Tasmanian government in 1952 to "provide care and training for older wards who because of maladjustment and delinquency require special institutional control" (Annual Report of the Social Services Department, 1956). As a state reformatory it initially housed boys (10-14 years old), and in 1979 it accommodated girls (up to 16 years old) as well who were transfered from Weeroona Girls' Training Centre. Its function was to separate young children from the older children. It was normal practice for the children to attend local schools if they were able to do so.;;;;In 1950, a fire substantially destroyed the Ashley Home for Boys and the Inquiry into the Control and Management of Ashley Boys' Home in 1951 recommended a new Home be established for boys up to 14 years old. This lead to the opening of Wybra Hall in 1956.;;;;In 1984, the Department opened a medium security closed section. According to the Annual Report of 1984, this was to improve the quality of care for those who were 'experiencing severe difficulties' and to reduce the level of absconding.;;;;The Hall is now a private residence.