Communities and Justice

Aboriginal Child and Family Centres

Aboriginal Child and Family Centres (ACFCs) offer culturally-safe services to families with Aboriginal children aged up to 8 years of age. The centres provide communities with access to early childhood education and care services, child and maternal health programs as well as family support, playgroups and adult education opportunities.

There are currently nine ACFCs operating across NSW. The NSW Government has begun an expansion of the program to establish additional centres in NSW. 

Watch the videos below to see the amazing things happening in ACFCs in NSW or read on below to learn more

Watch

How are programs at Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre closing the gap in Northern NSW

How is Winanga-Li's Aboriginal Fathers Program building stronger communities in Northern NSW

How is Winanga-Li setting up young Aboriginal kids for a happy and healthy life

About the centres

ACFCs deliver a cultural model of care, based on Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing.

The services within an ACFC are delivered by Aboriginal people, for Aboriginal people through an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).

Access to high-quality early childhood education, care and health checks is a critical to making sure babies and children have the best start in life and that their families and communities are supported. This increased access to directly contributes to Closing the Gap.

ACFCs are providing this for Aboriginal families in NSW.

The Cultural & Indigenous Research Centre Australia evaluation report that ACFCs are successfully:

  • increasing health checks and immunisation rates
  • improving access to early childhood education and care for children who had not previously attended
  • strengthening community engagement and trust in services.

Closing the Gap

ACFCs contribute to multiple Closing the Gap targets, including:

  • Target 3: Increase participation in early childhood education
  • Target 4: Improve early childhood development outcomes
  • Target 12: Reduce overrepresentation in child protection
  • Target 14: Improve social and emotional wellbeing
  • Target 17: Improve access to culturally appropriate services

What services do ACFCs provide?

ACFCs provide a wide range of culturally-safe integrated services tailored to the needs of Aboriginal families in that community. These services go beyond standard early childhood education and are designed to address holistic wellbeing, cultural connection, and community empowerment. The full list of services can include the following:

Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) (Delivered)

  • Regulated preschool and long day care
  • Playgroups
  • Sensory rooms for children with additional needs (additional in some sites)
  • Outdoor play spaces designed for cultural and developmental enrichment

Health Services

  • Maternal and child health checks
  • Immunisations
  • Developmental screenings (for example speech, hearing, vision)
  • Allied health services (for example speech pathology, occupational therapy, paediatrics)
  • Disability screening and NDIS support
  • Family and Parenting Support

Parenting programs and workshops

  • Adult and child counselling
  • Literacy and early learning support for parents
  • Intensive family support (including out-of-hours and off-site support)

Advocacy and Social Services

  • Housing advocacy and support (essential)
  • Legal and financial assistance referrals (essential)
  • Centrelink and government services navigation (essential)
  • Domestic and family violence support (essential)
  • Out-of-home care (OOHC) case management support (essential)

Community and Cultural Services

  • Cultural programs for children, youth, elders, and families
  • Ceremonial spaces and outdoor gathering areas
  • Community kitchens and food support (e.g. pantries, meals)
  • Clothing drives and material aid
  • Support for community events and sporting activities

Digital and Workforce Support

  • Computer hubs for staff and community use
  • Employment and training referrals
  • Business development support

The role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are the primary service providers in ACFCs. They deliver early childhood education, health services, parenting programs, and more. Their involvement ensures that services are culturally appropriate, trusted, and effective.

Learn more about about our commitment to ACCOs and how to demonstrate eligibility for ACCO contracts for the delivery of human services on our website

There is demand for more ACFCs in NSW

DCJ is establishing six more ACFCs and upgrading existing ACFCs in NSW through the ACFC Expansion and Enhancement program. The ACFC Expansion Program is funded under the NSW Brighter Beginnings initiative.

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