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Our Mission
"We believe that Aboriginal children should always live with their parents, or grandparents, uncles, aunts, brothers,
sisters or cousins.
We maintain that our Aboriginal heritage is beyond value and no child should be deprived of it's
richness.
We will strive to ensure that all Aboriginal children are safe in a caring and secure environment."
(Taken from the Statement of Purpose of the Aboriginal Family Support Services Inc 1998).
Company Profile
The Aboriginal Family Support Services Inc (AFSS) was established in 1978 as the
SA Aboriginal Child Care Agency Forum Inc (ACCA)
in order to have an Aboriginal organisation involved
in matters relating to child welfare. Prior to 1978, Aboriginal children were often being
removed from their families
and communities without the consent or even consultation with extended family members.
ACCA was established as a community based and controlled organisation to redress these injustices and to
provide support,
assistance and advocacy to Aboriginal children, youth and families.
ACCA initially began as a foster care agency aimed at recruiting Aboriginal foster carers - however, since ACCA's foundation,
it's role has grown.
In 1993, a new Children's Protection Act was passed. As a result, whenever Families SA becomes involved with Aboriginal child placement issues, they must involve an Aboriginal organisation.
ACCA has been chosen as one of
these Aboriginal organisations, hence we are consulted by Families SA about the placement of Aboriginal children.
Under the new Alternative Care Services plan, which began on the 1st December 1997, ACCA is funded to provide Family
Preservation services. These are services which aim to prevent children from having to leave their families.
In October 1998, ACCA relaunched itself as the Aboriginal Family Support Services Inc (AFSS).
AFSS also provides Youth Accommodation Support Services for Aboriginal youth aged between 15-24.
AFSS has two units which assist Aboriginal youth in developing independent living skills which would enable them to be able to live independently.
Aboriginal Family Support Services Inc.
Telephone 61 8 8212 1112 •
FAX 61 8 8212 1123 •
Postal address 134 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SOUTH AUSTRALIA 5000
