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Aboriginal Kinship Care

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What is Aboriginal Kinship Care?

Aboriginal Kinship Care offers a safe, culturally connected out-of-home care option for Aboriginal children and young people who cannot live with their birth families. It places them with relatives or close family friends, keeping strong ties to culture, community, and identity.

Becoming a Kinship Carer

  • Keep Culture Strong
    Support children in staying connected to their Aboriginal culture, language, and traditions – foundations of identity, belonging, and healing. Work in partnership with non-Aboriginal carers and kin to create safe, respectful, and supported pathways for cultural connection.
  • Strengthen Family and Community
    Support children in maintaining strong bonds with family, community, and Country.
  • Provide Safety and Love
    Offer a familiar, stable, and loving home where children feel safe and cared for.
  • Make a Lifelong Impact
    Be someone who changes a child’s life – supporting them to grow strong, proud, and resilient.
  • Get Support Every Step of the Way
    Receive advocacy, training, and ongoing support to help you in your caring role.
  • Be Respected and Valued
    Kinship carers are highly respected in the community for stepping up and keeping children close to home, culture, and heart.

Who Can Be a Kinship Carer?

  • Grandparents
  • Aunties or uncles
  • Older siblings or cousins
  • Close cultural family, friends or community members
  • Anyone with a meaningful relationship to the child

What’s Involved?

  • Kinship Carer assessment to identify your strengths, challenges, and suitability for the caring role
  • Providing a safe and supportive home
  • Keeping children connected to their culture and community
  • Working with support services and child protection
  • Attending mandatory training and accessing available support

Becoming a Kinship Carer

“You don’t have to do it alone. Help, guidance and carer subsidies are available every step of the way”

 Kinship Care can bring a mix of emotions.

You may feel relief knowing the children are safe, loved, and staying with someone they trust.

But it can also be challenging to shift from being the “fun” relative or friend to the one setting boundaries and making tough decisions.

As an aunt, uncle, grandparent, sibling, friend or neighbour, you might also experience:

  • Grief over the loss or absence of a child’s parent
  • Anger or frustration at the situation you’re facing
  • Shame or guilt, even if none of it is your fault
  • Worry or uncertainty about what lies ahead

These feelings are natural. You’re not alone.

There is support available to help you navigate these changes with respect, cultural understanding, and care.

We Endorse the Charter of Rights for Children and Young People in Care

charter of rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Things people often ask us about Aboriginal Kinship Care

Becoming a Kinship Carer is a big step. At AFSS, we know this role can be rewarding but also challenging. You are not expected to do this alone.

Many carers have already been looking after children in their family or community. When you become a formal Kinship Carer, AFSS will walk alongside you. We will keep you informed, listen to you, and support you throughout your caring journey.

AFSS Kinship Care Liaison Officers support you for as long as you are a Kinship Carer with us. They are here to:

  • Give advice and practical help

  • Speak up for you when needed

  • Help you understand and work with the child protection system

  • Support you through changes, challenges, and tough times

Yes. We will provide training and clear information so you feel confident in your role. This includes:

  • How kinship care and the child protection system work

  • Your responsibilities as a carer

  • What financial support is available and how to access it

All Kinship Carers must complete some mandatory training to keep children safe and well. This includes:

  • Safe Environments (Mandatory Notification)

  • Infant Safety (if caring for a child aged 0–2)

  • Cultural Capability

  • Therapeutic Care Approaches (Healing Through Care)

AFSS will help you understand what is required and support you to complete the training.

Yes. Kinship Carers are volunteers, but you will receive government-funded payments to help with the cost of caring for a child or young person.

You will receive a weekly or fortnightly payment to help with everyday costs, such as:

  • Food and clothing

  • Activities and recreation

  • Basic medical needs

  • Travel and transport

Loading payments are extra payments for additional costs that are not covered by regular carer payments. These costs are usually paid by the Department.

Loading payments may help with:

  • Extra travel costs

  • Medical or health expenses

  • Special dietary needs

Your case manager or social worker will talk with you about these costs and agree on what is covered. This is recorded in an Out-of-Home Care Finance Agreement.

Yes. You will receive an education allowance each school term to help pay for:

  • School fees

  • Books and school supplies

  • Uniforms and shoes

AFSS knows how important Culture, Country, and identity are for children and young people.

Funding and support are available to help children:

  • Stay connected to Country

  • Take part in cultural activities and responsibilities

  • Build strong cultural identity and wellbeing

Support can vary depending on:

  • The age of the child or young person

  • Whether the child has additional needs or a disability

AFSS will explain what support you are entitled to and help you with applications, payments, and any questions you may have.

contact our team

Good News Stories from our Carers

Next Info Sessions

Find out more about becoming a carer at one of our information sessions below, or submit an enquiry if no sessions are currently available.
enquiry form

Aboriginal Kinship Care

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Get in touch with our Kinship Care team at the following locations:

Berri
23 Denny Street
Berri SA 5343
(08) 8582 3192

Coober Pedy
Lot 1991 Aylett Street
Coober Pedy SA 5723
(08) 8672 3066

Mt Gambier
20 Elizabeth Street
Mount Gambier SA 5290
(08) 8723 6100

Port Lincoln
21 Washington Street Port Lincoln SA 5606
(08) 8683 1909

Whyalla
19B Darling Terrace
Whyalla SA 5600
(08) 8644 0116

Ceduna
28 Poynton Street
Ceduna SA 5690
(08) 8625 3466

Murray Bridge
67 Adelaide Road
Murray Bridge SA 5253
(08) 8532 1790

Kilkenny
5/10 – 14 Regency Road
Kilkenny SA 5009
(08) 8297 5708

Port Augusta
8 -14 Victoria Parade
Port Augusta SA 5700
(08) 8641 0907

all locations

Get in touch with us today!

Our friendly Aboriginal Kinship Care team is here to help! Whether you’re ready to begin your journey or just want to learn more, we’re happy to answer your questions.

Please fill in the initial form or you can contact us directly via the offices above or email us on:

assessments@afss.com.au

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