Aboriginal children and families in New South Wales will gain increased access to Aboriginal Family Preservation, a new model of intensive support designed to strengthen families and prevent children from entering foster care. The Minns Labor Government is investing a record $350 million over five years in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to deliver evidence-based programs that build parenting skills, create safe home environments, and reduce risks to children.
This Family Preservation program was developed in partnership with AbSec and co-designed with Aboriginal families, communities, and ACCOs, ensuring that services are culturally appropriate and community-driven. A dedicated tender process, supported by AbSec, engaged 35 established, emerging, and new ACCOs, demonstrating strong sector interest and commitment to delivering these vital supports.
The reforms form part of the NSW Government’s broader commitment to Closing the Gap on the over-representation of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care. By providing historic long-term funding to ACCOs, the government is investing in Aboriginal-led service delivery and recognizing the knowledge, strengths, and connection of Aboriginal communities. Tender outcomes will be announced in March 2026, with new contracts set to begin on 1 July 2026.
The Family Preservation reforms are backed by a total $900 million investment over five years, with 40% specifically dedicated to ACCO service delivery. This approach allocates family preservation packages based on community need and aims to improve the quality of intensive supports for families at risk of child protection intervention.
Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, emphasized that the initiative provides high-quality, culturally appropriate supports designed to empower Aboriginal communities and help families stay safely together. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris, highlighted that the funding strengthens the long-term sustainability of Aboriginal community services and translates Closing the Gap commitments into practical action.
AbSec CEO, John Leha, described the initiative as a crucial step toward self-determination, enabling ACCOs to lead the design and delivery of effective, culturally responsive supports for Aboriginal families. He noted that empowering communities to shape services is essential for sustaining change across generations.
