Families SA is a division of the Department for Families and Communities.
Our primary area of concern is the protection of children – "keeping them safe", which is one of the Department’s strategic objectives. See Key strategies and plans. Within this context we work in the following areas:
- Protecting children from abuse and harm
- Supporting families to reduce risk to children
- Providing alternative care for children and young people when home is no longer an option
- Working with young people who break the law
- Managing adoption processes
- Caring for refugee children at risk
- Delivering services to address poverty
- Helping communities affected by disaster to rebuild
- Families SA is committed to reconciliation and providing culturally appropriate services.
We provide services through a network of 3 regions and 18 district centres and associated branch offices.
Strategic directions for Families SA
Our vision is for a future where children, young people and families are safe, supported and connected to the future. Our programs and associated outcomes are:
- Child Protection - Children and young people are safe within their family and cultural environment.
- Alternative Care and Adoptions - Children, young people and families who have experienced harm are assisted to recover, be safe and nurtured to reach their potential.
- Adoptions - Managing adoption processes by assisting people who are giving up a child for adoption, are in the process of adopting a child, or were adopted in the past.
- Youth Justice - Children and young people who have offended, positively re-engage with their community.
- Anti-Poverty - Families and individuals achieve financial sustainability.
- Corporate Services - We have the workforce, management and systems capacity and capability to manage effectively and efficiently.