Within the child, family and community care sector, AbSec defines an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation (ACCO) per the criteria outlined below, which should also be reflected in the organisation’s constitution:

• Is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, that is incorporated as an Aboriginal organisation
• Has been initiated by, and is controlled and operated by Aboriginal people; thereby acknowledging the right of Aboriginal peoples to self-determination
• Is based in a local Aboriginal community, or communities
• Is governed by an Aboriginal Board which is elected by members of the local Aboriginal community or communities where it is based; and decision making of the Board is determined by Aboriginal Board members
• Delivers services that build strength and empowerment in Aboriginal communities and people.

AbSec advocates for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations delivering services for our children, young people, families and communities.

We lead the design and development of policies and strategies on issues impacting Aboriginal families and communities, lobby government and build organisational capacity to support the Aboriginal-controlled sector, while embedding sustainability and accountability into everyday best practice. See more about our sector support initiatives here.

A growing sector

The NSW Government has committed to transition Aboriginal children in out-of-home care to Aboriginal agencies, but due to the increasing numbers of our kids in care, this means our sector needs to expand, not only to provide support for Aboriginal kids in care, but focusing more on prevention, restoration and early intervention to reduce the numbers of kids coming into or staying in care long term, where possible.

Aboriginal out-of-home care agencies

The following are accredited Aboriginal organisations currently providing Aboriginal child and family services in NSW to Aboriginal communities.

• Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Community Care Centre (AbCare)
• Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre
• Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation
• Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation (Myimbarr)
• KARI
• Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation
• Narang Bir-rong Aboriginal Corporation
• Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation
• Orange Aboriginal Medical Service
• Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation
• South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation
• Wandiyali
• Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
• Woomera Aboriginal Corporation
• Yerin

Aboriginal child and family service providers

There are a number of other Aboriginal community-controlled organisations in NSW providing services to Aboriginal families and communities

• Bunjum Aboriginal Corporation
• Link Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation
• Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation
• Yerin Aboriginal Health Services Inc.
• Tharawal Oorunga Wandarrah
• Towri MACS Centre
• Bungaree Aboriginal Association Inc

Aboriginal Child and Family Centres:

• Ngallu Wal Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
• Yenu Allowah Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
• Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
• Nikinpa Aboriginal Family and Child Care Centre
• Waranwarin Early Childhood and Family Centre
• Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre

Intensive Family Based Services (IFBS)

• Bamba-Baa Intensive Family Based Service
• Burrun Dalai Intensive Family Based Service
• Bungree Intensive Family Based Service
• Ngangaagi Intensive Family Based Service
• Clarence Valley Intensive Family Based Service

Aboriginal medical services

You can find a list of Aboriginal community-controlled health services in NSW on the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council website. Some of these offer specialised services for children and families.