Child and Family Focus SA (CAFFSA) amplifies the voices of children, young people, and families involved in the family support and child protection sectors. We support and represent the not-for-profit organisations dedicated to protecting and nurturing children, young people, families and caregivers in our community.
Our Mission
As trusted advisors, we unite the sector to promote excellence in service provision and advocate for its sustainability.
By amplifying the voices of children, families, and professionals, we support the government in making informed, innovative, and strategic decisions based on lived experience and sector expertise.
We collaborate, advocate, and empower agencies to deliver exceptional care and early intervention, ensuring coordinated efforts that help every child and family thrive.
Our Purpose
We advocate for a sustainable sector, well resourced to champion the rights
and needs of children, young people, and families who are connected with the family support or child protection system. We are committed to ensuring all children are nurtured with care and respect, connected to their culture, and given the opportunity to thrive.
News and Events
Recent Events
Farewell to Nancy Penna
CAFFSA hosted a farewell to Nancy Penna, who has resigned from her longstanding position as Executive General Manager at Anglicare. Nancy, we look forward to collaborating with you in the future!
Joint Statement on the draft Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill 2024
This document outlines the joint position of CAFFSA, Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers, The Reily Foundation, and CREATE on the Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill 2024. Read the official document here.
Port Augusta, Port Pirie, and Kadina Peaks Visit
CAFFSA partnered with CREATE Foundation and Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers to connect and consult with children and young people, carers, and practitioners from Port Augusta, Kadina and surrounding areas. The collective programs focused on supporting carers with transitions, grief, and loss, supporting the workforce, and consulting around region specific needs. CAFFSA facilitated a Workforce Resilience Workshop, and you can view the resources here. In Kadina, a fantastic Sibling Connection event was held, with Nature Play SA providing fun and nurturing activities for everyone involved.
2024 AGM
CAFFSA celebrated the close of 2024 with invited guests Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Advisor on The Promise; Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People; Shona Reid, Guardian for Children and Young People; Mary Leaker, General Manager, Embolden; Ms Taimi Allan, SA Mental Health Commissioner.
CAFFSA's Position on the Social Work Registration Scheme
CAFFSA supports the registration of qualified social workers but recognises that the currently proposed scope of practice could have severe repercussions for the sector. Read the official position here.
CAFFSA's submission to the Royal Commission DFSV
CAFFSA welcomed the opportunity to speak to the needs of the sector regarding the prevalence of domestic, family, and sexual violence. The submission outlined the intersection of DFV and child protection and the need for a collaborative approach.
CAFFSA's position on the CYPSS Bill 2024
CAFFSA is focused on supporting the implementation of the CYPSS Bill 2024 to achieve the goals of the sector. Read the official response here.
Refreshed Statement of Commitment
CAFFSA was pleased to sign the refreshed Statement of Commitment to foster and kinship carers. This document outlines the principles and expectations guiding support and engagement with carers.
The Future of Foster Care in South Australia
The Future of Foster Care event brought together international speakers to discuss the trajectory of foster care applicants in South Australia. As the numbers of children being removed continue to rise, foster placements are decreasing and are projected to continue decreasing.
Click for access to recordings of the full event.
Protecting kids, protecting culture: How we can improve our responses to Aboriginal infants, children, and young people
On 12 June 2024, CAFFSA hosted an event focused on enhancing allyship to better support Aboriginal families, chaired by Dan Mitchell, Chief Executive, Aboriginal Family Support Services and CAFFSA Board Member. Guest speakers included Shona Reid, Guardian for Children and Young People, and April Lawrie, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People.
The session emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of Aboriginal children and young people and making active efforts to address the increasing number of Aboriginal children coming into care and the growing concerns for those already in care.
CAFFSA’s commitment to enhancing allyship with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations recognises the need to embedd Aboriginal knowledge and understanding into planning, practice, and evaluation.
Child and Family Focus SA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, the Kaurna and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded and this was and always will be Aboriginal land.
We appreciate and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We believe diversity of all kinds makes our teams, services, organisations and communities stronger and more effective.