The Child and Family and Wellbeing Association of Australia (CAFWAA) is the national peak body representing non-government organisations working with children and young people and their families, where abuse and neglect is a major factor in determining the types of services provided.

Some agencies offer a range of out-of-home care and home-based service strategies, and others are concerned with policy development, professional practice and information in relation to this specific area of the broader community services sector.

Our Aim

To promote the wellbeing of children and young people in out-of-home care and those at risk of placement, together with their families

How did CAFWAA come about?

Interstate links of individuals and organisations committed to the needs of children and young people in out-of-home care go back to the early 197Os.

Consolidation of the value of these links was finally realised in the incorporation of CAFWAA in 1995.

Why have a National Association?

The primary interests of agencies involved in this sector are governed by state legislation, and funded through state bodies. However, significant policy development and funding opportunities occur at the national level that become subsumed under state practices, and State and Commonwealth agreements.

A national body more effectively channels our input into debates being held at a national level, and provides the Commonwealth Government with a national body that represents the sector.

CAFWAA responds to national issues through newsletters, issues and position papers, practice exchanges, conferences and national meetings that bring state leaders together to address issues and policies relating to Child and Family Welfare in Australia.

CAFWAA’s Organisational Objectives

To inform national policy development and to advocate for policies and initiatives that will address the needs of children and young people at risk and their families
To provide advocacy, support and information for non-government service providers and the community at large, with respect to the provision of appropriate and effective services for children and young people at risk together with their families
To promote family support, community development and other preventative programs which aim to appropriately maintain children and young people within a family network and enhance parental care and responsibility
To promote and undertake research into the needs of children and young people at risk, their families and service providers in the industry sector
To promote, support and undertake the provision of appropriate training and skills development for those working in the industry sector
To promote and facilitate the development of national standards of service delivery
To support and assist in the development of state and territory associations of child and family welfare service providers
To form links with relevant overseas bodies and national organisations
To undertake other activities which promote the above objectives

CAFWAA was incorporated in Victoria
No A0032610M
Registered Office
Level 5
50 Market Street
Melbourne VIC 3000