Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy

The Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Strategy (ACYFS) forms part of the NSW Government’s efforts to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and their families and communities.

 ACYFS focuses on better coordination and targeting of existing government and non-government resources, ensuring mainstream services are meeting the needs of Aboriginal people and testing new ways of supporting these communities. 

There is a significant gap in health and educational achievement between Aboriginal young people and non-Aboriginal young people.  As well, Aboriginal young people continue to have higher rates of involvement in the criminal justice system and Aboriginal families are over-represented in child protection notifications.   In some Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal children and young people are at very high risk of harm and neglect.

To develop more responsive and integrated service networks, the strategy will build on the Families NSW approach, bringing together key stakeholders and key policies and initiatives for planning and service development purposes.

No one department, service, family or community acting in isolation can achieve the outcomes sought for children and young people. This approach recognises that it takes a combined effort and a multi faceted service network, and that the best outcomes can be achieved by supporting regional planning and decision making processes.

In 06/07 ACYFS has launched three new publications for Aboriginal parents and family workers in the New England Area, the North Coast and Sydney's Inner West. It gives simple advice about raising children aged 0-5 years to help them have a good start to a healthy life.  These publications are available for downloading on communitybuilders at:

• New England - Bubaa Ngambaa Gaayili, Father Mother Child
• North Coast - Doordarnbee Muggy Jarjums: Growing Up Strong Jarjums
• Sydney's Inner West - Growing Up Strong Guring

For further information

Contact	:	Communities Division
Address	:	DoCS, Locked Bag 28, ASHFIELD NSW 1800
Phone	:	02 9716 2845
Email	:	webkeeper@communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au