NSW $350m Aboriginal family program helps children tell their sto 2026

The historic $350m NSW funding boost has launched a new Aboriginal family program to help children tell their own stories, aiming to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care. This transformative initiative, co-designed by First Nations families and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), represents a holistic approach to child and family protection across New South Wales.

What is the Aboriginal Family Preservation Program?

The program is part of the Minns Labor government’s broader $900m investment in a redesigned family preservation service system. On Tuesday, the NSW government distributed $350m to 25 ACCOs across the state, with additional funding for 30 non-government organisations to support vulnerable families. The initiative focuses on trauma-informed, culturally safe care to keep families together.

Key Components of the Program

• Narrative therapy to help children re-author their stories
• Access to psychologists, registered nurses, and narrative therapists
• Culturally safe healing centres like Abcare’s Bimirr Darrundaygy
• Support for children with autism and other special needs
• Holistic family preservation services to reduce out-of-home placements

Success Story: Blake’s Journey

Jack Archibald, a Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri man and narrative therapist at Abcare, shared the story of Blake*, a nine-year-old boy with level 2 autism. Blake lived with his mother and younger brother, who has level 3 autism, and had experienced domestic violence. Before the program, Blake struggled to express his story in words, but through drawing, he began to heal.

“Some of the things that came up within his drawings were incredible,” Archibald said. “The things that he held inside of his mind, he must’ve been holding on for so long. We started breaking it down in a narrative way and building a new story out of his drawings.” Blake is now thriving, trying new things, and reaching milestones.

Comparison of Funding Allocation

Why This Matters for Indigenous Children

The overrepresentation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care has been a long-standing issue in Australia. This NSW Aboriginal family program provides a culturally appropriate alternative, empowering children to tell their own stories and break cycles of trauma. By investing in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, the government ensures that solutions are led by the communities they serve.

Key Takeaways

• $350m distributed to 25 ACCOs across NSW
• Focus on narrative therapy and trauma-informed care
• Program co-designed with First Nations families
• Success stories like Blake show real impact
• Part of broader $900m family preservation investment

FAQ

This historic investment marks a turning point for Indigenous child welfare in NSW. By prioritizing cultural safety and community-led solutions, the program offers hope for thousands of families. To learn more about how this initiative is changing lives, stay tuned for updates from Abcare and other ACCOs.