$350m NSW Aboriginal Family Program Launches to Help Children 2026

The historic $350m NSW Aboriginal family program has launched to help at-risk children tell their own stories and reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous kids in out-of-home care. This initiative, co-designed by First Nations families and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), represents a major shift toward culturally safe support.

$350m NSW Aboriginal Family Program: A New Approach

On Tuesday, the NSW government distributed $350 million to 25 ACCOs across the state. This forms part of the Minns Labor government’s broader $900 million investment in a redesigned family preservation service system. An additional 30 non-government organisations will also receive funding to support vulnerable families.

The program focuses on holistic child and family protection by addressing trauma, domestic violence, and the unique needs of Indigenous communities. Early results from Abcare’s healing centre in Coffs Harbour show promise.

How Narrative Therapy Helps Children Re-author Their Stories

At Abcare’s Bimirr Darrundaygy healing centre, children access trauma-informed care including psychologists, registered nurses, and narrative therapists. These specialists help children “re-author” their experiences through drawing and storytelling.

Jack Archibald, a Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri narrative therapist, worked with a nine-year-old boy named Blake (not his real name) who has level 2 autism. Blake lived with his mother and younger brother, who has level 3 autism, and had experienced domestic violence. “He struggled to express his story in words – but was able to work with him through drawing,” 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 Traditional vs. New Program Approaches

Key Takeaways

• $350m NSW Aboriginal family program is the largest state investment of its kind.
• Funds go to 25 ACCOs and 30 NGOs for culturally safe support.
• Narrative therapy helps children re-author stories and heal from trauma.
• Early success at Abcare shows improved outcomes for children with autism.
• The program aims to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care.

FAQ

The $350m NSW Aboriginal family program marks a turning point in child welfare policy, prioritising cultural safety and community control. As more ACCOs receive funding, similar success stories like Blake’s are expected to spread across the state.