Aboriginal Family Support Services

As part of National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme, All In, the Ann Street team came together for a Cake and Paint session to reflect on what reconciliation means to each of us.

Staff created individual canvases expressing their personal thoughts, stories, and commitments to reconciliation. These artworks will be displayed alongside our collaborative staff canvas, representing our shared journey and commitment to walking together.

Thank you to everyone who participated. The finished artworks are a powerful reminder that reconciliation grows stronger when we each bring our own voice and commitment to the journey.

Recently, members of our Early Intervention team attended the Reily Foundation's Support Before System Practitioner Training.
The training focuses on strengthening practitioner confidence, understanding, and practice through a strong emphasis on strengths-based and trauma-aware approaches. It also highlights the importance of identifying opportunities for earlier intervention and support, ensuring families receive the help they need before concerns escalate and statutory child protection involvement becomes necessary.

Today is National Sorry Day. We share this letter from young person in care.

Any reflection on our history, must also include recognition that its impacts are still being felt today. Healing comes through truth, accountability, and commitment to change. Today, and every day, we stand for our young people, because they deserve better.

Thank you to the young person in care who provided these words (with names edited).

Our Family Group Conferencing (FGC) team recently attended the Pathways Forum: How to Manage Disputes for the Child, connecting with colleagues across family law and child protection while gaining valuable insights into family-led decision-making.

A highlight was exploring how Family Group Conferencing can support meaningful agreements that put children first, while strengthening culturally safe outcomes for Aboriginal families. A great day of learning, connection, and reaffirming our commitment to keeping Aboriginal children connected to family, culture, and community.

You can find out more about our growing FGC program here:
https://www.afss.com.au/our-programs-2/family-group-conferencing/

The Metro IFS teams recently attended the 2026 Statewide Practitioner Communities of Practice Forum, joining 366 practitioners from NGOs, Government agencies and ACCOs across SA.

This year’s focus, Cumulative Harm on Children – “Harm Grows Quietly”, highlighted the importance of recognising the ongoing impact of neglect, family violence, trauma, instability and unmet needs on children’s safety and wellbeing over time.

The forum reinforced the importance of reflective practice, early intervention, culturally responsive approaches, collaboration, and ensuring children’s voices and experiences remain central in all family support work.

Check out our March/April 2026 Newsletter!

https://simplebooklet.com/afssnewslettermarchapril2026

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar/photo/

Events Archive - Reconciliation Australia Every year workplaces, schools, early learning services, community groups, reconciliation groups, and people right across the country host a range of activities and events during National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

AFSS CS&W Term 2 Workshops are here! Call the team for more info and to book a spot!

The CS&W program is dedicated to enhancing safety and wellbeing for Aboriginal communities across South Australia. The program focuses on early intervention and prevention, supporting families to navigate life’s challenges, stay safe from violence and harm, encourage school attendance, and build the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a safe and healthy environment.

https://www.afss.com.au/our-programs-2/community-safety-wellbeing/