At MacKillop Family Services, we are passionate about working with communities so children can thrive. Our services begin at supporting families so they can build on their strengths, and create an environment where children can develop to their potential.
Our early intervention services support parents to provide safe and nurturing homes for their children. We connect families to further supports in the community and work with them to reinforce their strengths – as healthy families are the backbone of healthy communities.
For children temporarily unable to live at home, MacKillop operates foster care and residential care homes, and homelessness support services. Our 700 foster carers support over 860 children in care. We support these children return to family where possible, or successfully transition into independent living. We also help them to heal from any trauma they may have experienced.
Children and young people who have experienced abuse or neglect are often unable to engage in mainstream schools. Our education services include specialist schools, outreach tutoring and homework programs, and specialist support so children and young people can reconnect with learning and education.
For families who experience disability, we provide support coordination and planning so they can develop the best plans for their children. We believe every child should be free to enjoy their childhood and our recreational activities are designed so children of all abilities can enjoy activities in their communities, while parents receive respite support.
We remain committed to supporting those who grew up in the orphanages of our founding congregations. Our Heritage and Information Service provides a rare and unique insight into the social history of Australia by operating the Heritage Display and coordinating the supported release of records to those who lived in the orphanages and their families.
All of our services are underpinned by our trauma-informed model, Sanctuary, to ensure safe environments that support children, young people and families to recover, heal, and achieve greater outcomes.
