SAFE PLACES FOR CHILDREN (SA) LIMITED

Safe Places for Children (SA) Limited is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing intensive therapeutic residential care and support for young people at risk. Focused on children and adolescents aged approximately 10 to 17 years who present complex emotional and behavioural challenges, the organisation offers a homely and supportive environment aimed at rehabilitation and stability.

History and Background

Established originally in 2006, Safe Places for Children began as a small group of passionate youth workers in Queensland. Over time, the organisation expanded its operations across multiple states, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia. Safe Places for Children (SA) Limited was formally registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) on August 17, 2021, reflecting its status as a public benevolent institution dedicated to vulnerable youth[1][3].

Mission and Vision

The organisation’s vision is to provide children and young people in care with individualised therapeutic residential services tailored to their needs. The mission centers on the welfare of young people, focusing on delivering specialised care that is supportive, responsive, and professional. Core values include unity, passion, and fostering an environment where both staff and children can thrive[2].

Services and Approach

Safe Places for Children offers intensive therapeutic support and supervision within a residential care setting designed to feel welcoming and stable. The approach relies on the consistent presence of small, stable care teams that build trust and work closely with young people to manage behaviours and instil hope and direction. Their programs integrate collaborations with allied health professionals, emergency services, drug and alcohol support units, education and training facilities, employment services, disability services, secure welfare services, and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to address the complex needs of the children comprehensively[1][5].

Reach and Impact

Since inception, the organisation has positively impacted more than 1,800 young people across Australia. Safe Places for Children operates in numerous locations including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and other regional centers. It remains the only solely therapeutic residential care organisation for young people in Australia with certified quality management status, reflecting its commitment to high standards in care delivery[1][5].

Governance

Safe Places for Children is governed by a Board of Directors, with operational delivery managed by an Executive Leadership Team. The organisation maintains a strong governance framework to ensure accountability, quality service provision, and alignment with its core values[5].

Safe Places for Children (SA) Limited continues to play a critical role in supporting vulnerable young Australians by providing specialised residential therapeutic care designed to promote recovery, stability, and long-term positive outcomes.

[1] https://www.safeplaces.com.au/about-us [2] https://www.safeplaces.com.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6d8b5dfe-071d-ec11-b6e6-00224810be60/profile [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d47c1db6-031d-ec11-b6e6-00224810be60/profile [5] https://safeplaces.squarespace.com/s/Snapshot-2021_Final.pdf