Children Australia Inc (operating as OzChild) is a longstanding Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children, young people, and families facing significant challenges. Established in its current form in 1993 through the amalgamation of three historic child welfare agencies—Family Action, Family Focus, and The National Children’s Bureau of Australia—OzChild traces its roots back to 1851, making it one of Australia’s oldest independent children’s welfare organizations[5].

History

OzChild's history spans over 170 years, evolving from earlier child welfare institutions and adapting over time to address the changing needs of vulnerable children and families across Australia. The organization maintains historical care records dating back to the 1840s, which are preserved at the State Library of Victoria as well as within OzChild itself. These archives serve as an important resource for former residents and their families seeking information[5].

Mission and Services

OzChild is committed to strengthening families, preventing child abuse and neglect, and providing healing and care for children and young people in need. The organization delivers a broad range of evidence-based programs and services across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Key Programs

• Prevention and Strengthening Families: Early intervention and preventative services designed to support families in remaining safely together, thereby avoiding the need for children to enter out-of-home care[1].

• Foster and Kinship Care: OzChild provides safe, loving homes through foster and kinship care arrangements, supported by comprehensive training and ongoing support for carers. The organization supports over 800 foster and kinship carers and has provided care for children and young people for more than 40 years[1].

• Specialized Therapeutic Programs: These include:

  • Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO): Supports families affected by adolescent behavioral challenges.
  • Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare (FFT-CW): Programs aimed at strengthening family relationships and improving communication to address behavioral problems.
  • SafeCare: An evidence-based parenting program targeting families at risk of child neglect or abuse, focusing on children aged 0 to 5.
  • Multisystemic Therapy (MST): A home and community-based intervention promoting positive social functioning in young people[4].

Impact

OzChild serves thousands of families annually, providing support to over 1,700 families through early intervention programming in recent years. On any given day, approximately 550 children are in OzChild’s care. The organization focuses on breaking cycles of disadvantage and creating brighter futures for vulnerable children across Australia[1][4].

Recognition and Values

OzChild acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which it operates, paying respect to their Elders past and present. Its services emphasize culturally respectful approaches and strive to ensure safe, nurturing environments for children and young people[1].

Children Australia Inc (OzChild) continues to play a vital role in Australia's child welfare landscape by combining a rich historical legacy with innovative, evidence-based interventions to safeguard and empower vulnerable children, young people, and families.

[1] https://www.ozchild.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d2557d43-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d2557d43-38af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/ad21228d-bb60-ed11-9562-00224893b261 [4] https://www.ozchild.org.au/donate/ [5] https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/entity/ozchild/