Strengthening supports for our children and families

The Albanese Labor Government is taking the next step in its reforms to support Australian families, opening the grant round for the new $1.8 billion Children and Family Support (CaFS) Program. Backed by a 12% boost in funding, the new national program will help more families get support earlier, before challenges become crises. It is expected to support up to 270,000 children and families each year – around 26,000 more than the programs it will replace.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, supported and loved. That’s why we’re investing in services that strengthen families, improve children’s wellbeing and help people get the support they need, when and where they need it. The new CaFS program replaces five existing Families and Children Activity programs into a single national program: By bringing these services together, we can reduce duplication, cut red tape and create a more connected system of support for families.

Shaped by extensive consultation with the community sector, the new CaFS program will reflect the needs of children, families and frontline services. Their expertise has helped design a program that reflects local needs and focuses on what makes the biggest impact in people’s lives. CaFS will support a range of vital frontline services, including parenting support, family and relationship services, counselling, early intervention and community-based programs that help children and families reach their full potential.

CaFS will be the first program to be delivered through Outcomes Contracting, with longer-term, streamlined agreements that are focused on achieving outcomes for children and families. It will also support Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to take on more service delivery while strengthening partnerships and locally informed decision-making.

The program aligns with the new national Place Partnership Model, which is bringing communities, governments and local leaders together to design solutions that reflect local priorities and strengths. Eligible organisations have been invited to apply for the targeted competitive grant opportunity, including those that provide counselling, parenting programs, and early intervention.

This grant opportunity will open on 18 September 2026, with grants being awarded over 5 years from 1 July 2027. Applications and more information regarding the program will be available later today. For more information, visit the Department of Social Services website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek: “We want families to get the support they need to raise healthy, happy kids.” “We are supporting community organisations to do what they do best, helping kids, families and communities.” “Service providers should be able to focus on delivering the right support at the right time, not on administration or red tape – that’s exactly what our new Children and Family Support Program will help them do.” Quotes attributable to Derek McCormack, Director of Raising Children Network “Every child can grow, learn, and participate in everyday life when the people who care for them have the relationships, information and practical help they need.” “As a national digital parenting support initiative, Raising Children Network is excited to have the opportunity to support children, parents and carers under the new Children and Family Support (CaFS) Program.”