A Snapshot…

CAFS is a community service organisation whose task is to assist families and children at risk. We provide services such as family support, infants’ programs, financial counselling, men’s groups, foster care and homelessness programs.  Our goal is to give parents, young people and children the optimal opportunity to live in safe and nurturing homes and families.

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CAFS relies greatly on both voluntary and financial assistance from members of the community in order to maintain the range of services and programs for which it is responsible. Your donation is a personal investment in the future of our community!

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Ballarat Orphanage

The Ballarat District Orphan Asylum was established in Victoria Street Ballarat in 1865. Later organisation's were known as the Ballarat Orphanage from 1909 and then in 1968 as the Ballarat Children's Homes. This agency became known as Ballarat Children's Homes & Family Services in 1984 and moved from Victoria Street to Ludbrook House, Lydiard Street Ballarat in 1988. Read more....

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Ballarat Orphanage Gravesite Memorial

Ballarat Orphanage Gravesite Memorial

The 5th February 2008 saw an unveiling of a plaque on the Ballarat Orphanage gravesite. Previously, there had been no recognition of the 26 children who were buried in the grave....

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Child First

The new Victorian legislation covering children, young people and their families becomes operational from April 23, 2007.  The aim is to give "every child every chance".  The legislation promotes the best interests of children, including a new focus on child development and stability.   CAFS supports the new legislation and looks forward to playing its part throu...

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Publications

Check out our publications page to access copies of documents including the Annual Report, the Media Toolkit for Reporting Family Violence and 100 Years of Childcare--the History of the Ballarat Orphanage 1865-1965....

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