Child & Family Services (CAFS) is a community service organisation with a long history of supporting children, young people, individuals and families in the Victorian Central Highlands. We are a community-based, not-for-profit incorporated association and our heritage dates back to 1865 through the Ballarat Orphanage and Ballarat Children's Homes.
Today, CAFS delivers a range of programs and services to support those in our community who are at risk. We are governed by a Board drawn from the communities we serve and a large number of volunteers assist professional staff to reach our goals.
CAFS Funding
CAFS is largely funded by state and federal governments and works closely with the Victorian Departments of Human Services and Justice, and Commonwealth Family & Community Services to ensure that the services we provide are aligned with government policy and meeting all quality standards.
We employ mainly social workers and welfare workers, alongside other professions such as psychologists, family therapists, teachers and nurses, all of whom are qualified, experienced and supervised. CAFS offices are located in Ballarat, Ararat, Daylesford and Bacchus Marsh. Our services are generally free, and we welcome enquiries from any person or family in these localities.