State of the ACCO sector: Child protection and out-of-home care census interim report

Abstract

This interim report provides a baseline overview of the Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) child protection and out-of-home care sector in New South Wales. It examines service provision, funding and procurement, workforce, governance, and community and client needs. Its evidence base combines an online survey, in-depth stakeholder interviews, community yarn-ups, a workshop with 17 ACCOs, a desktop review of policy and data sources, and data supplied by the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice.

The report identifies 75 ACCOs commissioned to provide child protection and out-of-home care services across New South Wales. It finds that ACCOs deliver culturally strong, trauma-informed and holistic supports grounded in community knowledge and leadership, but remain under-resourced compared with non-ACCO non-government organisations. Key barriers include inequitable and short-term funding, limited transfer of case management to ACCOs, gaps in access to specialist services, workforce shortages and pay disparities, and administrative and governance pressures.

The report calls for long-term and proportionate investment, ACCO-led integrated service models, faster transfer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care to ACCO case management, stronger workforce pathways and pay parity, and dedicated governance and business-development support. It positions self-determination and community control as central to improving outcomes and keeping children and young people connected to family, culture, community and Country.