Families SA is a division of the Department for Families and Communities.

Our primary area of concern is the protection of children – "keeping them safe", which is one of the Department’s strategic objectives. See Key strategies and plans. Within this context we work in the following areas:

• Protecting children from abuse and harm
• Supporting families to reduce risk to children
• Providing alternative care for children and young people when home is no longer an option
• Working with young people who break the law
• Managing adoption processes
• Caring for refugee children at risk
• Delivering services to address poverty
• Helping communities affected by disaster to rebuild
• Families SA is committed to reconciliation and providing culturally appropriate services.

We provide services through a network of 3 regions and 18 district centres and associated branch offices.

Strategic directions for Families SA

Our vision is for a future where children, young people and families are safe, supported and connected to the future. Our programs and associated outcomes are:

• Child Protection - Children and young people are safe within their family and cultural environment.
• Alternative Care and Adoptions - Children, young people and families who have experienced harm are assisted to recover, be safe and nurtured to reach their potential.
• Adoptions - Managing adoption processes by assisting people who are giving up a child for adoption, are in the process of adopting a child, or were adopted in the past.
• Youth Justice - Children and young people who have offended, positively re-engage with their community.
• Anti-Poverty - Families and individuals achieve financial sustainability.
• Corporate Services - We have the workforce, management and systems capacity and capability to manage effectively and efficiently.