MacKillop Family Services

MacKillop Family Services

MacKillop Family Services is one of Australia’s longstanding community organisations, supporting children, young people and families facing complex challenges. Its work is grounded in trauma-informed practice, social justice and a commitment to helping families build safer and more stable environments. With a history shaped by the Sisters of Mercy, Christian Brothers and Sisters of St Joseph, the organisation’s modern approach combines practical support with evidence-based frameworks that focus on safety, connection and cultural identity.

Family Services Australia

Within the broader network of family services in Australia, MacKillop holds a significant place. It delivers programmes designed to help families manage issues such as instability at home, disengagement from education and the impacts of trauma. Services cover child protection, family support, disability assistance, specialist education and heritage programs for those seeking records from historical Catholic homes and institutions.

One of the organisation’s key strengths lies in its broad service range. It provides out-of-home care for children who cannot live with their families temporarily, and works directly with parents to stabilise their situations. Education support is also critical, with specialist schools and outreach initiatives that focus on young people who struggle in mainstream settings. For children and young people with a disability, MacKillop offers tailored NDIS-registered services designed to build independence and confidence.

MacKillop also places strong emphasis on cultural safety, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The organisation partners with community-controlled services to ensure that identity, culture and connection are respected throughout all stages of support.

What is MacKillop Family Services

MacKillop Family Services is a community organisation that delivers support across several key areas:

Child, youth and family support: The organisation works with families experiencing issues such as instability, trauma and unsafe home environments. Services include crisis intervention, in-home support and out-of-home care for children who cannot remain with their families. The aim is to create safer conditions so families can work towards long-term stability.

Education services: Many young people supported by MacKillop have had disrupted schooling due to difficult circumstances. Specialist schools and outreach programmes help them re-engage with learning in settings designed to feel safe, predictable and supportive. The approach is holistic, focusing on academic progress as well as wellbeing and emotional regulation.

Disability services: MacKillop provides NDIS-registered support for children and young people with disabilities. These services focus on building independence, supporting families and offering tailored plans that meet individual needs.

Heritage services: For adults seeking information about their time in Catholic homes or orphanages, MacKillop offers a dedicated search and support service. This work acknowledges the importance of history, identity and access to records.

Beyond service delivery, MacKillop invests heavily in community engagement. The organisation encourages people to get involved through fostering, volunteering, donating or joining the workforce. All these contributions help extend support to families who need it most.

MacKillop’s work continues to be shaped by its founders’ values and its commitment to supporting children and families to thrive. Through evidence-informed practice and strong community partnerships, the organisation remains a key provider of family services in Australia.

Is MacKillop Family Services Not for Profit

Yes. MacKillop Family Services is a not-for-profit organisation. All funding, donations and contributions are directed towards delivering community programmes, supporting vulnerable families and improving long-term outcomes for children and young people. The organisation relies on a combination of government support, philanthropic contributions and community involvement.

Fundraising and volunteering play an important role in extending the reach of MacKillop’s work. Members of the public can donate, volunteer in a variety of roles, or consider becoming foster carers. Volunteers provide practical assistance that supports staff and contributes to the smooth running of programmes, while foster carers offer stable homes for children who need temporary care.

The organisation is transparent about its mission, financial structure and social goals, making it a trusted provider within Australia’s community sector. Its values—compassion, justice and respect—guide both service delivery and internal practice.