Together we make
a difference
Cafs (Child and Family Services Ballarat) is a proudly independent community service organisation, with our head office located in the Ballarat Community. We celebrate diversity and strive to be inclusive in everything we do. For over 156 years, the heart of our service has been the wellbeing of children, young people and their families. Today, that commitment stands strong, and we extend our programs to include everyone who needs assistance across the Grampians and Central Highlands – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+, people of all abilities, people of different race, ethnicity or cultural backgrounds and people of all religions.
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I need help
Financial help
Do you need support with unresolved debt or harmful gambling? Cafs provides free financial counselling and Gambler's Help in a non-judgmental environment.
Services for families
Our programs are for families at all stages of life. From relationship counselling through to Day Stay for new parents, we tailor our programs to your needs. Cafs is also part of the Orange Door, you can contact us to learn more.
Services for young people
Our targeted programs support young people in times of need, helping them stay engaged in learning and connected to the wider community.
Housing and homelessness services
Cafs specialises in the prevention of homelessness. We deliver housing and tenancy support programs for people in our community.
CAFS stories
Every day we’re inspired by the people we support. It’s their commitment that drives the work that we do. By sharing their stories, we hope we inspire you too. At Cafs, we listen with empathy and compassion and support without judgement. We’re by your side during the toughest times and celebrating with you on your journey forward. Read our stories below to learn more about how Cafs can help.
Cafs Thread Together is leading the change in the local community
The new Cafs Thread Together clothing hub in Ballarat is a life changing moment for those who walk through its doors. However, it isn’t just the “shoppers” who are discovering its power but also the volunteers.
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How Step Up helped a young boy overcome violent behaviour toward his mum
Dylan was the last child anyone expected to be violent or aggressive. He’s the quiet one in the family. When Dylan was nine, he started lashing out at home.
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How June and Robert found the right time to become Cafs foster carers
Becoming foster carers can be a life affirming experience. June and Robert always knew that fostering would be in their future; it was just a question of timing.
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How Cafs financial counselling helped
a dad battling with cancer
When you’re a self-employed dad, being sick comes with more concerns than your own health. With no money coming in, Tony was stressed about his family.
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Housing Support: How Cafs ATAR team helped a father avoid eviction
Bruce was admitted to hospital for three months, and while he was in there, he asked his adult sons to take care of the home he'd been renting for the past eleven years.
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How Cafs helped Chloe and her family find hope
Chloe was 16, and her young life was falling apart. She’d dropped out of school and had started drinking and taking drugs. She also started stealing and self-harming.
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How Cafs day stay helped one young family establish a healthy bedtime routine
For Bianca and Josh, the excitement of becoming new parents was giving way to exhaustion. They were desperate for more sleep.
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How to help
Make a donation
A snuggly toy to comfort a child on their first night in foster care. Fresh toiletries and a good book for a young person experiencing homelessness. When big changes happen in our lives, sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that help get us through. Your generous donation helps us provide essential items to those who need them most... but it’s so much more than that... It shows them you care.
Sleep Tight
A care box to help a foster child get to sleep, including new pyjamas, teddy and toothbrush.
First Night
Notebook, coloured pencils, nightlight, toothbrush and non-perishable snacks for the first night in foster care.
Buddy Bag
This teenagers' care box has a rucksack, notepad, pen, snacks and a young adult fiction book.
Starting Again
A new set of clothes, this box includes new shoes, a warm coat, underwear and a change of clothes.
Staying Well
Foster children need comfort but sometimes they also need therapy. Help a child or family get the professional help they need.
Your Choice
Whether it’s $5 or $50, every donation makes a difference to the vulnerable children, families and individuals we help.
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Cafs acknowledges our past. In the spirit of reconciliation, we give deepest respect to Australia's First Nations Peoples. Their histories, their stories, their resilience. Their connection to culture and land. The wisdom of their Elders past, present and emerging.
