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Welcome to Cafs At Cafs your contribution counts
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Welcome to Cafs Room in your life?
Make a life-changing difference

Welcome to Cafs Offering a wide range of
employment opportunities

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 158 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

Fostering

Can you provide a safe and loving home for a child? Our Foster Carers provide an essential service for children who are unable to stay in their family home.

Donating

Your donation makes a difference to the vulnerable people in our community. Discover the ways you can donate.

Giving

A little hope can be a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our community. Learn more about bequests and corporate giving.

Volunteer

Cafs Thread Together hub is opening soon, and with it more volunteering opportunities. We are now encouraging volunteer applications, please reach out to us today to discuss.

Our impact

The wellbeing of children, young people and their families is at the heart of everything we do. Our care is inclusive and collaborative, and our innovative support programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of our local community.

44 Active Community
Programs
120 Children in
Care Programs
6800 Families Supported
Annually

Make a donation

At Cafs your contribution counts. For as little as $5 you can make a life changing difference to a vulnerable person in our community.

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Client Engagement Team 1800 692 237

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Head Office
115 Lydiard Street North
Ballarat VIC 3350

Keep in touch

Keep up-to-date with Cafs’ news by subscribing to our newsletter.

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.

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