Association of Children's Welfare Agencies

The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) is the NSW non-government peak body representing the voice of community organisations working with vulnerable children, young people and their families.

We work with our members, partners, government and non-government agencies and other peak bodies to bring about positive systemic reform that will deliver better outcomes to the lives of children and young people, including those living in out-of-home care.

Centre for Community Welfare Training

The Centre for Community Welfare Training (CCWT) is the name of ACWA’s learning and development arm. CCWT been operating as a Registered Training Organisation for more than 20 years, delivering quality, cost effective training that is tailored to meet the needs of the NSW community services workforce, particularly those working with vulnerable children, young people and families.

CCWT provides both short courses and in-house training, as well as specialised programs, coaching and supervision.

Latest News

DCJ ChildStory Roundtable Wrap Up

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Families, Communities and Disability Services Minister, Gareth Ward, has sent a resounding message to ACWA members that transforming the state’s ChildStory IT system to better meet the needs of Permanency Support Program (PSP) providers, remains a top priority for him and his Department. Speaking to a packed room of members in August, Minister Ward emphasised […]

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Assessing for Permanency: Parent Assessment for Restoration Tool Now Available

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ACWA’s Step by Step family continues to grow, with the release of our Parent Assessment Tool for use in Restoration Assessments following a nine month pilot program. The Step by Step Parent Assessment for Restoration Tool has been informed by the Wilkins and Farmer (2015) Evidence-Informed Framework for Return Home Practice1, and consists of: A Manual for […]

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OOHC Providers and Young People Invited to Participate in Upcoming National Youth Commission Public Hearings

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The National Youth Commission (NYC) will be in Sydney from October 28 to November 14 to host a series of public hearings as part of its two-year National Inquiry into Youth Employment and Transitions. The public hearings will be held in four locations across Greater Sydney on the following dates: Sydney CBD: October 28-31 Parramatta: November […]

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Transitioning from OOHC: Professional Development Workshops With Iain Matheson

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August’s Homestretch Symposium in Sydney highlighted the critical importance of transitioning from out-of-home care (OOHC) across both Australia and New Zealand, and the need for us all, whatever our roles and involvement, to strive for better outcomes. Being offered in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, these two one-day professional development workshops span transition preparation, extended care, relationship-based support, and accommodation. They […]

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Revised Joint Protocol Now Available

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The Joint Protocol to reduce contact of young people in residential care with the criminal justice system has been revised to reflect changes to the service system since it was originally introduced in 2016. The latest edition, which can be downloaded here, has also undergone a design refresh. The Joint Protocol was prepared by the […]

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