National principles and strategies to prevent at risk children entering protection systems - Investment Strategy

The Department of Social Services (department) engaged SNAICC - National Voice for Our Children (SNAICC) and Families Australia to consult with the child and family sector and states and territories, to inform the development of the National Child and Family Investment Strategy (Investment Strategy) and to scope an Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund will test the implementation of the Investment Strategy.

Families Australia finalised consultations in April 2024 with non-Indigenous non-government organisation sector regarding the transition proposed by the Investment Strategy, and produced a report based on their findings, Changing the Balance, in June 2024.

The final draft of the Investment Strategy was provided to the department in January 2025 and will be considered for endorsement by governance of Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2031. The report is available at The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021–2031 - Department of Social Services.

The department announced in July 2025 that 10 Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) will be funded under the Innovation Fund. These organisations will receive a total of $9.8 million in funding over 3 years to support preparation for the phased transfer of resourcing for child and family service delivery towards ACCOs and towards earlier and tailored support.

To support the Innovation Fund, an independent evaluation will be undertaken to learn from outcomes of the Innovation Fund. These outcomes will inform the implementation of the Investment Strategy once it is endorsed.