This report presents the findings of an economic case analysis and builds the evidence base for community advocacy and the case for investing in earlier, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) led services to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children safe, strong and together with their families.

The New South Wales (NSW) child protection system remains overwhelmingly crisis-driven. Across the child protection spectrum, the majority of funding continues to be allocated to out-of-home care (OOHC), with only a modest portion directed to early intervention and family support. The failure to meaningfully shift funding to earlier supports and ACCO-led services perpetuates the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families at all stages of the child protection and OOHC systems.

ACCOs are uniquely placed to provide holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally safe services. Research demonstrates that early intervention – particularly when led by ACCOs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community groups – reduces the likelihood of children being removed from their families, improves family wellbeing and generates significant lifetime benefits.

The report:

• explores the evidence base for investment in earlier supports and the strong outcomes achieved by ACCOs
• provides an initial economic analysis of the return on investment yielded through earlier ACCO-led supports
• scopes what is required for a more comprehensive analysis to support early investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities
• showcases ACCO practice across the state which builds on the inherent strengths of Aboriginal families and keeping children strong in community and culture.