Children and families in the ACT now have a new source of support, with Key Assets Australia (KAA) officially launching its services in the Territory on 3 September 2025.
The not-for-profit organisation, which has spent years working alongside children, young people and families across the country, says its focus is simple: listening to communities and making sure children are safe, supported and connected. “Every child deserves to be heard and loved so they can thrive,” Territory Director, Lucy Mitchell said. “We know from experience that when families are supported early, and communities are part of the solution, we can create real and lasting change.”
The launch comes at a time when more children are entering care with outcomes varying widely across Australia. But the ACT has been recognised as having an opportunity to do things differently. KAA is committed to being part of that journey, working with families, carers, and local communities to help build a child protection system that reflects the voices and needs of the people it serves.
For many families, the arrival of services means greater choice, resources and ideas to create lasting outcomes, and a community where every child and young person can flourish.
Journey to launch: Building with community at heart
When KAA first looked to the ACT back in mid-2023, it wasn’t just about expanding operations, it was about being part of a community-wide effort to strengthen families and give children every chance to thrive. Guided by the Next Steps for our Kids Strategy, KAA saw an opportunity to contribute to a system that helps children and young people heal from trauma, ensures their safety is everyone’s responsibility, and honours the voices and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Drawing on the experience of colleagues in New South Wales, Victoria and the organisation’s national support team, KAA began laying the foundations for success. By February this year, a small but passionate local team was already on the ground. Official operations began in March, and since then, the team has been busy building trusted relationships, listening to the community, and embedding KAA’s child-centred values into everything they do.
Today, that work is taking shape through foster care, kinship care, family support, and after-care services for young people leaving care. Each service is underpinned by KAA’s commitment to walking alongside families, listening carefully to lived experience, and delivering culturally responsive support. This is especially vital in the ACT, which has the highest proportion of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care nationally.
The launch celebration was a moment of pride, with Canberra’s night sky lit up to symbolise KAA’s commitment to brighter futures for children, young people, and families across the Territory. For the community, it wasn’t just the start of a new service, it was the beginning of a shared journey to create a safer, more supportive system for every child.
What is out-of-home care?
Sometimes, children and young people cannot live safely at home because of challenges such as family violence, neglect, or other serious risks. In those moments, the community steps in to make sure they are cared for, supported, and protected. In the ACT, this is known as out-of-home care (OOHC).
Child Youth and Families in the ACT Government Health and Community Services Directorate make the important decision to place children in safe, nurturing environments. KAA works alongside the government and local families to provide this care, making sure children and young people not only feel safe, but are also connected to culture, community, and identity.
At the heart of OOHC are carers, everyday people who open their homes and hearts. KAA supports carers with training, guidance, and wrap-around help so that together, we can create flexible, child-centred, and trauma-informed care options.
OOHC is more than just a service; it’s about giving children the stability, love, and sense of belonging they deserve, while working closely with families and communities to keep cultural connections strong and futures bright.
From reform to transformation
The challenges facing children and families in the ACT are not unique. They are felt in communities right across Australia. But so too is the shared hope: that every child can grow up safe within their family and culture, and that families have the support they need to thrive. Achieving this takes more than reform, it takes true transformation.
That’s why Key Assets Australia (KAA) has created Chrysalis, a transformation hub dedicated to re-imagining how services are designed and delivered. At the heart of Chrysalis is a simple but powerful principle: children, young people, and families must not just be listened to, but genuinely involved in shaping the decisions and systems that affect their lives.
This “Voice of the Child” approach puts lived experience front and centre. It’s about moving beyond reacting when harm has already occurred, and instead building systems that are proactive, caring, and focused on wellbeing. When children and young people are supported to speak up and when adults truly listen, the result is stronger communities, greater confidence and resilience, and solutions that reflect real lives rather than assumptions.
In this way, transformation becomes a shared journey. One led not just by organisations or governments, but by children, families, and communities themselves.
A call for vision and commitment
Here in the ACT, we have a rare chance to do something remarkable — to create a child and family service system that truly puts children, families, and communities at its heart. It’s an opportunity not only to improve outcomes locally, but to set an example that others across the country can follow.
At KAA, we believe this vision can only be realised if we work together, listening to children, walking alongside families, and building on the strengths already present in our communities. By moving beyond old ways of doing things, we can shape a future where every child feels safe, supported, and has the chance to grow into their full potential.
Thinking about making a difference? Want to be a carer?
At KAA, we believe carers are the heart of change in a child or young person’s life. In fact, our very name — Key Assets — reflects this belief. Every carer is a “key asset” in helping children build strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
Carers come from all walks of life. You might be single, partnered, renting, or a homeowner — what matters most is your willingness to provide care, patience, and understanding. If you’ve ever thought about opening your heart and home, now is the time to explore fostering.
You won’t be doing it alone. KAA provides full training, ongoing support, and financial assistance, so you’ll always have a strong network standing beside you. Caring for a child takes a community, and when you become a carer with us, you join a team dedicated to making sure every child feels safe, supported, and valued.
Most importantly, you’ll be the difference a child needs — the person who helps them believe in themselves and their future.
Want to work with us?
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people, and families? We’re looking for Social Workers, Case Workers, and Senior Social Workers to join our growing team here in the ACT.
At KAA, you won’t just have a job. You’ll be part of a community dedicated to creating safer, stronger futures. You’ll work alongside people who share your values and who are committed to walking with children, families, and carers every step of the way. And while you’re caring for others, we make sure to care for you too.
When you join KAA, you’ll have access to:
- Salary packaging benefits (as a not-for-profit)
- An Employee Assistance Program for personal and family support
- Discounted health insurance
- Generous paid leave, with extra annual leave after two years
- A dedicated Annual Learning Fund to grow your skills
- Study leave and a day off for your birthday
- A company car and fuel card (depending on role)
At Key Assets Australia, we know that supporting children starts with supporting the people who work alongside them. If you’re ready to bring your skills, heart, and energy to a team that’s making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Assets Australia
Level 3, 243 Northbourne Avenue
