Child & Social Services
About our Child & Social Services Practice
The Australian Child, Youth and Family sectors continue to evolve, adapting to changing societal needs and family dynamics. Key focus areas include child protection, family support, homelessness prevention, affordable housing, domestic violence intervention, and substance abuse services. State and territory funding has grown uniformly across the country, reaching $10 billion annually. Approximately 1 in 30 children aged 0-17 receive child protection services nationally, with those in remote areas being three times more likely to require services compared to their urban counterparts. First Nations young people remain disproportionately represented in the child protection system.
The ongoing housing affordability crisis, exacerbated by rising living costs and an alarming increase in domestic violence, has further increased the demand for housing and accommodation support services nationwide. Governments and service providers are working to implement Royal Commission recommendations and respond to subsequent inquiries, all while facing funding pressures and persistent workforce shortages.
Providers across government and the Child, Youth and Family sectors are striving to achieve operational efficiencies through workforce redesign and staff engagement strategies. Forward-thinking agencies are building partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and implementing early intervention and family support programs to reduce the need for more intensive child protection services. There is a growing need to develop innovative approaches to address the housing crisis and support vulnerable populations.
In these times of significant social requirement, Orchard's commitment to the sector is absolute. We partner with organisations to enhance workforce capability and capacity, delivering fast, flexible, and reliable talent solutions. Enabling sector leaders and providers to improve the outcomes of their services and better address the evolving needs of young Australians.
