A new $10.4 million support program is now operating in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, offering young Aboriginal parents practical assistance from pregnancy through to their child’s second birthday.
The Young Aboriginal Families in the North (YAFIN) program is designed for first-time parents under 25 who are experiencing significant challenges, providing culturally safe, personalised support to help families build confidence, strengthen relationships and create stable homes for their children.
Importantly, families can refer themselves directly to the service, removing a potential barrier for parents who may need assistance but are unsure where to turn.
Delivered by Aboriginal community-controlled organisation Kornar Winmil Yunti (KWY), the program brings together parenting education, therapeutic support, peer connections and practical help tailored to each family’s circumstances.
Rather than waiting until problems escalate, YAFIN focuses on early intervention, working alongside expectant and new parents to strengthen their existing skills and connect them with the services they need.
The support can include help navigating health and community services, developing parenting skills and addressing challenges affecting family wellbeing. The program also recognises the importance of maintaining connections to family, community and culture.
YAFIN has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, with community representatives playing a central role in shaping how the service operates.
KWY Chief Executive Officer Craig Rigney said, “YAFIN represents what can be achieved when governments and Aboriginal communities come together in genuine partnership with a shared commitment to achieve better outcomes for children and families.
“From the outset, Aboriginal organisations had a real voice in shaping this service. The design reflects what the Aboriginal community has told us they need and that makes YAFIN different from traditional service models.
“KWY is incredibly proud to be delivering a service that has been designed through a genuine partnership between DHS and the Aboriginal community-controlled sector.”
The program forms part of South Australia’s Child and Family Support System and aims to reduce the number of Aboriginal children entering out-of-home care by helping families access appropriate support earlier.
Families can receive assistance through outreach services, parenting programs, therapeutic activities and connections with other parents, with support continuing through the critical early years of a child’s development.
Minister for Human Services Katrine Hildyard said, “This $10.4 million investment demonstrates our commitment to working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal families and communities to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families and to help Close the Gap.
“YAFIN provides culturally safe support to young parents from the earliest stages of their parenting journey, helping babies thrive while strengthening family, community and cultural connections.”
The program’s development has also received national recognition, with its commissioning approach winning the Best Initiative to Deliver Social Value Through Procurement category at the 2026 CIPS ANZ Excellence in Procurement & Supply Awards.
The award recognised the partnership between government and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, including shared decision-making and efforts to improve outcomes under Closing the Gap.
YAFIN is now accepting referrals from birthing hospitals, child protection and family support services, community organisations and families themselves.
Eligible families living in Adelaide’s northern suburbs can access the service directly through KWY, allowing parents to seek assistance without waiting for a formal referral from another organisation.
For more information, click here.
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