Why Us
The MacKillop Institute provides a suite of evidence-informed programs that promote school and organisational wellbeing and strengthen child safety practices.
What sets us apart
- A frontline connection to the sector
At the Institute, we know what works on the ground through MacKillop Family Services' practice in communities, schools, and homes across Australia. We utilise this wealth of experience to ensure our training is both practical and effective. - Our programs are evidence-informed
We are committed to continuous improvement. Our programs are independently evaluated, and our university partnerships ensure that the latest data and research is informing our practice. - We bring tailored solutions
We understand that different contexts require different responses. We actively listen so that we can co-design a solution that meets the unique needs of each organisation. - A lasting, whole of organisation change approach
Lasting change is more likely when we have whole of organisation adoption. This is why we offer programs that target the organisation, rather than individuals. Many of our programs are train the trainer models, so we can support your experts to deliver change in your own organisations. - Cultural safety
We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be strong in culture, connected to family, community and country. We ensure that the services we provide promote safety, respect and inclusion.
Our story
The MacKillop Institute is a part of MacKillop Family Services, and was established to share the experience, expertise, and evidence-based programs of MacKillop Family Services with the wider community. The MacKillop Institute draws on a wealth of experience from MacKillop Family Services' work across Australia and the commitment of our CEO, Dr Robyn Miller, to identify, promote, and independently evaluate good practice.
The MacKillop Institute is committed to MacKillop Family Services strategic goal to be innovative and responsive, develop best practices and advocate for social justice. We do this by building long-term partnerships that create positive and sustainable change.
The Institute empowers other organisations with evidence-informed programs and services that promote school and organisational wellbeing, and strengthen child safety. We work with others to share our collective knowledge so, together, we can create practical solutions tailored to the culture, strengths and needs of an organisation.
While the Institute was launched only 3 years ago, our programs have been around for decades and we draw on over 100 years of experience, dating back to the three founders who proceeded MacKillop Family Services. Our founders were driven by a commitment to education and to social justice. We try to do the same; we see the need and help co-design solutions. By sharing our expertise and working collaboratively, we can achieve a greater impact and support families, children, and communities to flourish.
MacKillop Family Services
Since formation in 1997, MacKillop Family Services (MacKillop) has grown to be a leading provider of specialist services for vulnerable children, young people, and families. MacKillop promotes the right of all children to be free to enjoy their childhood in safety, to be nurtured and to have a sense of belonging and cultural identity.
MacKillop's work is underpinned by strong governance and a deep commitment to social justice; to child focused, family centered, strength-based practice; to the prevention of harm; and to practice based on research evidence.
MacKillop works across the ACT, the Northern Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, delivering a range of therapeutic services including:
- Family support services to build parenting skills and address issues that affect the safety and wellbeing of children
- Foster care and residential care services for children and young people unable to live at home
- Disability services for children, young people, and their families
- Homelessness services for young people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home
- Education services for children and young people who are disengaged, or at risk of disengaging, from mainstream education
- Holistic alcohol and drug support services
- Supported release of records to care-leavers and their families.
Our guiding principles
The guiding principles we share with our parent organisation, MacKillop Family Services, support us in our work to achieve positive outcomes in the community. They inform all the decisions we make to ensure we provide the best possible service to the people we work with. It includes our deep commitment to working with Aboriginal people and communities, child safety and the rights of children young people and families, sustainability, and the development of LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices.
Our values
Our Values
At The MacKillop Institute, we commit to five core values, which we embed in our practice, our programs and services, and our daily engagement with partners.
Justice
Justice
We believe in the right of all people, regardless of belief or culture, to be treated justly and fairly.
Hope
Hope
We commit to foster a hope that assists people to find meaning.
Collaboration
Collaboration
We commit to working in a collaborative spirit through cooperation, coordination and partnership.
Compassion
Compassion
We seek to foster compassion, an attitude of the heart and a response to suffering.
Respect
Respect
We seek to act with respect with regard to each other, the earth and all creation.
"We are passionate about building strong partnerships that enable government, community, education systems and corporate organisations to respond effectively to the needs of their community."
Anne Henderson, Director, The MacKillop Institute
