Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (ATSIS) unit is part of the Office for Children, Youth and Family Support. ATSIS began operation as a business unit within the Office following the appointment of its Director, Neil Harwood, in August 2005.

Through the unit, the Office is working to ensure it is providing timely and culturally appropriate services to the ACT’s Indigenous communities.

ATSIS administers a range of Indigenous-specific program initiatives including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kinship and Foster Care Service, an Indigenous Family Support Program and a supported accommodation facility for young Indigenous males at-risk. The unit also provides advice on policy and procedural issues across the Office and DHCS on matters relating to Indigenous communities.