Equality, Inclusiveness, Respect
Association of Children's Welfare Agencies
The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA) is the NSW peak body representing the voice of non-government community organisations that deliver services to vulnerable children, young people and their families.
Established in 1958, for more than 60 years we have worked with our members, partners, government and non-government agencies, and other peak bodies, to bring about positive systemic reform that will deliver better outcomes to the lives of children and young people, including those living in out-of-home care.
ACWA supports our members by:
- Advocating for the rights, needs and interests of vulnerable children and young people.
- Providing strong sector leadership – gathering knowledge, examining new concepts and promoting best practice.
- Providing flexible, affordable and tailored training and development through the Centre for Community Welfare Training (CCWT).
Centre for Community Welfare Training
ACWA established the Centre for Community Welfare Training (CCWT) as our learning and development arm in 1987. CCWT provides cost effective and accessible training opportunities for people working across the community welfare sector in NSW and with vulnerable children, young people and families in particular.
In 1997, CCWT became a Registered Training Organisation able to deliver vocational qualifications under the Australian Quality Training Framework.
CCWT is widely recognised as the leading training provider for the NSW community services sector.
Our objective is to deliver professional learning that transforms people and communities for a better society.

ACWA's Vision
A truly civil society based on equal opportunity and social inclusion that actively nurtures the wellbeing and civic contribution of all children, young people, families and communities.

ACWA's Purpose
To advocate for and strengthen the capacity of the community service system to bring about effective reform to achieve better outcomes for communities, families, children and young people, particularly vulnerable children, families and communities.
Our Areas of Strategic Focus
ACWA’s single most important immediate goal is to develop an engagement strategy with government and our members that will re-assert and strengthen ACWA’s role in the sector. Details illustrating ACWA's goals and strategic focus areas are available in the ACWA Strategic Directions Guide 2019 – 2022.
Partners
ACWA works in partnership with a variety of organisations which share our vision of a civil and just society and support our ongoing commitment to systemic reform, through policy, advocacy and professional training, that brings positive change to individuals and communities. We deeply value the support and contribution of our partners.