Metropolitan Aboriginal Youth and Family Services

MAYFS is a dedicated Aboriginal service with a focus on diverting young people away from the justice system and toward improved life outcomes.

Our approach

Our Cultural Mentor Service and Programming are an Aboriginal youth and family inclusive service with a strong focus on strengthening Aboriginal young people’s connection to family, community and culture.
We recognise that young people are more likely to make positive changes in their lives, if they have a say in decisions, a supportive community, and access to positive opportunities for learning and social connection.
We work with young people and their families to keep them at the centre of decisions and planning. We work closely with other agencies, including Youth Justice, SA Police, Courts, schools, non-government and community service organisations to facilitate access to a range of services, program and youth opportunities.

Our approach supports young people to be:

engaged in school, training and work
engaged in community activities such as arts, culture, music, sport and recreation
develop healthy relationships with family and friends
understand risky behaviours and strengthen youth decision making
be confident, empowered, proud, respectful and be a role model to others
expose youth to connected to culture.

Family-inclusive case management that involves young people and families in designing a plan that fits their needs.
Flexible programming opportunities for social participation and cultural connection, including recreational, sport, language, dance, music and more.
Behavioural and cultural centred yarning circles that engage the young person to address and solve physical and psychological social problems and make positive changes.
Connections to education, training, skills development and employment.
Youth and family support with legal matters and justice requirements, providing support, advocacy explaining and navigating the justice system.
Supported referrals to other services, including mental health, domestic violence, housing, financial counselling, drug and alcohol services and more.