AFSS is an Aboriginal community based and controlled non-government organisation involved in services such as child welfare, child protection and family support, family based foster care and family reunification services.

It is contracted by the Department for Child Protection, the Department of Human Services and by other non-state government organisations to provide services to community.

The incident was detected by AFSS on 27 November 2023. Assessments to date indicate that there are approximately 1000 community members affected who are assisted by AFSS under contracts with the SA government.

AFSS is making active efforts to contact people affected by the data breach and advise them on steps they can take to protect their personal information.

There was no access to, or breach of, any State Government-operated IT systems.

The State Government takes the privacy and confidentiality of personal data seriously and is assisting AFSS with its investigations.

No AFSS services have been impacted and the organisation’s staff continue to deliver services to the community.

AFSS has reported the incident to the Commonwealth Government’s National Office of Cyber Security and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

AFSS has engaged the support services of IDCare, Australia's national identity and cyber support community service, which can provide specialist support and guidance.

At no cost, individuals can contact:

• IDCARE Australian National Case Management Centre on 1800 595 160 (Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm ACST), or,
• Complete the online form to request support: www.idcare.org/contact/get-help.

Quotes attributable to Department for Child Protection Deputy Chief Executive Adam Reilly

We know data breaches are distressing and inconvenient for those affected and DCP is working closely with Aboriginal Family Support Services (AFSS) to assess the impact of this incident.

The State Government takes the privacy and confidentiality of personal data seriously and we are working with AFSS to help ensure those who may have been affected can access the support they need.

There was no breach of any State Government operated IT system and AFSS is continuing to deliver services to the community.

Events such as this serve as a continuing reminder of the need to be vigilant about our personal security and having a prudent approach to information protection.