Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services (1976 - 2014)

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In 1976 Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service became an Incorporated Association and set up operations in Collingwood. Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service was a separate legal entity from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The Organisation continued the Sisters' work with children and families.

The Good Shepherd Sisters' involvement with children and women in need dates back to 1863 when they set up their convent at Abbotsford on the banks of the Yarra River. Services provided at Abbotsford included a refuge for women experiencing poverty and homelessness, an orphanage and an industrial school for juvenile offenders.

The Sisters adopted a policy of de-institutionalisation in 1973 and ceased providing 'care' in 1977. The Sisters formed an ongoing partnership with the employed staff at Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services.

Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services provided foster care for children and young people through its Living in Nurturing Communities program. It also worked in the areas of family counselling and family strengthening to build family resilience.

In 1990, Good Shepherd expanded its services into the Mornington Peninsula region, and another office in St Albans opened in 1991.

In 2014, Good Shepherd Youth & Family Services, together with Rosemount Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service (based in New South Wales) merged with Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand to become one unified organisation.