See our history

Since its inception, Time for Kids has linked more than 5000 children with families prepared to give them a break and additional support.

The program has a truly transformative effect on the lives of children and young people in need. In 2009, Time for Kids received a National Crime and Violence Prevention Award from the Federal Government and the Australian Institute of Criminology, in recognition of the impact of our program in eliminating youth offending.

  • 22 April, 1960

    Juvenile Court Magistrate William Scales and wife Betty establish Society of Sponsors (SOS) with donations totalling £1378.

  • 1960s and ‘70s

    Deinstitutionalisation moves children from reformatories to foster care - SOS shifts focus to early intervention.

  • 1967

    Community donations provide SOS families with first financial and material aid!

  • 1977

    Magistrate’s son and lawyer Philip Scales elected SOS president.

  • 1980

    Cottage homes continue reporting “belongingness” benefits - SOS recognised as effective early intervention service.

  • 1996

    SOS finds first office premises on Morialta Street, Adelaide.

  • 2003

    New name “Time for Kids” better reflects respite program activities.

  • 2009

    Time for Kids receives National Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award!

  • 2010

    Time for Kids celebrates 50th anniversary – first Lionhearts fundraiser and anniversary book launch.

  • 2016

    New respite program supports children from new arrival families in CALD communities to settle in SA.

  • 2018

    Time for Kids merges with Relationships Australia SA

  • 2020

    Time for Kids turns 60!

60 years of Time for Kids

22 April 2020 marked 60 years of work by incredible individuals and families to provide volunteer respite care and mentoring to children in the program. Our carers and mentors become the village to support raising a child. It never ceases to move us that from the pairings facilitated by Time for Kids, lifelong positive relationships develop.

Thank you to everyone who has been and is involved with Time for Kids from 1960 to today! Since its inception, it has been the staff, carers and mentors, and supporters that make this service possible. Without our ‘village’, an important service like Time for Kids would not be possible:

  • our passionate and committed team
  • incredible carers and mentors who donate their time and welcome children and young people into their families
  • the generous support of our donors and other partners.

Now, as part of Relationships Australia South Australia, we’re still as dedicated as ever to see this program continue another 60 years and beyond.