MacKillop Family Services formally began operations on 1 July 1997. Its establishment embodies the desire to provide the best possible services to children and families. It continues the works of:
- Mercy Family Care Centre North Geelong
- St Anthony's Family Service Footscray
- St Augustine's Adolescent & Family Services Geelong
- St Joseph's Babies & Family Services Glenroy
- St Joseph's Homes for Children Flemington
- St Vincent's Boys Home South Melbourne
- St Vincent de Paul Child & Family Service Black Rock
These founding agencies, administered by the Sisters of Mercy, the Christian Brothers, and the Sisters of St Joseph, had themselves evolved over 150 years of service to children and families in Victoria.
The history contains three parts:
- The History of Catholic Child Welfare in Victoria 1841 - 1997,
- The History of the Congregations, their Founders, and the Founding Agencies
- The History of the Amalgamation and Refounding