This paper is based on keynote addresses by Jane Woodruff, CEO, UnitingCare Burnside to the National Association of Community Based Children's Services, University of Wollongong, April 2004; and to the Mobile Children's Service Association Conference, Dubbo, August 2003. It offers the perspective of one NSW child and family welfare agency on reasons for children's and family services to work more closely together. These include a shared concern for the early years; the need to address common risk and protective factors; and research which suggests combining approaches will achieve better results for children and families. Drawing from current practice and policy initiatives, the paper then suggests three main areas where children's and family services can pursue greater cooperation. (Contains 1 figure.)