In 2016, the Parenting Research Centre conducted the most comprehensive survey made to date into the concerns, needs and behaviours of Victorian parents. This study was called ‘Parenting Today in Victoria’, and painted a picture of how Australia’s parents think and feel about parenting and their relationships with their children.
In 2019, and again in 2022, we repeated the study, with support from the Victorian Government.
By doing this periodic check-in with a sample of Victoria’s parents, we’re able to understand where parents are faring well, where they’ve made progress, and where they still need help.
Now with three tranches of data, we’ve been able to identify trends and key areas where parents and carers in Victoria are doing well, and where they might need additional support.
In this presentation we’ll focus on what the findings of the Parenting Today in Victoria study mean for family services. We’ll present findings from a number of key policy areas including:
Dr Mandy Kienhuis
Research Specialist, Parenting Research Centre
Dr Mandy Kienhuis is a Research Specialist with the Parenting Research Centre. She has over 15 years experience as a psychology researcher, with experience leading, conceptualising and conducting research. Dr Kienhuis has experience as a clinical psychologist, and has content knowledge in the areas of clinical psychology, psychological assessment, developmental psychopathology, developmental transitions, and parenting.
Dr Catherine Wade
Principal Research Specialist Parenting Research Centre
Dr Catherine Wade is Principal Research Specialist at the Parenting Research Centre. She leads research, evaluation and analysis activities at the Centre, with a focus on evaluating the implementation and impact of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable families across Australia and internationally. Dr Wade is also a Research Affiliate with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney.
