From journal articles to Quick Guides and webinars, you will find tools and information to support.
In this Family Court Review article by researchers from the United States critiques the American child welfare system, which operates under the premise of protecting children through laws and policies. The article proposes a framework that acknowledges the trauma inflicted on families and advocates for an approach that centres the experiences of people impacted by child welfare systems.
Respect Victoria's report analyses attitudes of Australian men aged 18 to 45 regarding harmful stereotypes of masculinity. The report identifies five key opportunities for encouraging healthier masculinity, such as promoting support relationships and addressing the impact of gender norms on parenting. It provides actionable insights from practitioners and policymakers focused on engaging men in violence prevention efforts.
This report from Australian Institute of Family studies was commissioned by the Australian Government Attorney-General Department, which analyses the Family Relationships Services Program (FRSP) in Australia. The review evaluates its effectiveness in meeting diverse family needs, particularly for First Nations and CALD Families. Key findings highlight the complex challenges faced by families, the need for trauma-informed care, and the importance of improved accessibility and coordination of services.
This report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare links youth justice involvement with past interactions in the child protection system, showing that young people under supervision are at a higher risk of prior maltreatment. Data from 2013 to 2023 reveals that nearly two-thirds of those under youth justice supervision had prior contact with child protection services, with higher rates in detention than community supervision. The report highlights the importance of coordinated interventions across these systems to support affected youth effectively.
This Australian Institute of Criminology review of child sexual abuse and sexual assault legislation aims to strengthen legal frameworks to improve justice outcomes for victims. The review found significant legislative inconsistencies across jurisdictions, impacting investigations and victim support. The findings underscore the need for harmonised legislation to ensure better protection and support for victims, particularly children, in navigating the criminal justice system.
The literature review, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, was undertaken by representatives from Australian and Canadian research institutes. The researchers analysed qualitative reports from 35 articles, including perspectives from First Nations children, caregivers, caseworkers and stakeholders. The review highlights that cultural connection is paramount for the wellbeing of First Nations children in out-of-home care and services must prioritise culturally appropriate permanency options.
This Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health article by researchers from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, University of Melbourne and University of NSW identified service, research and policy priorities to address the impact of family adversity on child mental health through a staged process, involving professionals and individuals with lived experience. Key service priorities include creating intersectoral hubs and home-visiting programs.
This Child Abuse Review article by researchers from the University of Southern Queensland and Australian Catholic University introduces a theory-driven measure (Cumulative Experiences Index) designed to assess the accumulation of adverse childhood experiences in high-risk populations. The Index offers practitioners and researchers a valid method of reflecting the complexity of harm exposure over time, helping to inform prevention and intervention strategies across public health programs.
This Children and Youth Services Review journal article by four researchers from the University of Tasmania provides qualitative insights from young people aged 14-18 years in residential care in Canada relating to their common experience of changing schools through their residential placements. Based on the interpretation of the narrative data, school change represented a significant event and impacted the educational experience for most of the young people interviewed. This article identifies factors that could facilitate school career continuity, including involving young people in decision-making.
