From journal articles to Quick Guides and webinars, you will find tools and information to support.
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.
This Children & Society journal article highlights findings from a study that analysed current out-of-home care educational policies from Australian Departments of Education across states and territories. It found significant differences across regions, with only Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria having dedicated policies for students with care experience. The study offers recommendations for improvement, for the Departments of Education, schools and teaching staff to better support the educational experiences of children in out-of-home care.
The Foster Care Association of Victoria has released its 2024 census report which highlights the experiences of Victorian foster carers, including their demographics and attitudinal data about the caring experience. The report highlights important findings around the challenges and rewarding aspects of being a foster carer and could help inform service delivery and advocacy.
This Australian Social Work journal article by Melbourne University explores carers’ experience of grief and loss, their coping strategies and what support they need. The article highlights the importance of the foster care agency's role in supporting its carers through these transitions, with carers wanting support through training and professional relationships.
