From journal articles to Quick Guides and webinars, you will find tools and information to support.
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This report by AIFS and the Australian Human Rights Commission examines 3,000+ recommendations from 61 Royal Commissions and inquiries (2010-2022) to focus on child protection and youth justice system reforms.
This Australian Social Work systematic review found limited evidence on interventions for improving health and psychosocial outcomes of youth in residential care globally. Promising approaches include Cognitive Behavior Treatment and Healthy Eating Active Living, highlighting the need for rigorous evaluation to enhance effectiveness.
In November 2020, Victoria's Labour Government extended out-of-home care until age 21, starting January 2021. This policy, inspired by the Home Stretch campaign, reflects decades of advocacy by service providers and care-experienced youth.
This Children and Youth Services Review meta-analysis explored pathways from care to education and employment, finding higher odds of employment for girls with high school diplomas. Placement stability correlated positively with diploma attainment but showed no consistent effects on employment, race, or mentoring.
This article from Children and Youth Services Review synthesised ten meta-analyses on foster care placement instability (1990-2017), identifying factors like child behavioral problems, kinship care, and parenting quality as significant. Actions are advised for intervention improvements.
This Australian study interviewed individuals with lived experience of out-of-home care to understand their transition to independent living, focusing on stable housing. It highlights the reliance on specialist housing services and recommends extending care support to age 25 and improving transition planning. The findings are relevant to practitioners, informing their work with young people in out-of-home care and guiding efforts to address housing and support needs during the transition to independent living.
SNAICC's annual report provides essential insights for practitioners working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. It highlights the over-representation of Indigenous children in child protection and the need for policy change. The report is a valuable resource to inform practice and advocate for improved outcomes in collaboration with Indigenous experts.
The Australian Journal of Social Issues published a paper on the impacts of COVID-19 on children in out-of-home care and their carers. Findings show negative effects on education, social life, and physical activity for children, but improved relationships within living arrangements. Carers reported challenges in maintaining relationships with birth families and accessing support networks.
VACCHO publishes evaluation results on Culture and Kinship Program. Evaluation shows $8.29 Social Return on Investment for every dollar invested. Success factors include self-determination and cultural knowledge integration. Relevant for practitioners seeking effective approaches to supporting Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
