Which programs reduce maltreatment and improve safety for vulnerable children?
This paper shares findings from a rapid evidence scan carried out by Western Sydney University into programs that help to reduce harm and maltreatment, and improve outcomes for vulnerable children aged 0-5 years.
Which programs improve school readiness for vulnerable children?
The transition to school is a pivotal life stage for both children and their families, and a significant event for educators. This Evidence to Action Note outlines the key findings a recent school readiness rapid review.
A rapid evidence review of early childhood programs to reduce harm and maltreatment and improve school readiness
This report details the findings of two rapid evidence reviews undertaken by Western Sydney University in 2021 to build the body of evidence about reducing harm and/or maltreatment for vulnerable children aged 0-5 years and improving school readiness for vulnerable children under six years of...
I believe you: children and young people’s experiences of seeking help, securing help and navigating the family violence system
This report presents the findings from 17 in-depth interviews conducted with Victorian children and young people, from the ages of 10 to 25, with lived experience of family violence. The research seeks to give voice to the experiences and expertise of children and young people...
Report of the Independent Inquiry into Foster and Kinship Care
In late 2021, Fiona Arney was appointed to lead the Independent Inquiry into Foster and Kinship Care (SA). This report outlines the findings from the inquiry.
"My son is just another kid"
This report documents the experiences of approximately 100 children who have been repatriated or returned to France, Germany, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan between 2019 and 2022.
Child wellbeing during the COVID pandemic: parental concerns
This report explores the varied impacts of COVID-19 on children of all ages below 18 years, and also delves into the experiences of families and the factors that parents say contributed to their children’s wellbeing.
Compliance with and enforcement of family law parenting orders: final report
This mixed-method project was designed to examine the drivers of non-compliance with parenting orders and the operation of the parenting order enforcement regime in Australia. This report sets out findings from contravention matter court file analysis, an online survey of separated parents with parenting orders...
Report of the Inquiry into children affected by parental incarceration
Children affected by parental incarceration are the invisible victims of crime. This report highlights the experiences of children and adults who have had parents in prison, and contains insights from parents who spoke to the Committee from prison.
Reframing childhood: final report of the Childhood Policy Programme
This report sets out seven, evidence-informed principles for those working in the policy ecosystem. The authors hope that these principles, which are not set in stone, will prompt discussion and debate on childhood policy, including the way children are conceptualised in policy and the role...
ldentifying strategies to better support foster, kinship and permanent carers: final report
This is the final report from the research project 'Identifying Strategies to Better Support Foster, Kinship and Permanent Carers'. This project was undertaken by the Australian Institute of Family Studies and Murawin, an Aboriginal research and evaluation consultancy.
Oranga Tamariki action plan
The Oranga Tamariki action plan aims to promote wellbeing for children, young people and families with the greatest needs, by enabling government agencies to work more effectively together and support whānau and communities.
Two years, too long: mapping action on the Harm Panel’s findings
This report has been prepared to mark the second anniversary of the publication of the UK Ministry of Justice expert 'Harm Panel’s' report. It aims to map the progress that has occurred over the last two years to learn from the panel’s findings and implement...
Support for children of imprisoned parents in New South Wales
This inquiry was established to look into the possible impact on children of imprisoned parents in NSW, and the adequacy of policies and services to assist them. In particular, it examined what services are available, how effective they are, and whether improvements could be made.
This audit was conducted to establish if the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is supporting timely, stable and quality placements for children and young people through the new kinship care model.
Next steps for our kids 2022–2030
This ACT government strategy document outlines their ambitious plan to reform out-of-home care and child protection in the ACT over the next 8 years.
Comparing outcomes for maltreated children: out-of-home care versus remaining at home – a literature summary
This literature summary reviews key research studies that compare developmental, educational, health and wellbeing, and criminal justice outcomes for maltreated children who were placed in out-of-home care with those who remained with their birth families.
Parenting in proximity to others: the importance of transitions, temporalities and trajectories.
To facilitate a transition that realises the health benefits associated with housing density, and minimises any harm from disruption, it is imperative to understand the experiences and identified barriers to higher density living, particularly for groups traditionally associated with lower density housing such as families...
Keeping kids safe and well - your voices
This report conveys the views of children, young people and families collected by the National Children’s Commissioner in face-to-face and online consultations and surveys between May and July 2021.
Trends and needs in the Australian child welfare workforce: an exploratory study
This report presents findings from an exploratory study that examined broad-ranging, publicly available data to investigate emerging trends, issues and needs in the child welfare workforce and the educational profile of this workforce.
Study examines self-reported mental health of children in contact with child protection services
This FACSIAR Summary highlights children’s difficulties with mental health with varying levels of contact with child protection services.
Compliance with and enforcement of family law parenting orders: views of professionals and judicial officers
This report summarises the views of 343 professionals who work with separated parents and chose to complete an online survey, and 11 judicial officers who exercise family law jurisdiction and participated in one-on-one interviews. The survey instrument was designed to elicit views on a range...
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early childhood strategy
The purpose of this strategy is to pave the way for governments, non‑government sectors and communities to collectively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to grow up healthy, engaged with education, connected to family and community, and strong in culture.
Safe and supported: the national framework for protecting Australia's children
This report outlines Australia’s framework to reduce child abuse and neglect and its intergenerational impacts.
National framework for protecting Australia's children 2021-2031: successor plan consultation report
From late March 2021 until the end of April 2021, SNAICC conducted a series of national consultations to guide the co-design of the successor framework to the National framework for protecting Australia’s children. This consultation report provides details on the consultation process and feedback from...