August Research Review

This edition features research on children’s participation in child protection processes, the economic case for Aboriginal-led child and family services, as well as factors preventing disclosures of child sexual abuse. It also covers the state of renting and youth homelessness in Victoria in 2025, education experiences for Indigenous students, employment pathways for young people with disability and the link between family violence and women’s deaths by suicide. Plus, insights into sleep and early development, child safety reforms and South Australia’s vision beyond violence.

Children and young people’s wellbeing

Safety and beyond? Exploring children’s priorities for their participation in the child protection and welfare process  

This conceptual study published in Child Abuse & Neglect explores children’s perspectives on participation in child protection processes in Ireland. Drawing on reanalysed interviews with 20 children aged 10 to 18, the study found that while children often shared adult concerns about safety, they viewed participation differently emphasising the importance of being listened to, having safe relationships with professionals and avoiding stigma. Children expressed frustration with limited dialogue and adult-dominated decision-making. The study urges child-centred practice that respects agency, emotional safety and the right to be heard, in line with Article 12 of the UNCRC.

MCM’s Victorian Youth Homelessness Snapshot 2025  

Melbourne City Mission’s (MCM) 2025 Victorian Youth Homelessness Snapshot highlights the intersecting challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness. Based on data from 179 young people aged 15–24 accessing MCM services on a single day, the report found that 4 in 5 had experienced family violence, 1 in 2 had attended an emergency department for mental health concerns and 1 in 4 had been homeless for four years or more. The snapshot reveals how family violence, health, education, employment and persistent homelessness are deeply interconnected. MCM calls for coordinated, cross-sector responses to address root causes and improve lifelong outcomes. 

Adverse childhood experiences and health at age 50 years in the National Child Development Study  

This cohort study explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape health at midlife. Using data from the UK National Child Development Study, researchers analysed outcomes for over 17,000 participants at age 50. They found that ACEs such as abuse, neglect and family conflict were linked to increased risk of severe pain and poor mental health, with women disproportionately affected. The findings support both broad-spectrum and targeted interventions to address specific vulnerabilities and improve long-term health outcomes. 

A call for connection: Understanding and addressing youth loneliness in Australia  

This mixed-methods study reveals a growing public health crisis of youth loneliness in Australia. Drawing on HILDA survey data and interviews with diverse young Australians, the report found that 43 per cent of young people aged 15–25 experience loneliness, with 1 in 4 reporting episodic loneliness and 1 in 7 experiencing persistent loneliness. Risk factors include poor mental and physical health, employment status financial strain. The study supports inclusive, youth-led strategies such as accessible community spaces, low-cost connection opportunities and targeted support during life transitions to foster belonging and wellbeing. 

All things being equal? Longitudinal patterns of mental disorder symptoms and associations with key social determinants in a large cohort of Australian adolescents 

This longitudinal study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health tracks mental health symptoms in over 4,000 Australian young people from Year 7 to Year 10. Using annual surveys and mixed effects regression, the study found rising symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially among cisgender females and gender diverse youth. Low family affluence and school disadvantage compounded risks. This study highlights the need to address adolescent mental health in public health policy, research and practice and target groups experiencing disproportionate burdens. 

Inclusive Pathways to Employment pilot 

This evaluation from the Brotherhood of St. Laurence examines the Inclusive Pathways to Employment (IPE) pilot, which trialled ways to improve youth employment services for young people with disability. Delivered across four sites, the mixed-methods study focused on early, integrated support through three tailored streams. Findings showed high engagement in career exploration, improved self-knowledge and employability and increased hope for future education or work. The report outlines the need for inclusive, aspiration-focused services that begin in school, embed cross-sector collaboration and build the capability of mainstream employment services to support young people with disability. 

Exploring trust from the voices of Australian children, young people and care networks in the Mockingbird Family   

This qualitative study published in Children Australia explores how trust is built within the Mockingbird Family model of foster and kinship care. Using semi-structured interviews with 21 children and 33 members of their care networks, researchers found that trust is co-produced through everyday interactions between children and carers and collaboration among carers, agency staff and child protection workers. The study shows how trust can be built and sustained, as well as how it is shaped by relational and structural factors, showing foster care as a relationship-centred, interconnected system. 

Practices and responses that help or hinder disclosures of child sexual abuse: Perspectives from victim survivors and practitioners  

This qualitative study published in Child Abuse & Neglect, explores what helps or hinders disclosures of child sexual abuse from the perspectives of victim-survivors and practitioners. Through in-depth interviews and yarning sessions with 51 victim-survivors and 23 practitioners in the Australian context, the study found that trust, safety and practitioner responses were critical to enabling disclosure. Many survivors had to disclose multiple times before being heard and few had safe adults to confide in. The study calls for trauma-informed, child-centred and survivor-led approaches to professional training and whole-of-community education. 

Family and community

The economic and social returns of reinvesting in families  

This report from AbSec presents a compelling economic case for investment in Aboriginal-led child and family services in New South Wales. The modelling found that ACCO-led supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families would yield a $3.83 return for every $1 invested. Funding currently remains crisis-driven with limited support for early intervention. The report shows the value of holistic, culturally safe services that keep children connected to family, culture and Country, highlighting the long-term benefits of self-determined, community-led care. 

Family violence and women’s deaths by suicide: A Victorian study 

This Victorian study from Australian Catholic University, Sequre Consulting and the University of Melbourne investigates the link between family violence and women’s deaths by suicide. Through in-depth interviews with 20 experts and a review of 12 coronial investigations, the study reveals how coercive control, housing insecurity and systemic failures heighten suicide risk. It highlights gaps in coronial processes and the need for improved recognition of family violence in suicide investigations, alongside coordinated responses across justice, mental health and family violence systems to prevent future harm and support women’s safety. 

Realising Aboriginal Community Controlled Approaches to Child Reunification  

This study published in the Australian Journal of Social Issues explores Aboriginal community-led approaches to child reunification in New South Wales. Drawing on nine practitioner forums with 84 participants, including 46 Aboriginal practitioners, the research found that successful reunification requires culturally grounded, holistic support tailored to statutory orders. The study posits a reimagining of permanency policy that prioritises ongoing family and cultural connections and addresses systemic barriers in child protection and out-of-home care to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families. 

Productivity with purpose: Clear pathways to a more equitable future 

This report from the Centre for Policy Development reframes productivity as a tool for wellbeing, equity and climate action. Drawing on submissions to the Productivity Commission and Treasury, the report proposes reforms across economic resilience, care economy investment and net zero transformation. It recommends inclusive, aspiration-focused strategies, such as better care funding, tax reform and community-led climate action, so that productivity delivers secure jobs, stronger communities and a fairer, more sustainable future. 

First Nations digital inclusion in Western Sydney 

This community-led report from the Whitlam Institute, the Centre for Western Sydney, Western Sydney University researchers and community organisations highlights the digital exclusion experienced by First Nations peoples in Western Sydney. Drawing on surveys, yarning circles and storytelling interviews, the study identifies key barriers including affordability, limited infrastructure, digital literacy gaps and culturally unsafe services. Despite these challenges, Indigenous-led organisations are fostering resilience and inclusion. The report calls for systemic reform centring First Nations leadership in digital policy, infrastructure and education. 

New mothers, employment and income 

This research report from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) uses linked census and government payment data to examine employment and income patterns among new mothers. The study found varied experiences, with some mothers returning to work early and others facing prolonged unemployment. Employment outcomes were shaped by child age, pre-birth job type, family income and access to flexible work. The report highlights the role of paid parental leave, income support and child care availability, outlining policy reforms that better support mothers’ transitions back into the workforce. 

Renting in Victoria 2025  

The 2025 edition of VCOSS’ annual Renting in Victoria report highlights persistent housing stress despite nation-leading renter protections. Drawing on frontline worker insights and lived experience, the study reveals frequent rent increases, poor property standards and barriers to raising issues. It links these challenges to broader systemic issues such as low social housing supply, rising living costs and stagnant income supports. The report suggests expanded social housing, reforms to rental regulation and new measures to improve affordability for continued momentum on fairer, safer renting. 

Filicide: Implications of new research for practice 

This review article from Children Australia synthesises recent Australian research on filicide to inform professional practice. Filicide, where a child is killed by a parent or guardian, occurs in Australia at a higher rate than in comparable countries with one child killed nearly every fortnight by a parent or guardian. The study identifies distinct risk factors across perpetrator types (mothers, fathers, stepfathers) and examines service interactions that failed to prevent deaths. The review requests professionals apply research-informed red flags and risk frameworks to guide urgent interventions and strengthen prevention efforts. 

Education

Desiring education, exhibiting agency, experiencing systemic obstacles: Re-examining the perceptions and experiences of education among Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in Australia  

This mixed-methods study from Edith Cowan University, published in The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, explores school experiences among Indigenous and non-Indigenous secondary students in Western Australia. Drawing on 536 students, researchers found both groups equally valued education and received similar levels of family support. However, Indigenous students were less likely to plan further study after Year 12, citing barriers in school culture, career development and study environments. The study highlights systemic racism and deficit discourse as ongoing challenges and calls for policy reform for equitable, culturally inclusive post-school pathways. 

Disillusion and delay: CYDA’s survey of the learning experiences of children and young people with disability in 2024  

Children and Young People with Disability Australia’s (CYDA) Disillusion and Delay report presents findings from two national surveys on the educational experiences of children and young people with disability, as well as their families and caregivers. The results revealed widespread bullying, exclusion and inadequate support planning. Only 36 per cent of students felt their school embraced inclusivity and most were not involved in shaping their Individual Education Plans. The report outlines key areas of concern and priorities for urgent action. 

Lessons from Canada – An equal school system is possible 

This report from the Australian Learning Lecture examines how Australia can reduce school segregation and improve equity by learning from Canadian models. The authors draw on site visits and policy analysis to highlight Canada’s success in creating inclusive school systems through full public funding, consistent regulation and local enrolment frameworks. In contrast, Australia’s fragmented system concentrates disadvantage in under-resourced schools, contributing to wide achievement gaps. The report stipulates that reform is needed to help all students regardless of background access high-quality education and opportunities. 

Podcasts

Why sleep matters in early childhood development  

This podcast episode from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University explores the critical role of sleep in early childhood development. In The Brain Architects, Dr. Lindsey Burghardt interviews sleep scientist Dr. Rebecca Spencer, who explains how sleep influences brain architecture, emotional regulation and lifelong wellbeing. Drawing on developmental science, the episode highlights the importance of naps, sleep environments and routines, especially in the context of climate change. It offers practical insights for caregivers, educators and policymakers around creating environments that support good sleep for learning, health and resilience. 

Audits, inquiries and investigations

Rapid Child Safety Review  

The Victorian Government’s Rapid Child Safety Review outlines urgent reforms to protect children in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. Led by Jay Weatherill AO and Pam White PSM, the review was commissioned in response to allegations of child sexual abuse. It recommends a national register for ECEC workers, stronger screening and recruitment and an overhaul of the Working with Children Check and Reportable Conduct Scheme. The report also calls for rigorous inspections, improved centre environments, a better supported workforce and greater transparency for parents. 

With courage: South Australia’s vision beyond violence  

South Australia’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence presents a roadmap for systemic change in its final report. Based on input from over 5,000 people, the report outlines 136 recommendations across prevention, crisis response, justice reform and victim-survivor support. Key proposals include a standalone ministerial portfolio, lived experience advisory networks and a five-year statewide strategy. The Commission urges a coordinated, well-resourced implementation to end violence and build a safer future. 

Research Review

The Centre’s Research Reviews are sponsored by our Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network (OPEN). OPEN supports Victoria’s child, youth and family services to use evidence from research, practice and client experience to deliver better outcomes for children, young people and families.