RESEARCH

Projects

Child abuse and child protection are complex. There is rarely one answer to the problems faced by children who have been abused and neglected. Child Abuse Research Australia is striving to understand all the options available, so that the best outcomes for children can be achieved more frequently.

World’s Best Practice in Prevention of Child Abuse

Child Abuse Research Australia plans to undertake a systematic review of world’s best practice. This will include a critical review of theoretical approaches. In the short term, this will be used to influence policy and practice. In the longer term, the Centre will use this knowledge in conjunction with other agencies to implement randomised controlled trials of prevention programs.

The Economic Costs of Child Abuse

In November, Child Abuse Research Australia with Access Economics and the Australian Childhood Foundation will publish a major report on the costs of child abuse to the Australian community. The Centre wishes to extend this research, and undertake studies into the costs and savings of programs for children who have been abused or are at risk of abuse.

Children Born to Chemically Dependent Parents

Chemical dependence is present in an increasing number of abuse cases, and has contributed to the rise in the number of children in out-of-home care. It is also a risk factor for child development problems. Child Abuse Research Australia plans a prospective study to be conducted in collaboration with hospitals, to compare service use and outcomes between children born to chemically dependent parents and a control group. This research will contribute to both policy development and practice responses to an increasingly complex area.

Optimal Management of Children who are Hospitalised with Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Abuse Research Australia is undertaking research in Victoria into hospital admissions of children who are abused and/or neglected. This will provide detailed knowledge of the children, the responses of hospitals and other services, discharge planning, and subsequent problems. The research will provide the basis for improved multi-disciplinary responses. Child Abuse Research Australia requires funding to establish this research in Queensland in what will be the first inter-state study.

Out-of-Home Care for Children who have been Abused

Every night, almost 30,000 children cannot live at home because of abuse and neglect, but there has been little research. The University of Bristol (UK) is undertaking a major study into kinship care (where children are placed with relatives), and Child Abuse Research Australia has the opportunity to undertake a parallel study. This will examine what works and what doesn’t, and why. It will provide the basis for research into other areas, such as residential care and foster care.

Evaluation of Therapies for Children who have been Abused

Many children who have been abused need intensive therapeutic programs to help them heal. Sadly, such services are few and far between. Child Abuse Research Australia has been invited to evaluate therapeutic programs in NSW and Victoria and assist in developing more effective responses to traumatised children in conjunction with the Australian Childhood Foundation.

Children’s Voices Research

Child Abuse Research Australia’s children’s voices research leads the world. The Truth is Longer than a Lie is the first book in the world to give children’s views on abuse and professional responses. It has received excellent reviews around the world, and has influenced policy makers and legislators in Australia. Child Abuse Research Australia wishes to extend this research to children forced to live with domestic violence, and children with disabilities who have been abused. This research will make a major contribution to policy and practice in these important areas.