Research to inform government policy and family services
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Event 11 Jun 2024
AIFS Conference 2024
The AIFS Conference is the Australian child and family sector's showcase event. Occurring every 2 years, it is a unique opportunity for policy makers, practitioners and researchers to gather to exchange ideas and network.
Media release 17 Apr 2024
Fears for pets a barrier to escaping family violence
Fears for the safety of family pets can prevent or delay family violence victims leaving perpetrators – or be the reason they return – according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS).
Latest research
![Granddaughter helping grandmother to use the mobile phone at home. Granddaughter helping grandmother to use the mobile phone at home.](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_medium/public/2023-12/GettyImages-1395406177.jpg.webp?itok=BqPW4z3Q)
Factors, dynamics and effects of isolation for older people…
This report sets out the findings of the Factors, Dynamics and Effects of Isolation for Older People: An Exploratory Study with the aim to investigate and understand…
Read more![Mature woman holding her cute white-ginger cat in her arms. Mature woman holding her cute white-ginger cat in her arms.](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_medium/public/2023-12/GettyImages-1407732089_Liam%20Bell.jpg.webp?itok=PKwdTwXR)
Factors, dynamics and effects of isolation for older people
This snapshot discusses what factors give rise to isolation and how it is experienced by older people.
Read more![Young male doctor and senior man sitting on sofa and smiling during home visit. Young male doctor and senior man sitting on sofa and smiling during home visit.](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_medium/public/2023-12/GettyImages-Dean-Mitchell-941321228.png.webp?itok=AAWTJwyL)
Social isolation: Factors, dynamics and effects of…
This snapshot discusses social isolation for older people being an objective lack of connection and interaction with social networks, which can include family,…
Read moreLatest practice resources
![Senior dog consoles a young woman as they share a quiet moment of understanding Senior dog consoles a young woman as they share a quiet moment of understanding](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_medium/public/2024-04/GettyImages-514064978.jpg.webp?itok=tnDVQQnL)
Violence against family animals in the context of intimate…
This policy and practice paper describes what we know about the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and violence against family animals.
Read more![Mother and son sitting on sofa using digital tablet Mother and son sitting on sofa using digital tablet](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_medium/public/2024-03/GettyImages-638923674.jpg.webp?itok=hGjXEwkN)
Parenting, peer relationships and mental health in the…
This short article provides an overview of the research evidence on the association between parenting, peer relationships and mental health in the middle years…
Read more![A woman with clasped hands praying. A woman with clasped hands praying.](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_medium/public/2024-03/GettyImages-1070984606_Tinnakorn_Jorruang.jpg.webp?itok=T3lqsaL6)
Understanding spiritual and religious abuse in the context…
This paper used evidence and literature gathered from a range of sources. A literature review was conducted on research examining spiritual and religious abuse in the…
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