Research to inform government policy and family services

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Media release 1 Feb 2023

'Invisible people' - policy makers urged to consider the needs of 20-somethings who moved back home during the pandemic

A new report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) reveals the extent of social isolation and loneliness experienced by those in their early twenties during the national lockdown.

Media release 16 Nov 2022

The true impact of natural disasters on Australian men’s mental health

The fourth and final report of the landmark Ten to Men research series reveals that one in four Australian men were impacted by a natural disaster between 2019 to 2021.

Latest research

A young woman with hearing aids talking to her mother in the kitchen. They have a breakfast and enjoying the time they spending together.

Commissioned report

Feb 2023

Young adults returning to live with parents during COVID-19

This snapshot reports on experiences of young adults during the COVID period and the difficulties they faced.

Submission

Jan 2023

Inquiry into the provisions of the Paid Parental Leave…

AIFS submission to the Inquiry into the Provisions of the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Improvements for Families and Gender Equality) Bill 2022.

Close-up of young Hispanic schoolgirl sitting at classroom table and concentrating on drawing with colored pencils.

Research report

Dec 2022

Evaluation of the Inclusion Support Program

This evaluation considers the impact of the Inclusion Support Program – an element of the Child Care Package.

A physical therapist is working with a child in the hospital that has cerebral palsy.

Short article

Feb 2023

Engaging children with disability in supported decision…

This short article discusses supported decision making for children with disability and the evidence about using this approach for practice.

Rear view of one mature woman sitting on a park bench in the summer season. Bright sunny day with lush green grass and trees. The woman gazes off into the distance as she relaxes on a beautiful day. Solitude, lonliness, contemplation. She has short blond hair and wears a purple shirt and jeans. Copyspace to right in this tranquil nature scene.

Resource sheet

Dec 2022

Understanding and defining loneliness and social isolation

This resource sheet explores how we understand social isolation and loneliness and provides common definitions to support practitioner understanding of people…