What we do

The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) is the Australian Government’s key research agency in family wellbeing.

Our role is to conduct high quality, impartial research into the key trends and emerging issues affecting Australian families, to inform government policy and programs and promote evidence-based practice in the family service sector.

Our position at the intersection of government, academia and the child and family services sector means our research has real-world impact – supporting policy makers and practitioners to target and shape interventions to address the diverse needs of Australian families.

We aim to explore the ‘what’, discover the ‘why’, and identify the ‘so what’ to help improve outcomes for children, families and their communities.

Vision and purpose

Our vision is for families of every kind thriving and contributing in a society that supports them.

Our purpose is to provide robust and independent evidence that informs policy and practice and drives positive outcomes for children, families and their communities.

Strategic goals

Our strategic goals, identified in our Corporate Plan 2025-26 to 2028-29, provide a long-term, whole of organisation direction and focus for our key activities. They are informed by trends and patterns impacting families, key government and community priorities, and the exercise of our role as an independent statutory agency.

• Provide research excellence and leadership in family wellbeing
• Be recognised as trusted partners and advisors to inform governments’ family and gambling policies
• Provide accessible research and evaluation resources to support family and community services
• Ensure a sustainable organisation with a culture of excellence.

Values

Our values are central to guiding the ways we work, as well as decision-making and actions. They hold us collectively accountable to high behavioural standards to ensure we fulfil our purpose in supporting families to thrive.