This column is designed to keep readers informed of contemporary developments that matter to families. It is compiled from reports provided by a panel of the following corresponding consultants with expertise in the many dimensions of family research and policy making: Pat Noller; Cynthia a'Beckett; Lee Wightman; Steven Zubrick; Judy Cashmore; Alison Garton; Jon Altman; and Sotirios Sarantakos. The column provides a snapshot of family research and policy issues from a range of research perspectives and geographic locations around Australia, and in particular covers in this issue, youth suicide prevention, sibling relationships and parental divorce, adolescent health, child protection, indigenous families and domestic violence.