Institute of Child Protection Studies

Improving the lives of children, young people and their families is at the heart of what we do. We do this through quality research, evaluation, training, consultation and translating knowledge for policy makers and practitioners. Nationally recognised for our expertise in child protection, we aim to make a real impact on critical social issues, child-centred practice, service systems and public policy.

Learn about what we do

Our updates

The following slideshow controls change the content above and below. Information is displayed below the controls while video content plays above the video controls.

Our research themes

 similing young girl on swing

Safeguarding children in institutions

Understanding effective safeguarding practices that build child-safe cultures and environments, and helping institutions understand how to apply the evidence

Read more
 toddler's face with a happy but surprised look

Understanding and preventing child abuse and neglect

Understanding the nature and extent of child abuse and neglect at personal, societal and systems levels so that we can mitigate risks.

Read more
 boy on a small bike using his feet on the dirt track to move forward

Enhancing prevention capacity

Learning how to support practitioners, parents, children and young people.

Read more
 yellow and ochre wall with teen girl siting with her arms out in front of the wall

Strengthening child protection systems and practice

Focusing on the needs and experiences of children in statutory care and ways to strengthen services and processes.

Read more
 preschool child building tower of blocks

Child-centred policy and practice

Using lived experience and practice to co-design research with children, young people and families, and the development of new programs.

Read more
 girl holding a yellow flowerby its stem with ourstretched arms

Current projects

One-stop glance at all our current projects with funding source, partners, publications and background details. Includes past projects.

Read more
boy running in shower of water from sprinkler

Advocating for change

Our work is informed by research and driven by a passion to improve the lives of children and young people.

Read more
child whispering into adult's ear

Our expertise

The ICPS aims to influence policy and practice to achieve positive social change, enhancement of the common good, and improved outcomes for children, young people and families.

Read more

Research with impact

ACU ICPS research with impact

We work collaboratively with government and industry organisations focused on child safety, child wellbeing and child rights. Our strong relationships with researchers, policy makers in government, organisational leaders and community partners ensure that our work has impact. We contribute to national conversations as well as organisational growth by offering consultations and delivering presentations.

Our key expertise is in qualitative and quantitative research with eminent researchers, institutions and community organisations. We draw on technical tools such as surveys, evidence reviews, interviews and focus groups. And we also engage with adults and children to learn from their lived experience.

Read more about us

Our range of work

Using a variety of approaches, we address issues including children’s safety; child sexual abuse child protection services; child, youth and family services; the effects of adverse childhood experiences on mental health; youth justice and children’s courts; and public policy. 

Read our publications

Talk to our team about your research

Contact us
ACU safeguarding young people

Safeguarding children portal

The Safeguarding Children and Young People portal links organisations to resources, training and up-to-date research, helping them create an environment that’s transparent and accountable for keeping children safe.

Visit the portal

You might also like

Organisational structure

Understand ACU’s organisational structure and learn more about our faculties, research, staff and administrative divisions.

Browse directorates

Become a candidate

Complete a masters by research or a PhD doctorate with us and make a valuable contribution to your field and your community.

Get started

Community engagement

As a university of service, we are committed to making an impact through ongoing community engagement and volunteering. 

Embrace for impact

Resources for researchers

Discover what support is available for your research, including guidance on how to get funding and manage a project.

Browse now

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs