The Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS) enhances outcomes for children, young people and families through quality research, program evaluation, training and community education, advocacy and policy development. We are nationally recognised for our expertise in child protection, and preventing and responding to the abuse and neglect of children. We promote children’s participation, strengthen service systems, inform practice and support child-safe communities.
Learn about what we do
Our research benefits individuals, families, communities and societies as a whole, and our researchers strive to achieve what matters: better outcomes.
We have a strong network of government and community partners including the Australian Department of Social Services. Our partnerships enable us to apply our research, influence practice, and drive policy that achieves positive social change, promotes the common good, and improves outcomes for children, young people and families.
Our work has a real impact on critical community issues and public policy. Access our range of publications, including two recent reports for the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse: Our Safety Counts and Taking Us Seriously.
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.
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This survey aims to support youth-servicing organisations to self-assess, understand and address their safeguarding issues.
Explore project
This project aims to develop a reliable and rigorous measure of staff capabilities in preventing child sexual abuse.
Explore project
This systematic review looks at child sexual abuse prevention strategies in developing countries, with the aim of identifying which types of strategies are most successful.
Explore project
This initiative builds the capacity of workers in specialist and mainstream services to support children from families experiencing complex problems, such as domestic violence.
Explore project
kContact is a three-year study into reducing distress related to contact between children in care and their birth parents. It aims to increase successful reunifications over time.
Explore project
This project aims to increase our knowledge about the nature, extent and impact of the removal of infants from their mothers. It will outline the similarities between Australia, UK and the USA.
Explore project
We work with experts in social work, youth work, anthropology, psychology, public health and related fields. They’re well versed in using participatory approaches to engage with and promote the views of children.
Meet our peopleTo ensure those who support children, young people, families and their communities can access our knowledge and research, we’ve created a suite of tools and resources. We also offer program evaluation and training.
Browse resourcesUnderstand ACU’s organisational structure and learn more about our faculties, research, staff and administrative divisions.
Browse directoratesComplete a masters by research or a PhD doctorate with us and make a valuable contribution to your field and your community.
Get startedAs a university of service, we are committed to making an impact through ongoing community engagement and volunteering.
Embrace for impactDiscover what support is available for your research, including guidance on how to get funding and manage a project.
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Monday to Friday