Increasingly, organisations are expected to demonstrate, and document, the differences their services are making for children, families and communities (McCoy, Rose, & Connolly, 2013; 2014). Evaluation and research helps to respond to this demand. Evidence gained through these activities helps to identify whether programs have achieved what was intended and enables organisations to be transparent...

Introduction: The purpose of this paper is to draw on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) perspectives, theoretical understandings, and available evidence to answer questions about what is required to effectively address Indigenous people’s mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Social and emotional wellbeing is a multifaceted concept. Although the term is often used...

This paper explores some of the characteristics of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices that contribute to effective family functioning, and how these practices can have positive effects on children and communities. The approach is to gather the views of Aboriginal families and compare these perspectives with supporting evidence drawn from the literature...

The Australian Institute of Family Studies was commissioned by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to evaluate the National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy, which ran from 1995 to 1999. Executive summary The National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy was an initiative of the Commonwealth Government to provide a coordinated approach to youth suicide prevention...

This report summarises Phase 2 of Stronger Families in Australia study evaluating the Communities for Children (CfC) initiative. Using data from 2006–2012, it examines medium- to long-term impacts on children, families and communities. CfC sought to improve service coordination, address unmet needs, build community capacity and enhance environments through tailored, collaborative service delivery in disadvantaged...