New research to strengthen support for carers

The Morrison Government will provide more than $360,000 in funding for the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) to undertake ground-breaking research that will enhance support for carers across the nation, and lead to better outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children.

The Federal Assistant Minister for Children and Families, Michelle Landry, said the Carers Research Project would identify major barriers that Australia’s foster, kinship, grandparent, permanent and adoptive carers experience in their interactions with government, and propose strategies to address them.

“Safeguarding the best interests of Australia’s children is a priority of the Morrison Government, and that is why this research is so important,” Assistant Minister Landry said.

“We want to know what the key issues and obstacles are, what supports and services are currently available, how we attract and retain more permanent carers, and what role governments can have in securing healthy relationships between carers and birth families.”

Director of AIFS, Anne Hollonds, acknowledged the significance of the research and said she was pleased to be given the opportunity to lead this important piece of work in partnership with Indigenous research consultancy, Murawin.

The Carers Research Project is expected to be finalised in June 2021.

For more information on the Australian Institute of Family Studies visit https://aifs.gov.au, or on Murawin visit http://www.murawin.com.au