Southern Cross University’s groundbreaking kinship care research project

STUDYING the lived experience of children and young people living in kinship care is at the centre of a groundbreaking Australian Research Council-funded project, led by Southern Cross University (SCU).

The research seeks to reimagine how to strengthen belonging, identity and wellbeing for those growing up in kinship care.

Leading the project is SCU Professor Lynne McPherson.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people living in kinship care, most often with their grandparents,” she said.

“We want to better understand what belonging looks and feels like for these families, and how systems can work alongside them to create the conditions for safety and lifelong connection.”

Across Australia, more children now live in kinship or relative care than in any other form of out-of-home care.

Despite this significant shift, kinship care remains under-researched and under-supported.

Australian Childhood Foundation CEO Janise Mitchell said the research highlights the power of family and the importance of recognising what keeps children connected.

“Every child deserves to grow up feeling they belong.

“Kinship care keeps children connected to family, culture, and love but it also comes with challenges that too often go unseen.

“This project will shine a light on what helps families stay strong and what systems need to do better.”

The outcome of the project is to create tangible, practice-ready solutions drawn directly from the voices and experiences of children, young people, and their carers.

“By elevating lived experience as a source of wisdom, the project aims to inform national policy, reshape practice frameworks, and strengthen the systems that hold kinship families together.”

The research brings together key partners including Anglicare Victoria, OzChild, AbCare, and CASPA alongside the Australian Childhood Foundation.

By Andrea FERRARI