Staff Profiles

 

Prof. Alan Hayes

Professor Alan Hayes
Director, Australian Institute of Family Studies

BA(Hons) (UNSW), PhD (Macq.), FAPsS, FAmPsyS


Professor Hayes took up his appointment as Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies in September 2004. With qualifications in Psychology, he has longstanding research and policy interests in the pathways children and their families take through life, and the role of families in supporting and sustaining development across life. The role of vulnerability and resilience in shaping developmental pathways has been a particular focus. Much of his work has focused on disadvantage, with a longstanding interest in prevention and early intervention. The impact of relationship breakdown on children is a particular interest, and the factors that impede access to opportunity continue to be a key focus.

Professor Hayes holds a Chair of Early Childhood Studies at Macquarie University, where he was also foundation Dean and Head of Division at the Australian Centre for Education Studies (ACES). He has been the chair, deputy chair or a member of four Australian Government Ministerial Advisory Councils, including the Commonwealth Child Care Advisory Council (CCCAC), the Australian Council for Children and Parenting (ACCAP), the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy (SF&CS) Partnership and the Australian Families and Children Council (AFCC). For the NSW Government, he chaired the committee that successfully established the Institute of Teachers in 2004 and was a member of the NSW Child Protection Council. An Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, he has been a Visiting Professor at the Free University of Berlin and the Pennsylvania State University.

In 2007 Professor Hayes was an Ambassador for National Families Week.

Recent publications

Hayes, A. (2008). Putting early childhood into a lifespan, social-inclusion perspective. Every Child, 14(1) 4-5.

Hayes, A. (2007). Foreword. In D. Higgins, Cooperation and coordination: An evaluation of the Family Court of Australia's Magellan case-management model (p. 10). Canberra, ACT: Family Court of Australia.

Hayes, A. (2007). Early childhood and care in Australia. In R. S. New & M. Cochran (Eds.), Early childhood education: An international encyclopedia: Vol. 4 The countries (pp. 867-871). Westport, CT: Praeger.

Hayes, A. (2007). Why early in life is not enough: Timing and sustainability in prevention and early intervention. In A. France & R. Homel (Eds.), Pathways and crime prevention: Theory, policy and practice (pp. 202-225). Uffculme, UK: Willan Publishing.

Hayes, A. (2007). A great partnership begins. Access, 23, 19-20.

Baxter, J., & Hayes, A. (2007). How four year olds spend their day: Insights into the caring contexts of young children. Family Matters, 76, 34-43. Abstract

Geggie, J., Weston, R., Hayes, A., & Silberberg, S. (2007). The shaping of strengths and challenges of Australian families: Implications for policy and practice [Special issue. Strong families around the world: Strengths-based research and perspectives]. Marriage & Family Review, 41, 217–239.

Smart, D., Hayes, A., Sanson A. V., & Toumbourou, J. W. (2007). Mental health and wellbeing of Australian adolescents: Pathways to vulnerability and resilience. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 19, 263-268.

Hayes, A. (2006). Foreword. In A. Elliott (Ed.), Early childhood education: Pathways to quality and equity for all children (pp. iii-vi; Australian Review No. 50). Camberwell, Vic.: ACER Press.

Hayes, A. (2006). Maintaining the gains: Sustainability in prevention and early intervention. Family Matters, 75, 66-69. Abstract

Hayes, A., Weston, R., Gray, M., Qu, L., Higgins, D., Hand, K., & Soriano, G. (2006). Family relationships through life: An illustration of the Australian Institute of Family Studies' Research Plan (2006-2008). Family Matters, 73, 4-12. Full text (PDF 1.5MB)

 

 

Dr Matthew Gray

Dr Matthew Gray
Deputy Director, Research

BEc (Hons)(Adelaide), PhD (ANU)


Dr Matthew Gray was appointed as Deputy Director, Research in July 2005. Dr Gray is also Executive Project Manager of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Previously, Dr Gray was employed at the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at the Australian National University. During 2004-05 Dr Gray was a member of the Ministerial Taskforce on Child Support. He is a member of a number of advisory committees.

Dr Gray has published research on a wide range of Australian social and economic policy issues. He has particular expertise in work and family issues, labour economics, social capital and social inclusion, measuring wellbeing, the economic consequences of divorce, child support, and social and economic policy development. He has undertaken extensive work on economic policy issues involving Indigenous Australians, including health status, labour market outcomes, poverty and the CDEP scheme.

Recent publications

Gray, M., & Chapman, B. (in press). Relationship breakdown and the economic welfare of Australian mothers and their children. Australian Journal of Labour Economics.

Baxter, J., & Gray, M. (2008). Work and family responsibilities through life. Family Matters, 79, 58-61.

Gray, M., & Smart, D. (2008). The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children is now walking and talking. Family Matters, 79, 5-13.

Gray, M., & Baxter, J. (2008). Parent-only care: A child care choice for working couple families? Family Matters, 79, 42-49.

Edwards, B., Higgins, D., Gray, M., Zmijewski, N., & Kingston, M. (2008). The nature and impact of caring for family members with a disability in Australia. (Research Report No. 16). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Baxter, J., & Gray, M. (2008). Submission from the Australian Institute of Family Studies to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Paid Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave. Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text (PDF 611K)

Hayes, A., & Gray, M. (2008). Social inclusion: a policy platform for those who live particularly challenged lives. Family Matters, 78, 4-7.

Gray, M., Edwards, B., & Zmijewski, N. (2008). Caring and women's labour market participation. Family Matters, 78, 28-35.

Gray, M., Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2008). Fertility and family policy in Australia. (Research Paper No. 41). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Baxter, J., Gray, M., Alexander, M., Strazdins, L., & Bittman, M. (2007). Mothers and fathers with young children: Paid employment, caring and wellbeing (Social Policy Research Paper 30). Canberra, ACT: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

de Vaus, D., Gray, M., Qu, L., & Stanton, D. (2007). The consequences of divorce for financial living standards in later life. (Research Paper No. 38). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Smyth, B., Weston, R., Moloney, L., Richardson, N., Qu, L., & Gray, M. (2007). Allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children’s proceedings: A pre-reform empirical snapshot. Australian Journal of Family Law, 21, 252-287.

Moloney, L., Smyth, B., Weston, R., Richardson, N., Qu, L., & Gray, M. (2007). Allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children’s proceedings: A pre-reform exploratory study. (Research Report No. 15). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Gray, M. Qu, L., Renda, J., & de Vaus D. (2006). Changes in the Labour Force Status of Lone and Couple Australian Mothers, 1983-2005. Australian Journal of Labour Economics, 9(4), 395-416.

Gray, M., & Renda, J. (2006). Reservation wages and the earnings capacity of lone and couple mothers: Are wage expectations too high? (Research Paper No. 37). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Baxter, J., & Gray, M. (2006). Paid work characteristics of mothers with infants. Family Matters, 74, 34-41. Full text (PDF 1.7MB)

Weston, R., & Gray, M. (2006). Assessing family and community life through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey: An evaluation. Family Matters, 73, 32-37. Full text (PDF 319K)

Gray, M., & Chapman, B. (2006). Some labour market measurement issues for Indigenous Australians. Australian Journal of Labour Economics, 9(1), 5-16.

Hunter, B., & Gray, M. (2006). The effectiveness of Indigenous job search strategies. Economic Record, 82(256), 1-10.

Altman, J., & Gray, M. (2005). The economic and social impacts of the CDEP scheme in remote Australia. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 40(3), 399-410.

Gray, M. (2005). Costs of children and equivalence scales: A review of methodological issues and Australian estimates. In: In the best interests of children: Reforming the Child Support Scheme. Report of the Ministerial Taskforce on Child Support, Vol. 2, Research papers underpinning the Taskforce's approach. Canberra, ACT: Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Gray, M., Misson, S., & Hayes, A. (2005). Young children and their grandparents. Family Matters, 72, 10-17. Full text (PDF 2.3MB)

Gray, M., & Hunter, B. (2005). The labour market dynamics of Indigenous Australians. Journal of Sociology, 41(4), 389-408.

Gray, M., & Hughes, J. (2005). Caring for children and adults: Differential access to family-friendly work arrangements. Family Matters, 70, 18-25. Full text (PDF 254K)

Gray, M., Hunter, B., & Heath, A. (2005). The labour force dynamics of the marginally attached. Australian Economic Papers, 44(1), 1-14.

 

 

Sue Tait

Sue Tait
Deputy Director, Corporate and Strategy

BA (Hons) (La Trobe), DipEd (La Trobe), M Ed Studies (Monash), FAICD


Ms Sue Tait has extensive experience as a senior executive in both the public and community sectors. She joined the Institute in 2005, following experiences as a General Manager in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to that she had extensive experience in the Victorian Department of Education and Training, ranging from Principal to Regional Director and General Manager in the Office of School Education. She has also served as Non-Executive Director of a range of community- and education-focused boards.

 

 

Jennifer Baxter, Research Fellow

Dr Jennifer Baxter is a demographer who joined the Australian Institute of Family Studies in February 2005. In January 2005 she completed her PhD thesis titled 'The changing employment of partnered mothers in Australia, 1981 to 2001' in the Demography and Sociology Program of the ANU. The thesis is based on a large range of statistical information, and includes empirical analyses of female employment, looking at the role of wife's and husband's characteristics and attitudes, on the use of child care, use of leave, hours of work, and occupations.

Dr Baxter's previous work experience includes more than fifteen years in the Commonwealth Public Service, having worked in a number of statistical and research positions. She has also undertaken work on women's employment transitions after childbearing.

During 2005 she has been involved in the analysis of data from Growing Up in Australia: the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) for the 2004 LSAC annual report. She has also contributed to AIFS's submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into Balancing Work and Family and the evaluation of the impact of Parenting Payment activity requirements on children aged 13 to 15.

Specialist areas
Current research activities
Recent publications

See also Conference papers and presentations

Baxter, J., & Gray, M. (2006). Paid work characteristics or mothers with infants. Family Matters, 74, 34-41. Abstract

Baxter, J. (2005). Women's work transitions around childbearing (Negotiating the Life Course discussion paper DP-021). Canberra, ACT: Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University. Full text (PDF 1.1MB)

Baxter, J. (2005). The employment of partnered mothers in Australia, 1981 to 2001. Unpublished PhD thesis, Australian National University. Full text (PDF 2.58MB)

Baxter, J. (2005), Mothers' employment transitions following childbirth. Family Matters, 71, 11-17. Full text (PDF 301KB)

Baxter, J., & McDonald, P. (2005). Why is the rate of home ownership falling in Australia? AHURI Research and Policy Bulletin, 52, 1-4. Full text (PDF 147K)

Baxter, J., & McDonald, P. (2004). Trends in home ownership rates in Australia: The relative importance of affordability trends and changes in population composition. Final report. Melbourne, Vic: Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, 31p. Full text (PDF 3MB)

 

 

Leah Bromfield, Research Fellow

Dr Leah Bromfield is Manager of the National Child Protection Clearinghouse at the Australian Institute of Family Studies. She has completed a PhD on the topic of chronic child maltreatment in statutory child protection services.

Some of the recent projects she has been involved in include:

Specialist areas
Recent publications

See also National Child Protection Clearinghouse Publications and Conference papers and presentations

Bromfield, L. M., & Arney, F. (2008). Dissemination Strategies: Solutions not problems. Beyond the Rhetoric: Evidence-informed practice workshop, Dartington Research in Practice, Dartington, UK.

Bromfield, L. M., & Gillingham, P. (2008). Child protection, risk assessment and blame ideology. Children Australia.

Bromfield, L. M., & Osborn, A. (2008). Australian research investigating residential and specialised models of care: A systematic review. Developing Practice, 20, Summer/Autumn 2008.

Bromfield, L. M., Gillingham, P., & Higgins, D. J. (2007). Cumulative harm and chronic child maltreatment. Developing Practice.

Bromfield, L.M., & Miller, R. (2007). Cumulative Harm: Specialist Practice Guide. Melbourne: Department of Human Services.

Bromfield, L. M., & Osborn, A. (2007). "Getting the big picture": A synopsis and critique of Australian out-of-home care research (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 26). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Holzer, P.H., Lewig, K., Arney, F., & Bromfield, L.M. (2007). The research utilisation project: Facilitating research informed policy and practice. ARACY Network: Knowledge Brokering Workshop, Benevolent Society, Sydney.

Bromfield, L. (2006). The Australasian Statutory Child Protection Learning and Development Group. Child Abuse Prevention Newsletter, 14(2), 11-12. Full text

Cashmore, J., Higgins, D., Bromfield, L., & Scott, D.A. (2006). Recent Australian child protection and out-of-home care research: what's been done, and what needs to be done? Children Australia, 31(2), 4-11.

Higgins, D., Bromfield, L., Higgins, J., & Richardson, N. (2006). Protecting Indigenous children: Views of carers and young people on "out-of-home care". Family Matters, 75, 42-49. Abstract

Higgins, J., Bromfield, L., & Richardson, N. (2006). Child abuse prevention: What works? The effectiveness of home visiting programs for preventing child maltreatment (Research Brief 2). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Holzer, P., Bromfield, L., & Richardson, N. (2006). Child abuse prevention: What works? The effectiveness of parent education programs for preventing child maltreatment (Research Brief 1). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Holzer, P., Higgins, J., Bromfield, L., Richardson, N. & Higgins, D. (2006). The effectiveness of parent education and home visiting child maltreatment prevention programs (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 24). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Irenyi, M., Bromfield, L., Beyer, L., & Higgins, D. (2006). Child maltreatment in organisations: Risk factors and strategies for prevention (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 25). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Bromfield, L., & Higgins, D. (2005). Chronic and isolated maltreatment in a child protection sample. Family Matters, 70, 38-45. Full text (PDF 169K)

Bromfield, L., & Higgins, D. (2005). National comparison of child protection systems (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 22). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Bromfield, L., Higgins, D., Osborn, A., Panozzo, S., & Richardson, N. (2005). Out-of-home care in Australia: Messages from research. Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Fish, E., Bromfield, L., & Higgins, D. (2005). A new name for Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Defining Fabricated or Induced Illness by carers (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 23). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Higgins, D., Bromfield, L., & Richardson, N. (2005). Enhancing out-of-home care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 78p. Full text

Higgins, D., & Bromfield, L. (2005). Safety, crime and justice: From data to policy. Conference papers. Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology. Full text (PDF 111KB)

 

 

Ben Edwards, Research Fellow

Ben Edwards joined the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 2004. His PhD focused on the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis with patients and families and was supported by a scholarship from the National Health and Medical Research Council. During his PhD candidature Ben was a Research Methods consultant for the Social and Mental Health research priority area in the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at Deakin University. In addition to lecturing and tutoring undergraduate psychology students he also worked as a research assistant at the Cabrini/Deakin Professorial Nursing unit at Cabrini Hospital.

Specialist areas
Current research activities
Recent publications

Edwards, B. (2006). Views of the village: Parents' perceptions of their neighbourhoods. Family Matters, 74, 26-33. Abstract

Edwards, B. (2005). Does it take a village? An investigation of neighbourhood effects on Australian children's development. Family Matters, 72, 36-43. Full text (PDF 1.5MB)

Edwards, B., & Clarke V. (2004). The validity of the Family Relationships Index as a screening tool for psychological risk in families of cancer patients. Psychooncology, 14(7), 546-554. Abstract

Edwards, B., & Clarke V. (2004) The psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis on families: The influence of family functioning and patients' illness characteristics on depression and anxiety. Psychooncology, 13(8), 562-576.

 

 

Daryl Higgins, General Manager Research

Dr Daryl Higgins is a General Manager (Research) at the Australian Institute of Family Studies. Dr Higgins is a Registered Psychologist, and has been conducting research in child and family welfare - particularly child maltreatment - since 1993. Daryl completed his PhD in 1998 on the topic of “multi-type maltreatment” - looking at the overlap between the various forms of child abuse and neglect, and their relationship to psychological adjustment problems in the immediate and long-term. He has responsibility for overseeing the management of a range of projects at the Institute, including the National Child Protection Clearinghouse, the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, projects contributing to the national evaluation of the Stronger Families and Community Strategy and a variety of projects focused on child protection, childcare, children and parenting, family life, caring for a family member with a disability, and research ultilisation in the child and family welfare sector. He was also responsible for an evaluation of the Family Court of Australia’s Magellan case-management system for responding to serious allegations of sexual abuse or physical abuse of children that are raised in parenting matters.

Specialist areas
Selected recent publications

See also National Child Protection Clearinghouse Publications and Conference papers and presentations

Higgins, D. J. (2007). Magellan Project evaluation 2006-2007: A brief overview of methodology. Family Matters, 77, 40. Abstract

Bromfield, L. M., Gillingham, P., & Higgins, D. J. (2007). Cumulative harm and chronic child maltreatment. Developing Practice, 19, 34-42.

Higgins, D. J. (2007). Families Caring: Diverse care-work of families in Australia. Family Matters, 76, 4-7. Abstract

Edwards, B., Higgins, D. J., & Zmijewski, N. (2007). The Families Caring for a Person with a Disability Study and the social lives of carers. Family Matters, 76, 8-17. Abstract

Burchill, M., Higgins, D. J., Ramsamy, L, & Taylor, S. (2006). "Workin’ together": Indigenous perspectives on community development. Family Matters, 75, 50-59. Abstract

Higgins, D. J., Bromfield, L. M., Higgins, J. R., & Richardson, N. (2006). Protecting Indigenous children: Views of carers and young people on "out-of-home care". Family Matters, 75, 42-49. Abstract

Irenyi, M., Bromfield, L., Beyer, L., & Higgins, D. (2006). Child maltreatment in organisations: Risk factors and strategies for prevention (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 25). Melbourne: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Hayes, A., Weston, R., Gray, M., Qu, L., Higgins, D., Hand, K, & Soriano, G. (2006). Family relationships through life: An illustration of the Australian Institute of Family Studies’ Research Plan (2006-2008). Family Matters, 73, 4-12. Full text (PDF 1.5MB)

Cashmore, J. A., Higgins, D. J., Bromfield, L. M.,  & Scott, D. A. (2006). Recent Australian child protection and out-of-home care research: What’s been done - and what needs to be done? Children Australia, 31(2), 4-11.

Holzer, P. J., Higgins, J., Bromfield, L. M., Richardson, N., & Higgins, D. J. (2006). The effectiveness of parent education and home visiting child maltreatment prevention programs (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 24). Melbourne: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

 

 

Prue Holzer, Senior Research Officer

Prue Holzer joined the National Child Protection Clearinghouse in November 2005. Prior to commencing with the Clearinghouse, Prue completed a research internship at AIFS in the Family and Marriage Program. During her internship, she investigated conflict following separation and divorce as a component of the Understanding Contact Disputes Project. Prue has a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Psychology and Sociology, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology.

Recent publications

Holzer, P., Bromfield, L., & Richardson, N. (2006). Child abuse prevention: What works? The effectiveness of parent education programs for preventing child maltreatment (Research Brief 1). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Holzer, P., Higgins, J., Bromfield, L., Richardson, N., & Higgins, D. (2006). The effectiveness of parent education and home visiting child maltreatment prevention programs (Child Abuse Prevention Issues No. 24). Melbourne, Vic: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

 

 

Rae Kaspiew, Research Fellow

Dr Rae Kaspiew is a socio-legal researcher who joined AIFS in April 2007 to work on the Family Law Research Program. She is the manager of the Legislation and Courts Project in the Evaluation of the family law reforms that is being conducted by AIFS. Dr Kaspiew is also involved in research on relocation disputes in the family law context with Dr Juliet Behrens (ANU) and Dr Bruce Smyth (ANU). She has previously conducted empirical research on children’s matters in family law. She is admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Specialist areas
Current research activities
Recent publications and presentations

Kaspiew, R. (2008). Family violence in children’s cases under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). Journal of Family Studies, forthcoming.

Kaspiew, R., & Behrens, J. (2008). Violence and abuse in families: Fragmented legal responses. In Fehlberg, B. & Behrens, J. (Eds.) Australian family law: The contemporary context. Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press.

Kaspiew, R. (2007). Empirical insights into parental attitudes and children's interests in Family Court litigation. Sydney Law Review, 29(1), 131-161.

Kaspiew, R. (2005). Violence in contested children's cases: An empirical exploration. Australian Journal of Family Law, 19(2), 112-143.

Rhoades, H., Sanson, A., Astor, H., & Kaspiew, R. (2006). Family lawyers and family dispute resolution services: A study of inter-professional practices. Parkville, Vic: University of Melbourne.

Conferences and presentations

Kaspiew, R. (September 2007). Parental attitudes and children’s interests. Paper delivered to the Queensland Law Society’s Family Law Residential, 14 September 2007.

Behrens, J., Smyth, B., & Kaspiew, R. (April 2008). Preliminary results from the experiences of parents after Family Court decisions about relocation. Symposium: Relocation Disputes in Australia, Australian National University, 18 April, 2008.

 

 

Jodie Lodge, Research Fellow

Dr Jodie Lodge is a psychologist and researcher who joined the Australian Institute of Family Studies in May 2007 to work in the area of Family Law. In her previous role at The University at Melbourne she was involved in research examining child and adolescent issues, with a particular focus on the application of research findings to inform professional practice. Dr Lodge has presented her research at a number of conferences, both nationally and internationally.

Her current research activities focus on the Family Law Reform Evaluation being undertaken by AIFS. She is the manager of the Separated Families Project, which includes a national longitudinal study of separated families in Australia.

Specialist areas
Recent publications and presentations

Lodge, J. (2008). Working with families concerned with school-based bullying (AFRC Briefing 11). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Lodge, J. (2007). A multidimensional evaluation of the new family law system. InPsych: Bulletin of the Australian Psychological Society, 29(6), 12-13.

Lodge, J., & Feldman, S. S. (2007). Avoidant coping as a mediator between appearance-related teasing and self-esteem in young Australian adolescents. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 25(4), 633-642.

Lodge, J., & Frydenberg, E. (2007). Cyber-bullying in Australian schools: Profiles of adolescent coping and insights for school practitioners. Australian Educational & Developmental Psychologist, 24(1), 45-58.

Lodge, J. (2006). Exploring the measurement and structure of children's coping through the development of a short form of coping. Australian Educational & Developmental Psychologist, 23(2), 35-45.

Phillips, J., Lodge, J., & Frydenberg, E. (2006). The effect of type of school bullying on threat appraisal and coping style of adolescent victims. Australian Developmental & Educational Psychologist, 23(1), (Special Issue).

Lodge, J., & Frydenberg, E. (2006). Verbal insults: Experiences, responses, and factors associated with victimisation in the school setting. In Buchwald, P. (Ed.), Stress and anxiety: Application to health, community, work place, and education (pp.347-366). Newcastle, UK: Cambridge Scholars Press.

Frydenberg, E., & Lodge, J. (2006). Australian Adolescents. International Encyclopaedia of Adolescence (pp.26-44). New York: Routledge.

Lodge, J., & Frydenberg, E. (2005). The role of peer bystanders in school bullying: Positive steps towards promoting peaceful schools. Theory into Practice, 44(4), 329-336 (Special Issue. Guest editor: David Johnson).

Australasian Education Policy Advisory publications

Lodge, J. (2006). Safe and supportive schooling? Directions in education. Australian Council for Educational Leaders.

Lodge, J. (2005). Preventing bullying and violence on campus. Directions in education. Australian Council for Educational Leaders.

Conference presentations

Lodge, J., Kaspiew, R., Hand, K., Alexander, M., Weston, R., & Gray, M. (2008). A multidimensional evaluation of the new family law system. Paper presented at the 43rd Australian Psychological Society annual conference, Hobart, Australia.

Lodge, J. (2007). Cyber-bullying in schools: How do our adolescents cope? Paper presented at the 42nd Australian Psychological Society annual conference, Brisbane, Australia.

Lodge, J., & Frydenberg, E. (2007). Understanding engagement in the middle years of school: Relationships with coping and wellbeing. Paper presented at the 42nd Australian Psychological Society annual conference, Brisbane, Australia.

Lodge, J. (2006). Low self-restraint: A risk factor for verbal victimization? Paper presented at the Educational Psychology Unit conference, University of Melbourne, Australia.

Marshall, P., Lodge, J., & Frydenberg, E. (2007). Coping and emotional intelligence among professional Australian mediators. Paper presented at the 28th Stress and Anxiety Research Society conference, Bavaro-Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Lodge, J., & Feldman, S. S. (2006). Predictors of self-esteem in young Australian adolescents: The roles of appearance-related teasing, body image, and styles of coping. Paper presented at the 27th Stress & Anxiety Research Society Conference, Crete, Greece.

Lodge, J., & Feldman, S. S. (2006). Adolescent coping: How young people manage a range of life problems. Symposium presented at the 19th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the Study of Behavioural Development (ISSBD), Melbourne, Australia.

Lodge, J. (2006). Words do hurt: Coping and adjustment in victimised youth Paper presented at the meeting of the 26th International Congress of Applied Psychology, Athens, Greece.

 

 

Robyn Parker, Senior Research Officer

Ms Robyn Parker completed a Master of Science (Psychology) degree at Monash University in 2004 in the area of adult attachment and marital adjustment.

Prior to her appointment as Research Officer at AIFS in 1998, Robyn lectured in research design and statistics, personality and social psychology at Monash. She is a member of the International Society for the Study of Personal Relationships, the National Council on Family Relations, and the Australian Association for Social Research.

Robyn's research activities concentrate on the marital relationship, with a special focus on the trajectory of relationships across the life span, and the evaluation of premarriage programs.

Recent publications and presentations

See also Conference papers and presentations

Parker, R. (2007). Recent progress in marriage and relationship education in Australia. (AFRC Briefing 3). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Parker, R. (2006). Researching married and cohabiting couples: A step in the right direction. Family Matters, 74, 52-55. Abstract

Parker, R. (2005). Perspectives on the future of marriage. Family Matters, 72, 78-82. Full text (PDF 1MB)

Parker, R. (2005). Research and evaluation in marriage and relationship education. Family Matters, 71, 32-35. Full text (PDF 81K)

 

 

Jennifer Renda, Senior Research Officer

Jennifer Renda joined the Australian Institute of Family Studies as a Research Officer in 2002 after completing her BA with Honours in Professional Social Research at Monash University.

Jennifer’s research activities have focused primarily on issues relating to families and employment, with particular interest in mothers’ employment decisions, patterns of employment for lone, couple mothers and the interaction between paid employment and income support and policies that support mothers’ after the birth of children.

After a short period working with the AIFS team evaluating the recent reforms to the family law system, Jennifer has returned to working in the area of work and family and has been appointed a Senior Research Officer.

Recent publications

See also Conference papers and presentations

Renda, J. (2007). Employment aspirations of non-working mothers with long-term health problems (Research paper no.40). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Gray, M. Qu, L., Renda, J., & de Vaus D. (2006). Changes in the Labour Force Status of Lone and Couple Australian Mothers, 1983-2005. Australian Journal of Labour Economics, 9(4), 395-416.

Gray, M., & Renda, J. (2006). Reservation wages and the earnings capacity of lone and couple mothers: Are wage expectations too high? (Research Paper No. 37). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Renda, J., & Gray, M. (2004). The Value Mothers Place on paid work and their feelings of life control. Family Matters, 68, 76-83.

Gray, M., Qu, L., Renda, J., & de Vaus, D. (2003). Changes in the labour force status of lone and couple Australian mothers, 1983-2002 (Research paper no.33). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Renda, J. (2003). Polarisation of families according to work status. Where does part-time employment fit in? Family Matters, 64, 17-21.

 

 

Nick Richardson, Research Officer

Nick Richardson joined the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 2003 after completing his BA/BSc with honours in psychology at the University of Melbourne. Since joining the Institute, Nick has had various positions including Research Officer with the Australian Temperament Project and later the National Child Protection Clearinghouse. In September 2005 he was appointed Senior Research Officer for the Institute's Family Law research program.

Recent publications

See also National Child Protection Clearinghouse Publications and Conference papers and presentations

Higgins, D., Bromfield, L., Higgins, J., & Richardson, N. (2006). Protecting Indigenous children: Views of carers and young people on "out-of-home care". Family Matters, 75, 42-49. Abstract

Richardson, N., Higgins, D.J., & Bromfield, L. (2005). The relationship between childhood injuries and family type. Family Matters, 72, 44-49. Full text (PDF 1.4MB)

Richardson, N., Bromfield, L., & Higgins, D. (2005). The recruitment, retention, and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foster carers: A literature review. Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Higgins, D., Bromfield, L., & Richardson, N. (2005). Enhancing out-of-home care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies, 78p. Full text

Smart, D., Richardson, N., Sanson, A., Dussuyer, I., Marshall, B., Toumbourou, J., Prior, M., & Oberklaid, F. (2005), Patterns and precursors of adolescent antisocial behaviour: Types, resiliency and environmental influences. Third report. Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies and Crime Prevention Victoria. Full text

Ainley, M., Corrigan, M., & Richardson, N. (2005) Students, tasks and emotions: Identifying the contribution of emotions to students' reading of popular culture and popular science texts. Learning and Instruction, 15, 433-447.

 

 

Elly Robinson, Research Fellow

Elly joined the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse in July 2006. Elly has experience in the development and production of learning materials and resources for practitioners, service providers, students and the broader community. She has worked at Jesuit Social Services as the Co-ordinator of the Education and Professional Services Unit, and as a Senior Project Officer in the Education and Training Unit, Centre for Adolescent Health. Elly also played a key role in the Depression and Changing Families scoping study, conducted by the Australian National University. This project examined the relationship between the family law system and mental health issues.

Recent publications

Flynn, L., & Robinson, E. (2008). Family issues in suicide postvention. (AFRC Briefing No. 8). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Robinson, E., & Parker, R. (2008). Prevention and early intervention in strengthening families and relationships: Challenges and implications. (AFRC Issues No. 2). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Robinson, E. (2006). Internet affairs: Guidelines for practitioners. Family Relationships Quarterly, 2, 3-4. Full text

Robinson, E. (2006). Young people and their parents: Supporting families through changes that occur in adolescence. (AFRC Briefing No. 1). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Robinson, E., & Pryor, R. (2006). Strong Bonds project: Promoting family-aware youth work practice. Developing Practice: The Child, Youth and Family Work Journal, 15, 28-35.

Rodgers, B., Smyth, B. & Robinson, E. (2004). Mental health and the family law system. Journal of Family Studies, 10(1), 50-70.

 

 

Diana Smart, General Manager (Research)

Mrs Diana Smart is a psychologist who joined the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 2000. Diana is a General Manager (Research) at the Institute with responsibility for the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and the Australian Temperament Project. She joined the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children in 2007 after a long association with the Australian Temperament Project. Prior to this, Diana conducted research for the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology’s Education Unit and the Victorian Education Department’s Curriculum and Research Branch, and was a Lecturer in Psychology at Rusden State College (now part of Deakin University). Diana's research interests include child and youth adjustment, developmental transitions and pathways, and the fostering of social competence and social responsibility.

Specialist areas
Current research activities
Recent conference presentations

See also Conference papers and presentations

Smart, D. and Vassallo, S. (2008). Pathways to social and emotional wellbeing: Lessons from a 24-year longitudinal study. Invited paper presented at the Australian Council for Educational Research Conference: Touching the future: Building skills for life and work, Brisbane, 10-12 August. Presentation (PDF 10.5M)

Smart, D. and Sanson, A. (2008). Patterns of risk taking and adjustment problems from the mid-teens to the mid-twenties: Trends from the Australian Temperament Project. Paper presented at the 10th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference: Families through life, Melbourne, 9-11 July. Presentation (PDF 5M)

Smart, D. (2008). Do Australian children today have more problems than 20 years ago? Paper presented at the 10th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference: Families through life, Melbourne, 9-11 July. Presentation (PDF 6.4M)

Smart, D. & Sanson, A. (2007). Do today’s Australian children have more problems than they did twenty years ago? Paper presented at the Inaugural Longitudinal Study of Australian Children Conference, Melbourne, 3-4 December. Presentation (PDF 6.7M)

Recent publications

See also Growing Up in Australia: Longitudinal Study of Australian Children publications and Australian Temperament Project publications

Smart, D. & Sanson A. (2008). Do Australian children have more problems today than twenty years ago? Family Matters, 79, 50-57.

Smart, D.F., Sanson A.V. & Toumbourou, J.W. (2008). How do parents and teenagers get along together? Views of young people and their parents. Family Matters, 78, 15-27.

Smart, D. and Vassallo, S. (2008). Pathways to social and emotional wellbeing: Lessons from a 24-year longitudinal study. In Research Conference 2008: Touching the future: Building skills for life and work. Conference proceedings (pp. 54-59). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Council for Educational Research.

Smart, D. (2008). The views of young people about relationships. Threshold, 93, 24-25.

Smart, D., Hayes, A., Sanson, A. V., & Toumbourou, J. T. (in press).  Mental health and wellbeing of Australian adolescents: Pathways to vulnerability and resilience. In D. L. Bennett, S. J. Towns, E. J. Elliott, & J. Merrick (Eds.) Challenges in adolescent health. An Australian perspective. Victoria, BC: Int Acad Press.

Hawkins, M. T., Letcher, P., Sanson, A. V., Smart, D., & Toumbourou, J. W. (in press). Positive development in emerging adulthood, Accepted for publication in the Australian Journal of Psychology.

Letcher, P., Smart, D., Sanson, A. V. & Toumbourou, J. W. (in press). Psychosocial precursors and correlates of differing internalizing trajectories from 3 to 15 years. Accepted for publication in Social Development.

Sanson, A. V., Letcher, P., & Smart, D. (in press). Temperament in early adolescence. In N. Allen and L. Sheeber (Eds.), Adolescent emotional development and the emergence of depressive disorders. New York: Guildford Press.

Sanson, A. V., Letcher, P., Smart, D., Prior, M. Toumbourou, J. W., & Oberklaid, F. (in press). Associations between early childhood temperament clusters and later psychosocial adjustment. Accepted for publication in Merrill Palmer Quarterly.

Vassallo, S., Smart, D., Sanson, A., Cockfield, S., Harris, A., McIntyre, A., & Harrison, W. (2008). Risky driving among young Australian drivers II: Co-occurrence with other problem behaviours. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 40, 376-386.

Vassallo, S., Smart, D., Sanson, A., & Toumbourou, J. (2008). Understanding the pathways to harmful alcohol use among young adults: Insights from the Australian Temperament Project. DrugInfo, 6(2), 3-5.

Smart, D. Hayes, A., Sanson A.V. & Toumbourou, J.W. (2007). Mental health and wellbeing of Australian adolescents: Pathways to vulnerability and resilience. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 19, 263-268.

Smart, D. (2007). Tailoring parenting to fit the child. (AFRC Briefing paper no.4). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Chipman, P., Jorm, A.F., Prior, M., Sanson, A., Smart, D., Tan, X. and Easteal, S. (2007). No interaction between the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and childhood adversity or recent stressful life events on symptoms of depression: Results from two community surveys. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B (Neuropsychiatric Genetics), 1444, 561-565.

Vassallo, S., Smart, D., Sanson, A., Harrison, W., Harris, A., Cockfield, S. and McIntyre, A. (2007). Risky driving among young Australian drivers: Trends, precursors and correlates. Accident Analysis and Prevention 39: 444-458.

Smart, D. and Sanson, A. (2006), A comparison of children's temperament and adjustment across 20 years. LSAC 2005-06 Annual Report (pp. 35-37). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Ruschena, E., Prior, M., Sanson, A., & Smart, D. (2005). A longitudinal study of adolescent adjustment following family transitions. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46(4), 353-363.

Smart, D., & Sanson, A. (2005). A comparison of children's temperament and adjustment across 20 years. Family Matters, 72, 50-57. Full text (PDF 1.3MB)

Smart, D., & Sanson, A. (2005). What is life like for young Australians today, and how well are they faring? Family Matters, 70, 46-53. Full text (PDF 333K)

Hayes, L., Smart, D., Toumbourou, J., & Sanson, A. (2004). Parenting influences on adolescent alcohol use (Research Report No.10). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Smart, D., & Vassallo, S. et al. (2004). In the driver's seat: Understanding young adults' driving behaviour (Research Report No.12). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Smart, D. (2004). Where to now for the ATP Study? Family Matters, 68, 21. Full text (PDF 72K)

 

 

Carol Soloff, Project Manager

As an outposted ABS officer, Carol Soloff was initially appointed in July 2002 as Survey Manager for Growing Up in Australia: the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. In 2004 she was appointed Project Manager of the Study. In her role as Project Manager, Carol has key responsibility for working with the data collection agency on the development and management of all aspects of the field operations for this large study.

Carol brings to the position her extensive experience in ABS household survey development at state and national levels as well as survey management, operations and interviewing experience. The range of ABS surveys Carol has been involved with include Volunteerism, the Women's Safety Survey, Travel to work, school and shops, Housing issues and other Monthly Population Surveys. Carol worked in the ABS National Centre for Crime and Justice Statistics for several years and contributed significantly to the 1998 National Crime and Safety Survey development and analysis, including producing the major ABS publication from this survey and presenting the survey results at conferences and other fora around Australia. Carol has also managed the field operations of the ABS SA Population Surveys Operations with a panel of 110 interviewers.

 

 

Ruth Weston, Principal Research Fellow

Ruth Weston is a psychologist who joined the Australian Institute of Family Studies in 1982, after a teaching and research career which included positions at the University of Melbourne and State College of Victoria (Burwood). Ruth has examined family transitions and wellbeing at both the macro- and micro-levels, including young people leaving home, couple and family formation, relationship trajectories, and divorce - including the emotional and financial consequences of marriage breakdown. Most recently, she has managed the Fertility Decision Making Project, undertaken in collaboration with the Australian Government's Office of the Status of Women.

Ruth has undertaken research on contract for various Commonwealth and State departments, including the Attorney General's Department, Department of Social Security, and the Department of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Victoria. She has edited one book with others and been sole or joint author of 11 reports, 21 chapters, and more than 50 journal articles. She is a member of the Project Management Team for the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services.

Specialist areas
Recent publications

See also Conference papers and presentations

Gray, M., Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2008). Fertility and family policy in Australia (Research Paper No. 41). Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2008). Attitudes towards marriage and cohabitation. Family Relationships Quarterly, 8, 5-10.

Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2008). Snapshots of family relationships. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

Weston, R., & Qu, L. (2007). Families in Australia: Continuities and change. In E. Shaw & J. Crawley (Eds.) Couple therapy in Australia: Issues emerging from practice. Kew, Victoria: PsychOz Publications

Smyth, B., Moloney, L., Weston, R., Richardson, N., Qu, L., & Gray, M. (2007). Allegations of family violence and child abuse in children's proceedings: A pre-reform empirical snapshot. Australian Journal of Family Law, 21(3), 252-297.

Moloney, L., Smyth, B., Weston, R., Richardson, N., Qu, L., & Gray, M. (2007). Allegations of family violence and child abuse in family law children’s proceedings: A pre-reform exploratory study (Research Report No. 15). Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

Weston, R., & Qu, L. (2006). Trends in couple formation. Family Relationships Quarterly, 1, 12-15. Full text

Weston, R., Qu, L., & Soriano, G. (2006). Snapshots of Australian families with adolescents. Family Matters, 74, 48-51. Abstract

Weston, R., & Gray, M. (2006). Assessing family and community life through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey: An evaluation. Family Matters, 73, 32-37. Full text (PDF 319K)

Weston, R., Soriano, G., & Qu, L. (2006). Starting early, starting late: Socio-demographic characteristics and parenting of new mothers of different ages. Family Matters, 73, 4-11. Full text (PDF 1.5MB)

de Vaus, D., Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2005). The disappearing link between premarital cohabitation and subsequent marital stability, 1970-2001. Journal of Population Research, 22(2), 99-118.

Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2005). A woman's place? Work hour preferences revisited. Family Matters, 72, 72-77. Full text (PDF 1MB)

Smyth, B., & Weston, R. (2005). Attitudes to child support in Australia. Family Matters, 71, 46-57. Full text (PDF 530KB)

Weston, R., & Qu, L. (2005). Beliefs about IVF as a personal fallback option. Family Matters, 71, 40-45. Full text (PDF 275KB)

Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2005). Snapshot of couple families with stepparent-child relationships. Family Matters, 70, 36-37. Full text (PDF 141K)

Qu, L., & Weston, R. (2005). Family size: Men's and women's aspirations over the years. Relatewell, 9(2), 4-7.

Contact

Email: ruth.weston@aifs.gov.au

 

 

Sarah Wise, Principal Research Fellow

Ms Sarah Wise has completed an Arts degree majoring in Criminology and Psychology and a Masters degree by research in Criminology, and is presently enrolled in a PhD (Psychology) degree at the University of Melbourne, where she is undertaking research related to the development of problem behaviours among maltreated children and youth.

Ms Wise has worked as a researcher at the Institute since January 1996 and was appointed Principal Research Fellow of the Children and Parenting Program in 2001.

In the course of her career, Ms Wise has conducted research involving young people who have been mandated to correctional and 'out of home' services, where she gained her experience working with particularly vulnerable youth, including those exhibiting extreme, challenging behaviours. Ms Wise has also published findings from her research, has authored and contributed to several reports and commissioned works, and has presented seminars and papers at numerous workshops, conferences and related activities. Ms Wise sits on a number of external committees related to her work at the Institute, and is a Trustee of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre.

Specialist areas
Current research activities
Recent publications

See also Conference papers and presentations

Wise, S., & da Silva, L. (2007). Differential parenting of children from diverse cultural backgrounds attending child care (Research Paper No. 39). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family Studies. Full text

da Silva, L., & Wise, S. (2006). Parent perspectives on childcare quality among a culturally diverse sample. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 31(3), 6-14.

Qu, L., & Wise, S. (2004). Multiple child care arrangements in Australia. Family Matters, 69, 56-61. Full text (PDF 333K)

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