About AFRC
The Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse (AFRC) has been established at the Australian Institute of Family Studies with funding from the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. (Download the AFRC brochure PDF 290kb).
Aim
The principal aim of the Clearinghouse is to collect and deliver the latest relevant research and best practice to family relationship service providers and practitioners across Australia. The Clearinghouse will also contribute to the goals of the Family Relationship Services Program by offering a resource and point of contact for providers of family relationship and support services. Policy makers and members of the research and broader communities will also benefit from having access to the Clearinghouse.
It is intended that the material disseminated by the AFRC will enhance understanding of: research into family relationships; innovative and effective programs and practices; and the need for and means of achieving high quality program/practice evaluation.
Functions
- To collect, synthesise and disseminate current information highlighting research, resources and issues of relevance to family and relationship practitioners, service providers and policy makers.
- To inform and stimulate research and evaluation of family and relationship programs and practices, and to contribute to the development and improvement of models of good policy and practice in family relationships and support services.
- To increase the capacity of the Family Relationship Services Program to showcase new, innovative and effective approaches to service provision and practice, and to respond to changing family needs.
- To facilitate and encourage networking and information exchange relating to family relationships within and across sectors.
Reference Group
An External Reference Group has been established to inform the work of the AFRC. The role of the Reference Group includes:
- identifying current and emerging research and information requirements of stakeholders
- providing guidance and feedback on the research and dissemination strategies of the clearinghouse
- providing feedback on clearinghouse outputs
Members of the AFRC Reference Group:
Louise Lamont, National Manager, Family Relationship Services Program, Catholic Social Services Australia.
Samantha Page, Chief Executive Officer, Family Services Australia.
Mary Mertin-Ryan, National Director, Relationships Australia.
Janet Douglas, Director, Separation Support Services, Family Pathways Branch, Attorney General's Department.
Terry Melvin, Manager, Mensline.
Karen Morris, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Interrelate.
Lyn Fletcher, Marriage and Relationships Educators' Association Australia, Director of Operations, Relationships Australia (NSW).
Professor Richard Chisholm, Family Court of Australia.
Professor Bryan Rodgers, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University.
Professor Kim Halford, School of Psychology, Griffith University.
Staff
Elly Robinson - Manager
Ruth Weston - General Manager (Research)
Robyn Parker - Senior Research Officer
Ren Adams - Project Officer
Carole Jean - Librarian
Mark Pimperl - Web Officer