Family Pathways is a series of studies of separated families in Australia that are being conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Family Pathways currently involves four related studies:
The Family Pathways studies aim to understand how changes to the family law system and the child support scheme affect the lives of separated parents and their children.
Family Pathways involves separated families across a broad range of circumstances.
Family Pathways: Looking Back
Brochure (PDF 474 KB)
Family Pathways: Looking Back is the national study of some 2,005 parents (with at least one child under 18 years old) who separated between January 2004 and June 2005 - prior to the introduction of the reforms.
Parents were interviewed for this study between March 2009 and May 2009 – some 3.7 to 5.2 years after separation. The cross-sectional study design provided a snapshot of what life was like for separated parents in the pre-reform policy context, and sought to explore the pathways families had taken since separating.
Family Pathways: The Longitudinal Study of Separated Families
Brochure (PDF 555 KB)
Family Pathways: The Longitudinal Study of Separated Families is the national study of some 10,000 parents (with at least one child under 18 years old) who separated after the introduction of the reforms in July 2006. The study involves the collection of data from the same group of parents on more than one occasion.
The first wave of the longitudinal study took place between August and October 2008 – up to 26 months after the time of parental separation. The second wave of interviews, conducted between September and November 2009, followed up the same group of parents. Information collected as part of this study will contribute to understanding the long-term effects of family law policy and will provide a picture of what life is like for separated parents across a broad range of family arrangements, from shared care time through to parents who have no contact with their child.
Family Pathways: The Adolescent Study
Brochure (PDF 476 KB)
The Adolescent Study focuses on the experiences and opinions of young people whose parents separated after the introduction of the reforms in July 2006. The study complements the longitudinal study, by recruiting children of the parents who participated in the first wave of The Longitudinal Study of Separated Families.
Interviews with young people aged 12-18 years were conducted between October and November 2009. Information collected as part of this study sought to capture young people’s views about the changes in their families.
Family Pathways: The Grandparents Study
This study focused on grandparents with at least one grandchild aged 2–10 years old whose parents had separated between January 2004 and December 2008. The key purpose of this study was to examine the impact of parental separation on the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren. The study encompassed two components: focus groups and an online survey.
Focus groups were held in July 2009 and were designed to tap into the key experiences of grandparents before and after the separation of their adult child and the perceived impacts of the family law reforms. The online survey was conducted in June-July 2009 to examine grandparents' views on the impact of parental separation on the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.
What is involved?
The Social Research Centre will undertake the data collection for the Institute. An accredited interviewer will telephone selected parents and adolescents and invite them to talk about their experiences.
Taking part is voluntary. All interviewers, researchers and others involved must comply with very strict procedures to ensure information is kept strictly confidential.
Parents and adolescents who are part of the study can update their contact details at Freecall 1800 443 135, or visit the Social Research Centre.
About us
The Family Pathways studies are being conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies on behalf of the Attorney-General's Department and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
The Institute undertakes high-quality research that informs the Australian Government and the community and influences policy, services and support for families. To find out more visit the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Need Support?
National crisis services
- Dads in Distress Service Line 1300 853 437
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Just ask - Mental Health Information Line (rural) 1300 13 11 14
- Mental Health GROW 1800 558 268
- SANE Mental Health Helpline 1800 18 7263
- Violence Against Women, Australia Says No Helpline 1800 200 526
National separation and related services
- Visit the Centrelink website (income support and family payments), or call 1800 050 004
- Visit the Child Support Agency website, or call 131 272
- Family Relationships Advice Line 1800 050 321, or visit the Family Relationships Online website
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
- Visit the Relationships Australia website, or call 1300 364 277
- Visit the National Council of Single Mothers & their Children, or call 1300 725 470
For young people
- Call Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
- Visit the Kids Helpline website
- Call Lifeline on phone 13 11 14
- Family Relationships Advice Line 1800 050 321, or visit the Family Relationships Online website
- Visit the CHaT First (Children and Teens First) website