Evidence to inform policy and practice supporting families

News item 25 August 2026

Join us at the AIFS Conference 2026

Explore a dynamic line-up of sessions featuring leading voices, lived experience, research and practice, showcasing the latest evidence and ideas influencing the lives of families. 

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AIFS conference 2026 promo image
Media release 26 August 2026

Young Australians face a longer path to financial independence

New research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) reveals how housing affordability, financial stress and family support are shaping the lives of young Australians, with around 85% worried about being able to afford to buy a home and 63% living with their parents.

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Young people looking at paperwork
Media release 15 July 2026

Young Australians are not disengaged, they're doing democracy differently

At a time when Australia is paying close attention to declining participation in some formal civic and community institutions, new research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) shows that young Australians are not disengaged - they are engaging in different ways with issues shaping their future. 

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Group of teenagers volunteering at an animal shelter. They are wearing high vis vests standing outdoors crouching around a dog, petting it.
Training and tools 4 May 2026

Neurodiversity-affirming practice in community-based mental health

Designed for early-career practitioners this online training provides tools, knowledge, and resources to support better outcomes for families by adopting neurodiversity affirming approaches to practice.

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Practitioner sitting on floor with a neurodiverse child

Latest research

Sad evicted tenant moving home boxing belongings
26 August 2026

Spotlight – Young Australians' living arrangements and…

Young adults require affordable housing that is stable and safe to support their physical, psychological and economic wellbeing. However, many face major barriers to…

Facts and figures
A young woman worrying about financial issues at home in her apartment with her male friend cooking at the stove.
26 August 2026

Spotlight – Young Australians' financial stress and…

As young Australians move through early adulthood, many are taking on greater financial responsibility while facing rising living costs, insecure work and housing…

Facts and figures
A casual group of young adults engages in a collaborative project using laptops in a contemporary office, emphasizing teamwork and creativity.
26 August 2026

Spotlight – Young Australians' employment and education

For young people in their late teens and early twenties, pathways to adulthood are often marked by key milestones such as completing education, entering the workforce…

Facts and figures

Latest practice resources

25 August 2026

Promoting collaboration between early education and mental…

This short article describes the critical role that early childhood education and care (ECEC) educators provide in supporting children impacted by trauma and how…

Short article
Children playing in garden with mud
25 August 2026

Can nature play support children’s relationships with…

This paper summarises the research evidence about whether nature play can support young children’s (2–12 years) relationships with their parents, siblings and peers…

Short article
Boy teenager in a jacket and a hoodie stands against the background of the college building.
16 July 2026

Children and adolescents in contact with child protection…

This resource is part of a series that examines children and adolescents (aged <18 years) in contact with the child protection and youth justice systems.

Policy and practice paper

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