The role of research in child protection policy reform: a case study of South Australia

Abstract Governments across Australia are struggling to address escalating child protection notifications, increasing numbers of children in state care, decreasing numbers of foster carers and chronic child welfare workforce shortages. The complex social problem of child abuse and neglect has a high media profile, and policy reform in such a politicised domain poses many challenges. What role does research play in the process of child protection policy development? Using recent child protection reform in South Australia as a case study, this paper analyses primary documentary sources and in-depth interviews with key actors to explore this issue