At MacKillop, we’re committed to evidence-based practice. Through research, we seek to improve the outcomes of children, young people and families across Australia. Our Policy and Research team work with universities and other partners to gather evidence, evaluate programs, measure the impact of our services and advocate for social policy change.
We believe children should be able to express their views and have those views taken seriously. We will support opportunities for children to participate in research and evaluation activities that affect their lives, where ethical research standards are met.
We ensure all findings of the research conducted with MacKillop informs and enhances our practice, so we can deliver the best outcomes for children, young people and families.
To find out more about research at MacKillop, contact Dr. Nick Halfpenny, Director Policy & Research.
To build the evidence base and share the new knowledge and practice, MacKillop works with our university partners to publish the findings from our research and evaluation projects in peer reviewed journals.
Therapeutic supports
Morris, H., Hatzikiriakidis, K., Savaglio, M., Dwyer, J., Lewis, C., Miller, R., & Skouteris, H. (2022). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for the treatment and early intervention of trauma among first responders: A systematic review. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(3), 778-790.
Morris, H., Hatzikiriakidis, K., Dwyer, J., Lewis, C., Halfpenny, N., Miller, R., & Skouteris, H. (2023). Early intervention for residential out-of-home care staff using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 15(S2), S456.
Morris, H., Grage-Moore, S., Murphy, C., Dwyer, J., Halfpenny, N., Miller, R., & Skouteris, H. (2024). Adding eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to a workforce wellbeing model. Australian Social Work, 77(4), 543-556.
Dwyer, J., Struik, A., O’Sullivan, K., & Cukierman, R. (2024). Implementing the sleeping dogs method in engaging young people in residential care in EMDR. Australian Social Work, 77(4), 557-566.
Early intervention with families
O'Donnell, R., Savaglio, M., Halfpenny, N., Morris, H., Dunbar, A., Sharman, C., Williams, R., Miller, R. and Skouteris, H. (2022). Evaluating the implementation of Cradle to Kinder: An intensive home-visitation support program for families experiencing disadvantage. Child Abuse & Neglect, 133, 105855.
O'Donnell, R., Savaglio, M., Halfpenny, N., Morris, H., Miller, R., & Skouteris, H. (2023). A mixed-method evaluation of Cradle to Kinder: An Australian intensive home visitation program for families experiencing significant disadvantage. Children and Youth Services Review, 150, 107016.
Morris, H., Blewitt, C., Savaglio, M., Halfpenny, N., Carolan, E., Miller, R., & Skouteris, H. (2022). Using a realist lens to understand the Victorian Family Preservation and Reunification Response in the first year of implementation—Towards a better understanding of practice. Children and Youth Services Review, 143, 106663.
Morris, H., Savaglio, M., Halfpenny, N., O’Donnell, R., Pileggi, A., Dunbar, A., Dunbar, A., Miller, R. & Skouteris, H. (2021). MacKillop Family Services’ Family Preservation and Reunification Response for Vulnerable Families—Protocol for an Effectiveness-Implementation Study. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(19), 10279.
Supporting foster care
Kertesz, M. (2024). Grief and loss: Supporting foster carer families through placement terminations. Australian Social Work, 77(4), 500-512.
Promoting innovation
Miller, R., & Singh, M. (2024). Safety, innovation, and hope in out-of-home care. Australian Social Work, 77(4), 463-466.
Madden, S. K., Blewitt, C., Hill, B., O'Connor, A., Meechan, D., & Skouteris, H. (2022). ‘It's just the nature of the work’: Barriers and enablers to the health and well‐being of preconception, pregnant and postpartum working women in a community service organisation. Health & Social Care in the Community, 30(6), e6475-e6486.
