Research engagement and impact: The Australian Child Maltreatment Study and pathways to evidence-based policy and practice

Abstract

The article explores the critical role that research plays in informing and shaping public policy, particularly within the realm of child maltreatment prevention and intervention. The authors focus on the <a href="https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/22832" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS)</a>, a large-scale research initiative that seeks to gather comprehensive data on the prevalence and impacts of child abuse and neglect in Australia. The article emphasizes how the findings from the ACMS can be leveraged to create evidence-based policies aimed at addressing the root causes of child maltreatment, improving child protection frameworks, and guiding service delivery. By detailing how research informs policy, the authors argue for a deeper collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to ensure that scientific evidence translates into meaningful legislative reforms and on-the-ground improvements in child safety and well-being.

In addition to exploring the role of research in policymaking, the article also delves into the challenges of disseminating complex findings to diverse stakeholders, such as government agencies, non-government organizations, and frontline service providers. The authors highlight the importance of clear communication and the strategic use of research to influence public health approaches and drive systemic change. They underscore the need for an integrated approach that combines rigorous research with practical, policy-relevant insights. The ACMS, they suggest, provides a model for how national studies can not only contribute to academic knowledge but also offer practical solutions to address societal problems like child maltreatment, ensuring that interventions are both effective and grounded in the realities faced by children and families across Australia.