To achieve success and realise our bold vision, the ACCP works extensively with a range of partners both within Australia and internationally. These include state and national governments, and a range of non-profit organisations, as well as researchers across other academic and non-academic institutions. These strategic partnerships inform our work and allow us to work collaboratively towards developing new solutions to combat child abuse and neglect.
The expertise of our internationally renowned, multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinical staff is widely sought. Our knowledge and advice have underpinned major reforms to the child protection system and been sought in relation to several major government inquiries. From influencing the development of legal frameworks at a global level to working with practitioners to strengthen child protection in remote communities, our Centre is renowned for our ability to translate our research into policy and practice.
Find out how you can partner with us to help drive a bright future for children and families.
Contact us for further information Find out more about the ACCP's approach to collaboration
ACCP welcomes students who wish to explore a career in research and for those seeking careers related to child protection policy and practice. The activities offered by the Centre under our study program provides students with opportunities to strengthen their research skills, become familiar with child maltreatment research, and engage with expert researchers.
There are many ways you can do this including participating in:
For Potential PhD students |
The ACCP provides a supportive PhD environment under the supervision of our expert staff. The ACCP, in partnership with South Australian Department for Child Protection also has current scholarship opportunities under the Enhancing Practice – SA Department for Child Protection PhD Research Program. |
For Honours Projects |
The ACCP provides pathways for UniSA Psychology and Social Work Honours students interested in pursuing a career in research. |
Vacation Research Scholarships |
The ACCP offers opportunities for students to complete internships under the UniSA Summer Vacation Research Scholarships program. |
Placement Students |
ACCP hosts 3rd year UniSA Psychology students to provide experience working in a rich research environment. |
Contact us for more information on study opportunities
"Completing my PhD at the ACCP has played a pivotal role in supporting my journey towards becoming a child protection expert, mentored by some of the leading and internationally-renowned researchers in this field. During my studies, I have had opportunities to work directly with partners in the academic, government and non-government sectors, including through a secondment to provide research expertise to the Northern Territory Royal Commission into youth detention where I informed more than 20 recommendations for reform to out of home care. It is rewarding to see how the findings from my PhD research, focusing on decision-making in out of home care, have helped shape child protection policy and practice in Australia. Undertaking this research journey with the ACCP has given me the skills to start a successful career focused on my core passion of transforming the lives of children and young people in care."
Dr Jenna Meiksans
"Undertaking a PhD at the ACCP has provided me with a solid foundation for developing my skills, experience and expertise in the field of child protection. Studying with the ACCP gave me the opportunity to become an invited member of the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Advisory Board, which oversees the implementation of the 2018-2028 National FASD Strategic Action Plan. It has also led to me collaborating nationally with a number of organisations, including the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers South Australia, to develop and test early screening tools for young children. The ACCP has supported me to both develop my research skills and to make links with the broader child protection field as I head into the next phase of my research career."
Dr Stewart McDougall
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