Reflecting on the first year as Chair of Out-of-Home Care Research
Feb 2025
Written by Lynne McPherson
As the inaugural Chair of Out-of-Home Care Research at Southern Cross University (SCU), co-funded by the Australian Childhood Foundation, I am privileged to reflect on my first year in this transformative role. The position commenced in February 2024, and was created to drive evidence-informed change, amplify the voices of children and young people, and foster collaboration across the out-of-home care sector.
From day one, I have been acutely aware of the immense responsibility that comes with this role. The out-of-home care system exists to support some of Australia’s most marginalised children, and the need for systemic reform has never been more urgent. Over the past year, I’ve witnessed the complexities of this system but also its potential for meaningful change when guided by rigorous research and a commitment to genuine collaboration.
Laying foundations for change-advancing research
Research has been the cornerstone of my first year, focusing on two major projects that address critical issues in out-of-home care:
1. Strengthening Relationships and Connections for Young People in Therapeutic Residential Care
Relationships are at the heart of therapeutic residential care, yet the system often struggles to provide the consistent, meaningful connections young people need to thrive. This project seeks to bridge that gap.
- Policy analysis: We conducted a comprehensive review of 132 national policy documents, uncovering gaps and inconsistencies that affect care delivery. These findings provide a roadmap for more cohesive and effective policy frameworks.
- Field research: By engaging with 38 young people and 50 staff members in therapeutic residential care across New South Wales, we gathered invaluable firsthand insights into lived experiences. 140 young people and 140 staff also participated in our online surveys. These stories have deepened our understanding of what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to relational practices.
- Key discoveries: Our research highlighted the critical role of trust, authentic care, and consistent emotional investment by staff. Conversely, it exposed harmful practices, such as emotional misrecognition, that undermine young people’s well-being.
- Impact: These findings are now shaping discussions around best practices in therapeutic care. The recently released NSW government publication: System review into out-of-home care, drew extensively from the voices of young people who participated in our research.
2. Learning from victims and survivors about disclosure of child sexual abuse
Disclosure of child sexual abuse is a profoundly challenging yet critical process, particularly for children and young people in care, who are disproportionately affected. This project aims to shed light on the barriers to disclosure and identify ways to foster safe, supportive environments.
- Literature review: We published a systematic review of international research, identifying key factors that help or hinder disclosure.
- Victim-survivor engagement: Through interviews with 51 victim-survivors and six yarning sessions with professionals, we captured diverse perspectives on disclosure. These insights challenge prevailing narratives and provide a deeper understanding of how to support children and young people in sharing their experiences.
- Impactful outputs: A manuscript reporting victim-survivors’ voices is currently under review, with the potential to influence policy and practice on a national scale.
Disseminating knowledge for sector-wide impact
Translating research into action has been a priority throughout 2024. We’ve leveraged a range of platforms to share our findings and spark change:
- Conference presentations at major events, including the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) Conference, the Kinship, Permanent, and Foster Care Conference, and the National Centre for Action Against Child Sexual Abuse Conference. These opportunities allowed us to engage with practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, fostering dialogue and driving momentum for reform.
- Advisory roles contributing to key initiatives, such as the Department of Communities and Justice’s System Review into Out-of-Home Care contributing to the System Review into Out-of-Home Care. I also contributed to the Life Without Barriers’ Innovating the Foster Care Journey project and the James Martin Institute for Public Policy project, where I acted as an expert advisor in relational care. These engagements have positioned our research as a catalyst for policy and practice change.
Peer-reviewed publications
This year, I contributed to thirteen publications, five as lead author. We have successfully targeted high ranking (Q1) and open access international journals to maximise reach and impact. Publications with DOI links to access:
- McPherson, L., Day, K., Gatwiri, K., Mitchell, J. & Macnamara, N. (2025). Australian Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Understanding the Complexities of Intergenerational and Vicarious Trauma. Health and Social Care in the Community. https://doi.org/10.1155/hsc/9900467
- McPherson, L., Canosa, A., Gatwiri, K., Day, K., Mitchell, J., Graham, A., & Anderson, D. (2025). Young people’s lived experience of relational practices in therapeutic residential care in Australia. Children and Youth Services Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108129
- McPherson, L., Canosa, A., Gilligan, R., Moore, T. Gatwiri, K., Anderson, D., Day, K., Gilligan, R., Graham, A., Mitchell, J., Moore, T., & Vosz, M. (2024). How is therapeutic care constructed within key policy documents? Australian Journal of Social Issues. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.372
- McPherson, L., Gatwiri, K., Graham, A., Rotumah, D., Hand, K., Modderman, C., Chubb, J., & James, S. (2024). What helps Children & Young People Disclose their Experience of Child Sexual Abuse and What Gets in the Way? A Systematic Scoping Review. Child and Youth Care Forum. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-024-09825-5
- McPherson, L., Vosz, M., Gatwiri, K., Hitchcock, C., Tucci, J., Mitchell, J., Fernandes, C. & Macnamara, N. (2024). Approaches to Assessment and Intervention with Children and Young People Who Engage in Harmful Sexual Behaviour: A Scoping Review. Trauma, Violence and Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231189293
- Kim, S., Gatwiri, K., & McPherson, L. (2025). Complex Encounters of ‘Homecoming’: A Critical Autoethnographic Theorisation of Returning ‘Home’ as a South Korean Transracial-Transnational Adoptee. Journal of Intercultural Studies, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/07256868.2024.2440469
- Gatwiri, K., McPherson, L., James, S. (2024). Experiences of Children and Young People with a Disability in Out-of-Home Care in Australia: A Scoping Review. Health & Social Care in the Community. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/3456823
- Gatwiri, K., McPherson, L. & Lahiri-Roy, R. (2024). Embedding Cultural Knowledge in Social Work Education: Reflections from a Master of Social Work Students at a Regional Australian University. The British Journal of Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcae132
- Hitchcock, C., Hughes, M., McPherson, L., & Whittaker, L. (2024). How social work education fosters professional resilience: Students and newly qualified practitioner perspectives. Australian Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2024.2374755
- Hitchcock, C., Whittaker, L., Hughes, M., & McPherson, L. (2024). Developing and integrating professional resilience: Influencing factors for social workers as students and new practitioners. European Journal of Social Work, vol 27. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2023.2256486
- Hitchcock, C., McPherson, L., Whittaker, L. & Hughes, M., & (2024). Social work students’ understanding of professional resilience. Social Work Education. The International Journal. Vol 43.
In addition to these peer reviewed journal articles, I contributed to the development of a key report:
- Russ, E., Stonehouse, D., Reimer, E., Hitchcock, C., & McPherson, L. (2024). Supporting Staff Wellbeing in Child Welfare Services. The sector has responded to the report with great interest. The report is available: https://researchportal.scu.edu.au/esploro/outputs/report/991013182413502368
Building collaborative networks
Collaboration has been integral to our success. By fostering partnerships across academia, government, and the care sector, we’ve built a community of practice dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people. Highlights include:
- Supervising Future Researchers: I supervised seven PhD students and one Honours project, nurturing the next generation of experts in out-of-home care. Their research spans critical topics, from promoting well-being in foster carers to exploring the experiences of queer youth in the child protection system.
- Sector Engagement: Through webinars, podcasts, and invited presentations, we’ve engaged diverse audiences, ensuring our work resonates beyond academia.
- Mentorship: I have acted as a mentor for colleagues within the Centre for Children and Young People, offering advice on navigating institutional structures, grant applications, publication strategies, and career planning.
- Building relationships with industry: New relationships were formed this year across the child and family sector (for example: Bravehearts, Act for Kids, CASPA) and existing partnerships strengthened (Australian Childhood Foundation, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples).
Reflecting on the journey so far
This first year has been a profound learning experience. The stories of young people, victim-survivors, and care professionals have left an indelible mark, reminding me of the strength within this community. While the challenges are immense, the progress we’ve made demonstrates the power of research to drive change.
I am learning about the importance of persistence and adaptability. Transforming a complex system like out-of-home care requires patience, collaboration, and a willingness to confront difficult truths. Yet, it also offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. I have the privilege of working with a remarkable team, based at the Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care, a division of the Australian Childhood Foundation and the Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond
The establishment of this Chair represents more than a role—it’s a commitment to building a brighter future for children and young people in care. By amplifying their voices, generating new knowledge, and fostering collaboration, we are laying the groundwork for transformational change.
The momentum we’ve built in 2024 sets the stage for an ambitious agenda in 2025:
- Expanding Research: We will launch new projects focused on kinship care and the impact of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in out-of-home care, addressing critical gaps in the evidence base utilising new theories and conceptual frameworks that focus on dignity.
- Strengthening Partnerships: By deepening collaboration with national and international stakeholders, we aim to foster innovative solutions to shared challenges.
- Driving Systemic Change: Through targeted advocacy and knowledge dissemination, we will continue to push for actionable reforms that improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Strengthening commitment to anti-racist and decolonial research: Through centering the voices and lived experiences of Indigenous and racialised communities, through frameworks that advocate for self-determination.
As I look ahead, I’m inspired by the possibilities that lie before us. Together, we can create a care system that prioritizes safety, dignity, and opportunity for every child. This journey has only just begun, and I’m excited to continue driving change in 2025 and beyond. Thank you to Adjunct Professor Janise Mitchell, CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation, for believing “we will find a way to make it happen”. Thank you to Distinguished Professor Anne Graham, Director of CCYP, for your unwavering support and wisdom. Finally, I offer my heartfelt thanks to those children, young people, adult victim-survivors, carers, and staff who have joined us this year, to participate in our research and to guide our developing understanding about what needs to change.
