How our research drives practical outcomes for children and families
We aim to enhance the well-being of children, adolescents and their families by understanding the experiences of parents and caregivers. Our focus is on supporting mental health, particularly for young people with intellectual disabilities and those in out-of-home care.
Our research areas
Our goal is to provide every young person with mental health challenges the best chance to achieve their full potential. We do this by converting our research into training and technology to unite individuals, families and professionals.
Resources for schools and families
We design interventions for families and schools to tackle school refusal among neurodiverse individuals. Our research also explores current attitudes about school attendance among families and educational institutions.
Innovative mental health resources
We develop intervention strategies to assist families and young people facing emotional dysregulation and self-harm. Our research guides the development and evaluation of a program aimed at supporting suicidal adolescents and their families after an emergency department visit.
Young people in out-of-home care
Our research aims to improve the lives of young people in out-of-home care by identifying their unique needs and challenges. By investigating the experiences of these young people, our researchers can develop targeted interventions and support programs that address issues such as mental health, education and social integration.
Help us enhance the lives of children and families
Join us to conduct high-quality research that translates into practical solutions to alleviate distress and improve the lives of children, adolescents, and families affected by poor mental health.
Our researchers
Deakin Family and Child Study Centre is home to a network of distinguished researchers specialising in mental illness, stress and wellbeing.
Associate Professor Jade Sheen is a clinical psychologist who co-leads the Centre. Her research focuses on mental illness in childhood and adolescence, parenting and mental illness, and stress and wellbeing amongst health professionals and their families.
Associate Professor Glenn Melvin is a practising clinical psychologist and the co-lead of Mental Health Care at SEED Lifespan. His research interests include anxiety, school refusal, depression and suicide prevention.
Our guiding principles
The Deakin Family and Child Study Centre aims to assist the one in five children, adolescents, and parents affected by poor mental health by developing practical, evidence-based strategies to address their clinical needs. We strive to create culturally sensitive and inclusive programs for all children and families.
Collaboration is key to our mission, supported by our in-house Youth Advisory Group. The DFCSC aligns with the Deakin impact theme of improving health and wellbeing and the strategic research initiative SEED Lifespan within the Deakin School of Psychology.
Contact us
Email the Deakin Family and Child Study Centre for more information on our projects and for any general enquiries.