The Benevolent Society is committed to undertaking high quality research that adds to the evidence around what works to create caring and inclusive communities and a just society.
Research plays an important role in helping to achieve results in communities and to grow our knowledge, leadership and capacity to influence social change in Australia. The Benevolent Society is currently involved in a number of research projects with partner organisations from academia, government and the community sector.
Current research projects
- Growing Communities Together: social cohesion and disadvantage in Australian communities
- Children and young people's views on social capital and agency in their community
- Research to Practice Briefings
Recent reports
- Shaping Brains Research Snapshot, on brain development and innovative approaches to improving children's lives
- Social capital of school students in disadvantaged communities and the relationship with child outcomes. Research Snapshot
- The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children: A Literature Review , a research report commissioned by The Benevolent Society and prepared by the Australian Domestic & Family Violence Clearinghouse, examines the serious emotional, psychological, social behavioral and developmental effects on children who are affected by domestic violence. Full report and Research Snapshot
- Unemployment and the wellbeing of children aged 5-10 years explores the potential impact of an increase in the unemployment rate on children’s behavioural and emotional problems. Research Snapshot Full report
- No Way To Live; the experiences of women who have separated from a violent relationship and have had to negotiate parenting arrangements through the Family Law Courts. Research Snapshot Full report.
- Families on the Fringe examines what motivates young families to relocate to non-metropolitan areas and the impact of relocation. Research Snapshot Full report Presentation
- Moving Forward looks at what women need to move forward after leaving domestic violence. Research snapshot Full report Presentations
- Integrated health and welfare services for children in Australia reviews national and international integrated service models for young people and their families. Full report Presentation
Research agenda
The Benevolent Society’s 2009-2013 research agenda focuses on a number of priority areas including:
- the health and social inclusion of young children
- ageing well and the social inclusion of older people
- the role of communities in improving outcomes for individuals
- community safety and domestic violence
- evidence informed policy and practice.
Research partnerships
We partner with individuals and organisations to conduct research across a range of social issues. To discuss potential research partnerships with The Benevolent Society, please contact Andrew Anderson, Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation, andrewa@bensoc.org.au or +61 2 9339 8075.
Evidence-informed practice
At The Benevolent Society we explore ways of applying research findings and evidence to our own services, based on the principle that the development of interventions is informed by the most current, relevant and reliable evidence about their effectiveness. Read our paper on evidence-informed practice.
More information
For further information please contact Andrew Anderson, Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation, andrewa@bensoc.org.au or +61 2 9339 8075.
You can find all of our research reports, past and present, by browsing our resources.