Research at Wanslea
Wanslea undertakes research to inform understanding, service development, advocacy, policy and importantly, so we can be sure the services we provide to families are best practice and evidence-informed.
- Wanslea is identified as an organisation that uses, implements, develops and builds evidence-based practice
- Wanslea provides best practice services to children and families, seeking and building evidence where there are gaps
- All Wanslea practitioners are able to access and assess best quality research and evidence to inform their work
Wanslea has a research strategy covering priority areas, current and future projects, research partnerships and the ethics and principles on which our work is based. Our research work is supported by a Research and Service Development Committee, and a Grandcare Research Advisory Group.
We undertake internal research and evaluation development, including program logic, outcome measurement, contributing to the evidence-base of service and program design, staff capacity-building, and learning activities.
Wanslea is a founding partner of the WA Social Research Network, formed in 2018 to share learning and strategic translation of research findings into social change across a number of social research projects happening in WA. Our research staff are also involved in the Non-Profit Measurement Community of Practice, and the Social Impact Measurement Network Australia (WA Committee).
The Grandcare Evaluation Snapshot provides an in-depth evaluation of Wanslea’s Grandcare wellness retreats for grandmothers who are primary caregivers of their grandchildren. It highlights the methodology, key findings, and impacts of the retreats on participants, particularly their positive effects on reducing stress and providing social support. The report also discusses the strengths of the retreat model, areas for improvement, and how the findings inform Wanslea’s continued support for grandparent carers.
Since 2011, Wanslea has been engaged in research to better understand the impact of the caring role on grandparents who are raising their grandchildren full-time. The project aims to inform advocacy, policy, and service development for grandparent carers. Lotterywest has provided funding for this important work, conducted in partnership with Edith Cowan University, Curtin University, and Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA Inc.
The research has culminated in a “Fairer Future for Grandchildren” campaign, with a call to action to Federal and State governments to better recognise and support grandparent carers in order to keep their grandchildren safe and secure in their care. The calls to action are available here. A public report and a series of educational videos have been released.
If you would like to support a “Fairer Future for Grandchildren” in the lead-up to the state election, please consider writing to your local candidates. Please ensure you let the recipient know you live in their Electorate. You might also like to consider writing a letter to the Premier and the Minister for Child Protection and Women’s Interests. You can access a letter-writing pack with all the necessary information, including a draft letter here.
A cross-sector research project which privileges the voice of people with lived experience as we explore what helps and what hinders people to break free from the cycle of disadvantage.
A cross-sector research project which privileges the voice of people with lived experience as we explore what helps and what hinders people to break free from the cycle of disadvantage.
Led by Curtin University, this research aims to understand young people’s pathways into and transitioning out of out-of-home care, and the factors that support this transition in meaningful and positive ways.
Led by Curtin University, this research aims to understand young people’s pathways into and transitioning out of out-of-home care, and the factors that support this transition in meaningful and positive ways.
Terry, J. (2013). The child in sight, in mind and right in the Centre: Child-centred, family inclusive practice in reunification. Developing Practice, 36, 31-40.
Targowska, A., Cavazzi, T., & Lund, S. (2016). Fostering together - The why and how of involving and supporting biological children of foster carers, Children Australia, 41(1), 29 – 38.
Dixon, P. (2016). Organisational leadership and the implementation of a new practice framework for working with vulnerable families. AASW National Bulletin, 25(4), 30-31.
Murray, T., & Vitasovic D. (2018). Corporate social responsibility: Australian case study innovation capabilities: Not for profit: Transforming families and children. In R. Altenburger (Ed.), Innovation management and corporate social responsibility. Social responsibility as competitive advantage (pp. 347-364). Springer.
Stratton, K., Lund, S. & Gray, D. (2018). Facebook and foster care: Connection, engagement, and organisational change.Developing Practice: The Child Youth and Family Work Journal, 49, 44-62.
opportunities
Wanslea offers a number of research opportunities to university students, including placements with the research team, support with research projects such as recruitment of research participants, as well as being an industry partner on Honours and higher-degree by research projects.
Help us get the word out about grandparent carers’ integral role not only in the lives of their grandchildren, but also within child protection systems and our community. Care for grandparent carers, care for kids!
Help us get the word out about grandparent carers’ integral role not only in the lives of their grandchildren, but also within child protection systems and our community. Care for grandparent carers, care for kids!
