The Department for Child Protection values contemporary research on innovative and best practice approaches to working in child protection.

It works to ensure its policies, programs and services are informed by rigorous and robust evidence.

We support research that strengthens evidence-based decision making and contributes to effective policy and practice.

Support may be provided to research projects through in-kind assistance, such as providing access to data, clients and staff. Limited investment may be considered for highly relevant research proposals.

Research projects may be commissioned by DCP or be conducted by DCP staff, researchers or students using DCP data (upon approval). Data is defined as any facts, statistics, instructions, concepts or other information in a form that is capable of being communicated, analysed or processed whether by an individual or by a computer or other automated means.

Undertaking research within the department

Before undertaking research, you should refer to the following documents.

Research applications

Applications for research must be submitted using the Research Application Form (DOCX 236KB). Assistance and/or advice can be sought from the Research and Evaluation team and once completed, submitted to DCPResearchandEvaluation@sa.gov.au.

The Research and Evaluation team will prepare the application for the Research and Evaluation Management Committee (REMC), which may require researchers to provide additional information to fulfil the Research Assessment Criteria (DOCX 209KB).

The REMC provides governance across all research associated with DCP, particularly in providing recommendations to the Chief Executive, as further outlined in its Terms of Reference (PDF 248KB).

Research Agreements and ethics approval

If a research application is approved by the Chief Executive, the applicants will be asked to enter into a Research Agreement (DOCX 91KB), which incorporates sections relating to intellectual property; project funding; confidentiality and copyright; disputes and dispute resolution; and reporting obligations.

Research cannot commence until the signed Agreement is in place and full ethics approval has been received. Research with a substantive focus on Aboriginal children, young people, families, or carers will also require approval from an Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee.

Monitoring and support

The Research and Evaluation team facilitates the governance and monitoring of research projects within DCP and provides support to ensure research is conducted in accordance with the Framework and the signed Research Agreement. Support may include planning and facilitating access to data, coordinating governance of the project, and linking researchers with other DCP staff or initiatives that will enhance the impact of the project.

Accessing data

The Research and Evaluation team can work through data requirements for projects prior to application, and can be contacted at DCPResearchandEvaluation@sa.gov.au

Quick links

Reporting and Statistics