Welcome
The Parenting Research Centre believes parenting is a critical factor in the quality of life and wellbeing of children. By developing parenting capability in the community, we can build a positive future for the next generation. We invite parents, carers and practitioners working with families to share the knowledge generated by our research.

Warren Cann
Executive Director

Announcement: National Autism Workshops
The Parenting Research Centre is proud to announce our appointment by the Australian Government to run a four-year $12m national workshops program for families and carers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

We are also delighted as part of the Raising Children Network to be involved in developing a raft of new Autism specific online resources to support parents, carers and professionals to be contained on the Raising Children Network website which will also be expanded from February next year.

One in 160 Australians are believed to have autism, with approximately 2,500 children diagnosed annually. Every year, the workshops program will provide support and education for 2,500 carers of young children, focusing on the time of diagnosis, when families most need information about autism and how to tackle their child’s complex needs.

The Parenting Research Centre has a long history of involvement in supporting parents of young children with developmental disabilities, including children with Autism. We will be working in partnership with key Autism research and service delivery organisations.

For further information and to sign up for email updates on this important initiative click here.

In Brief

Survey for parents of 10-16 year olds
Parents of children aged 10-16 years, including parents who have performed this role in the past 30 years, are invited to take part in a survey that explores the ways parents promote the health and wellbeing of their teenage children and themselves. To complete this 20-minute online survey go to Parenting Adolescents Survey 
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Research on siblings of children with a disablity
We are conducting new research in collaboration with RMIT University into the experiences of parents of children with a disability or chronic illness and how they support the siblings in the family. This research will help us to identify ways that we can best support these parents and their children. Fill in the survey now or read more ...
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Research on transition to secondary school
We are conducting new research in collaboration with RMIT University into the kind of information parents need to support their children who are making the transition into secondary school. If you are a parent with a child starting secondary school in 2009 fill in the survey now or read more ...
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MyTime: The Right Time booklet now available
MyTime recently launched a booklet The Right Time to celebrate the success of this peer support program for mums, dads, carers, aunts and uncles who care for children with a disability. Read more about this Australia-wide program on the MyTime website.

Healthy Start booklet now available
Healthy Start has launched a new publication that celebrates the success of the national capacity building strategy among professionals who work with parents who have a learning difficulty. Download the booklet here.

Information for dads
More help is on the way for new fathers as Victoria experiences its biggest baby boom in 35 years. The Victorian Government announced funding of $60,000 to the Parenting Research Centre to develop an information kit for fathers. With more fathers staying home to become primary carers, there is a real need for information specifically designed for them. PRC will consult with fathers to ensure that the kit provides the kind of parenting information they are looking for. For more information contact the communications team.

Media enquiries
We welcome media enquiries about any topical issues relating to parenting. Read our list of topics of interest.