Research at Uplyft
Uplyft 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.
- Click here to view and download Uplyft Research Agenda
- Uplyft is identified as an organisation that uses, implements, develops and builds evidence-based practice
- Uplyft provides best practice services to children and families, seeking and building evidence where there are gaps
- All Uplyft practitioners are able to access and assess best quality research and evidence to inform their work
Uplyft 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.
Uplyft 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).
Child and Parent Centres (CPCs) are funded by the Department of Education in Western Australia and there are currently 22 Centres operating on or near school sites across WA. The plan to establish these was announced in December 2010, with the first WA Child and Parent Centre officially opened in July 2014.
The Grandcare Evaluation Snapshot provides an in-depth evaluation of Uplyft'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 Uplyft's continued support for grandparent carers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research
opportunities
Uplyft 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!
After more than 80 years of service, Wanslea is rebranding to provide a clearer, more contemporary way to reflect who we are, the services we provide, and how we work alongside our partners.
This rebrand reflects our growth and evolution, not a change in purpose.
We look forward to continuing our work with you in this exciting new chapter.
