Purpose of this research project
The Child and Family Services Outcome Study (CAFSOS) is an important study with parents and carers of children and young people who receive services from Child Protection, Out of Home Care Placement and/or Family Services. The study aims to provide essential information on the health and wellbeing of these children.
Who is the research for?
CAFSOS has been developed by the Department of Human Services, in conjunction with the State-wide Outcomes section within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The Social Research Centre in North Melbourne will be conducting the interviews on the behalf of the Department.
What is involved?
Each interview will take approximately 25 minutes and will be conducted over the telephone. Arrangements can be made to call you at a time and place that is most convenient for you. You do not have to answer any question that you are uncomfortable with (and you do not have to give a reason).
If you choose to participate in an interview you will be paid $30 as compensation for your time. This is paid even if you don’t answer every question. The payment will be in the form of a gift voucher.
If you participate in a telephone interview, you will be invited to participate in another, similar, telephone interview in 2012.
What will I be asked?
Participants in the study will be asked questions about the child/young person’s health and wellbeing outcomes, including questions about the child/young person’s physical and mental health, education, relationships and behaviour, connection to family, community and school, and their engagement in culture and physical activities. Carers will also be asked a range of questions about the service experiences of the child they care for in addition to their own experiences of services.
Do I have to participate?
No. Participation in the pilot survey is entirely voluntary. If you do not wish to participate, you will not be contacted again to participate in the study. If you decide to take part, but later change your mind, you are free to withdraw at any stage of the interview without needing to provide a reason.
Your decision whether or not to participate in the survey will not affect your relationship with researchers, the Department of Human Services or those services which you may receive now or in future.
What do I need to do now?
Nothing. We will contact you shortly. If you would like us to call you back at a certain time, please call the CAFSOS helpline on 1800 831 505 (freecall) or email cafsos@srcentre.com.au. You can also use these contact details to tell us if you do not wish to participate.
I have a question. Who should I contact?
You can email cafsos@srcentre.com.au or call the (freecall) CAFSOS helpline on 1800 831 505.
Alternatively you can contact any of the researchers listed here
For further information.
For further information, you can download this sheet on the background information or this information sheet or contact us via the above methods.
For more information on child protection, family and early parenting services you can visit the Department of Human Services’ website at http://www.cyf.vic.gov.au/child-protection-family-services |
