1. The Family Interaction Program (Centre for Developmental Research, Programs and Policy) Griffith University – Gold Coast Campus Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck, PhD, Director Senior Lecturer School of Psychology

2. Purpose of The Family Interaction Program Developmental scholarship Community focus and societal impact Children and adolescents with their support persons Evidence-based programming and policy Quality evaluations / Outcomes research –Informative –Utilized –Program development driven Best practice information / dissemination

3. Services and Research Currently 2 services are provided within The Family Interaction Program –Focus on maltreated children Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Sexual Abuse Program for children and caregivers Evaluation of the programs (PCIT - Rae Thomas, Sexual Abuse Program - Kristy Pinter) PLUS…

4. Services and Research PLUS… –Examination of effectiveness within subgroups (Mark Scholes) –Observational investigations of interactions in families Emotions (Rae Thomas) Coercion and escalation of negative interactions (Kate McCarthy) –Studies of children in other contexts outside the family (Angela Anthonysamy) –Examinations and summaries of evidence (Melanie Zimmer- Gembeck, Rae Thomas)

5. Current Work A research centre first and foremost –Trial programs and disseminate Make effective programs available For example, PCIT in 2006 –Basic research (Melanie Zimmer-Gembeck) Development of antisocial behaviour/aggression (Nicki Crick, Byron Egeland, Tasha Geiger, Tracey Hunter, Rhiarne Pronk, Melissa Williams) Stress and coping in children and adolescents (Danielle Sutton, Alison Bocquee) Child obesity, exercise and health (Jillian Joyce) Stress and coping in young adults and other groups (Carolyn Vickers, Karen White) Sexual behaviour and relationships (Byron Egeland, Sharon Horne, Jillian Petherick, Jess Siebenbruner, Tammie Wilkinson) Relationships and well-being / depression (Karen Dacre, Tracey Hunter, Carolyn Vickers) Development of the self (Michelle Hanisch)

6. Future Directions A research centre first and foremost –Assist with program development and evaluation Can there be improvements in current programs? Mechanisms of change –For whom is a program effective and why? –Evidence-based Policies depend on useful information Assist policymakers to make decisions –Best practice reports –Analyses/summaries of the evidence –Recommendations –Responsive to policymakers needs –Also proactive