Since the Children's Issues Centre's establishment in 1995 we have undertaken high quality research, teaching and advocacy relating to children's development, well-being and rights. Applied research is one of the Centre's key activities and we are committed to the dissemination and application of our findings to promote child-centred approaches to policy and practice. We work collaboratively with colleagues at the University of Otago, other tertiary institutions, child/family agencies, government departments and the community both within Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Using an interdisciplinary approach our primary roles focus on:
- Research
- Publication and research dissemination
- Postgraduate education
- Professional development
- Policy and advocacy
Centre goals
- To carry out applied research on issues relevant to children's optimal development, well-being and rights.
- To produce and communicate research information relevant to children to professionals working with children, young people and their families/whānau, academics, tertiary students, policy makers, the media, family/whānau and other members of the public.
- To offer postgraduate qualifications in children's issues and child-centred practice.
- To offer seminars, conferences and workshops for the community, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners and professionals working with children, young people and their families/whānau.
- To encourage and support interdisciplinary collaboration on programmes, policies and research relevant to children's issues, nationally and internationally.
- To support research, policy and practice that respects and empowers children and young people and encourages opportunities for their participation.
- To encourage implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child through research, educational and policy work and networking activities.
The generosity of the Alexander McMillan Trust has enabled the establishment of a Leading Thinker Chair in Childhood Studies. This position is currently held by the Centre Director.
The Centre is based at the University of Otago in the Faculty of Law within the Division of Humanities.