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Dr Ciara Smyth
Senior Research Fellow

Dr Ciara Smyth

BA (Hons), MSc, PhD

Arts,Design & Architecture
Social Policy Research Centre

Dr Ciara Smyth is a Senior Research Fellow at the Social Policy Research Centre, at UNSW Sydney. Ciara has almost 20 years’ applied social policy and evaluation research experience covering a broad array of critical social policy issues. These include family and domestic violence, family disability support services, homelessness, parenting and drug use, child protection, refugee support services and immunisation policy. Her research program has direct policy relevance by informing and influencing policy decision-making. She has skilfully and successfully managed large scale evaluation research projects of government-funded services, which have had significant impact by informing policy, program design and service quality improvements. She has also made significant contributions to conducting research - research design, data collection, analysis, data synthesis - by applying rigour, adopting innovative research methodologies, and generating high quality research outputs that contribute to the knowledge and evidence base.
Phone
02 9385 7844
E-mail
c.smyth@unsw.edu.au
Location
246 Goodsell Building
  • Book Chapters | 2020
    2020, 'Young carers', in The Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Development, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781119171492.wecad418
  • Journal articles | 2021
    2021, 'Adapting Service Delivery during COVID-19: Experiences of Domestic Violence Practitioners', The British Journal of Social Work, 51, pp. 1779 - 1798, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcab105
    Journal articles | 2021
    2021, 'COVID-19 lockdowns, intimate partner violence and coercive control', Australian Journal of Social Issues, 56, pp. 359 - 373, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajs4.162
    Journal articles | 2021
    2021, 'University staff and flexible work: inequalities, tensions and challenges', Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 43, pp. 489 - 504, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1360080X.2020.1857504
    Journal articles | 2019
    valentine K; Smyth C; Newland J, 2019, '‘Good enough’ parenting: Negotiating standards and stigma', International Journal of Drug Policy, 68, pp. 117 - 123, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.07.009
    Journal articles | 2018
    2018, 'Changing practice cultures in statutory child protection: Practitioners' perspectives', Child and Family Social Work, 24, pp. 50 - 58, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12580
    Journal articles | 2017
    2017, 'Maximising advantage in the preschool years: Parents’ resources and strategies', Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 42, pp. 65 - 72, http://dx.doi.org/10.23965/AJEC.42.3.08
    Journal articles | 2015
    Smyth C; Craig L, 2015, 'Conforming to intensive parenting ideals: willingness, reluctance and social context', Families, Relationships and Societies, 6, pp. 107 - 124, http://dx.doi.org/10.1332/204674315X14393034138937
    Journal articles | 2015
    Smyth C, 2015, 'Getting Ahead in the Preschool Years: An Analysis of a Preschool Enrichment and Entertainment Market', Sociology, 50, pp. 731 - 747, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0038038515577916
    Journal articles | 2014
    Smyth C, 2014, 'Boost your preschooler's brain power! An analysis of advice to parents from an Australian government-funded website', Women's Studies International Forum, 45, pp. 10 - 18, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2014.03.011
    Journal articles | 2014
    2014, 'Towards intensive parenting? Changes in the composition and determinants of mothers and fathers' time with children 1992-2006', British Journal of Sociology, 65, pp. 555 - 579, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1468-4446.12035
    Journal articles | 2011
    Smyth C; Blaxland M; Cass B, 2011, ''So that's how I found out I was a young carer and that I actually had been a carer most of my life'. Identifying and supporting hidden young carers', Journal of Youth Studies, 14, pp. 145 - 160, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2010.506524
    Journal articles | 2011
    2011, 'Children and young people as active agents in care-giving: agency and constraint', Children and Youth Services Review, 33, pp. 509 - 514, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2010.05.009
    Journal articles | 2010
    2010, 'Exploring Young Carers’ Agency', Qualitative Research Journal, 10, pp. 36 - 50, http://dx.doi.org/10.3316/QRJ1002036
    Journal articles | 2008
    2008, '‘So that’s how I found out I was a young carer and that I actually had been a carer most of my life.’ Identifying and supporting hidden young carers', Family Tax Benefit Part B: Where to from here?, 14, pp. 145 - 160, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2010.506524
    Journal articles | 2006
    Smyth C; Mchugh MH, 2006, 'Exploring the dimensions of professional fostering: carers` perceptions of their fostering role', Children Australia, 31 (1), pp. 12 - 20
  • Reports | 2022
    2022, Changing experiences of virtual, physical and hybrid service delivery across the social care (child and family services) sector, ANZSOG, http://anzsog.edu.au/app/uploads/2022/07/Changing%E2%80%AFexperiences-of-virtual-physical-and-hybrid-service-delivery_Rapid-evidence-review_RI.pdf
    Reports | 2020
    2020, Evaluation of 1800RESPECT – Final Report, UNSW Social Policy Research Centre, Sydney, http://dx.doi.org/10.26190/5e4f1f2561956, https://plan4womenssafety.dss.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/1800RESPECT-Evaluation_20200219-wp-4496.pdf
    Reports | 2020
    2020, Violence prevention and early intervention for mothers and children with disability: Building promising practice, ANROWS, Sydney, https://www.anrows.org.au/project/mothers-and-children-with-disability-using-early-intervention-services-identifying-and-sharing-promising-practice/
    Reports | 2019
    2019, OCHRE Local Decision Making Accords: Illawarra Wingecarribee Alliance Aboriginal Corporation, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, SPRC Report 10/19, http://dx.doi.org/10.26190/5ce343832ba2c
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    2018, '‘Implementing No Jab, No Pay: Policy Considerations’', presented at Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 25 September 2018 - 27 July 2018
    Conference Presentations | 2018
    2018, '‘Supporting Settlement: Balancing Obligations with ‘Putting Australia First’', presented at XIX ISA World Congress of Sociology, Toronto, Canada., 15 July 2018 - 21 July 2018
    Reports | 2018
    2018, A flexible workplace for all? Staff perspectives on flexible work at UNSW, UNSW
    Reports | 2017
    Smyth CA; Gendera S; Giuntoli G; Hill T; Katz I; Asante D, 2017, Evaluation of Settlement Grants - Final report, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, SPRC Report 12/17, http://dx.doi.org/10.4225/53/5a370bda48d3c, https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/10_2017/compliance_guidelines-pdf_evaluation_of_se.pdf
    Reports | 2017
    valentine K; Zmudzki F; Fotheringham M; Smyth C, 2017, Early Review of the Specialist Homelessness Services Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, SPRC Report 03/17, http://dx.doi.org/10.4225/53/59b1ef6c9d297
    Conference Presentations | 2017
    2017, 'Reporting on reforms to the NSW Specialist Homelessness Services Program', presented at Australian Social Policy Conference, University of New South Wales, 25 September 2017 - 27 September 2017
    Reports | 2016
    Smyth CA; Katz I, 2016, Child Protection and Respectful Relationships Education and Best Practice in School Settings – Literature Review & Stakeholder Consultation, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney
    Reports | 2016
    Wade C; Mildon R; Shlonsky A; Katz I; valentine K; Eastman C; Cortis N; Smyth CA; Forbes F, 2016, Practice First Evaluation Report, NSW Department of Family and Community Services, https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/412662/Full-report-Practice-First-Evaluation-Final-Report.PDF
    Reports | 2016
    valentine K; Katz I; Smyth C; Bent C; Rinaldis S; Wade C; Albers B, 2016, Key Elements of Child Safe Organisations – Research Study, Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Sydney, http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/getattachment/5d988506-a260-4b7a-b5bc-4f5555f2d2ca/Key-Elements-of-Child-Safe-Organisations, https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/file-list/research_report_-_key_elements_of_child_safe_organisations_research_study_-_prevention.pdf
    Conference Presentations | 2015
    valentine K; Katz I; Cortis N; Smyth C; Cassells R; Eastman C; Shlonsky A; Duncan A, 2015, 'Determining the impact of child protection reforms: Lessons from the evaluation of Keep Them Safe', presented at Australian Social Policy Conference, Sydney, 28 September 2015 - 30 September 2015
    Conference Presentations | 2015
    2015, 'Putting practice first? Practitioners’ perspectives on the implementation of a child-centred model of child protection practice in NSW', presented at Australian Social Policy Conference, UNSW Sydney, Australia, 28 September 2015 - 30 September 2015
    Reports | 2014
    Cassells R; Cortis N; Duncan A; Eastman C; Gao G; Giuntoli G; Katz I; Keegan M; Macvean M; Mavisakalyan A; Shlonsky A; Skattebol J; Smyth C; valentine K, 2014, Keep Them Safe Outcomes Evaluation: Final Report, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, Sydney
    Reports | 2014
    Eastman C; Hill T; Newland J; Smyth C; valentine K, 2014, Thriving in Adversity: A positive deviance study of safe communities for children, SPRC Report Series, SPRC Report 30/2014
    Reports | 2013
    Muir K; Hilferty F; Katz I; Mitrou F; Christensen D; Smyth C; Zubrick S; Lawrence D, 2013, Independent evaluation of the headspace program: Evaluation Framework, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney
    Conference Presentations | 2013
    2013, '‘Fostering children’s cognitive development in the preschool years: The message and the uptake', presented at Ciara Smyth, Australian Social Policy Conference, UNSW Sydney, Australia, 16 September 2013 - 18 September 2013
    Conference Presentations | 2011
    2011, 'Exploring parental responsibility for children’s cognitive development', presented at Ciara Smyth, Monitoring Parents: Science, Evidence, Experts and the New Parenting Culture, University of Kent, UK, 13 September 2011 - 14 September 2011
    Reports | 2009
    Cass B; Smyth C; Hill T; Blaxland M; Hamilton M, 2009, Young carers in Australia: understanding the advantages and disadvantages of their care giving, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Canberra, Social Policy Research Paper, 38, https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/05_2012/sprp_38.pdf
    Reports | 2009
    Cass B; Smyth C; Hill T; Blaxland M; Hamilton M, 2009, Young carers in Australia, Deapartment of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
    Reports | 2009
    Hill T; Smyth C; Thomson C; Cass B, 2009, Young Carers: Their Characteristics and Geographical Distribution, National Youth Affairs Research Scheme, Canberra
    Conference Presentations | 2009
    2009, 'Exploring young carers’ active agency', presented at , Australian Social Policy Conference, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 08 July 2009 - 10 July 2009
    Conference Presentations | 2009
    2009, 'I’m just helping out the family: profiling hidden young carers', presented at Cathy Thomson, Trish Hill, Ciara Smyth and Bettina Cass, Australian Social Policy Conference,, University of New South Wales 8-10 July, 2009, 08 July 2009 - 10 July 2020
    Conference Presentations | 2009
    2009, 'Reflections on participatory techniques in young carer research: Some lessons learned', presented at Samia Michail, Myra Hamilton and Ciara Smyth. 2nd International Conference of the International Society of Child Indicators, University of Western Sydney, Australia, 04 November 2009 - 05 November 2009
    Conference Presentations | 2008
    Cass B; Brennan D; Thomson CM; Hill T; Michail S; Purcal C; Smyth C, 2008, 'Young Carers: Identifying supportive policies and programs - some ideas from the field', presented at Young Carers Workshop, Sydney, 02 December 2008
    Reports | 2008
    Davidson RT; Spooner CJ; Fisher KR; Newton B; Dadich A; Smyth C; Tudball J; Flaxman S, 2008, Indigenous Research Strategy: Working better with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, Social Policy Research Centre, Sydney, SPRC Reports, Report 14/08, http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/media/File/Report14_08_SPRC_Indigenous_Strategy.pdf
    Conference Papers | 2008
    Smyth C; Cass B; Blaxland M, 2008, 'So that’s how I found out I was a young carer and that I actually had been a carer most of my life.’ Identifying and supporting hidden young carers', in So that’s how I found out I was a young carer and that I actually had been a carer most of my life.’ Identifying and supporting hidden young carers, Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne, Australia, presented at Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne, Australia, -
    Reports | 2008
    Smyth C; Eardley , 2008, Out of home care for children in Australia: a review of literature and policy (final report), 3/2008
    Reports | 2008
    Smyth C; Eardley AC, 2008, Out of home care for children in Australia: a review of literature and policy, Social Policy Research Centre, Sydney, SPRC Reports, Report 3/08, http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/media/File/Report3_08_Out_of_home_care.pdf
    Conference Presentations | 2008
    2008, 'Accessing combinations of informal and formal support services: The case of young carers in Australia: Who bears the costs of care-giving?', presented at Social Care Workshop, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 18 February 2008 - 19 February 2008
    Conference Presentations | 2008
    2008, 'So that’s how I found out I was a young carer and that I actually had been a carer most of my life.’ Identifying and supporting hidden young carers', presented at Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 09 July 2008 - 11 July 2008
    Reports | 2007
    Smyth C; Eardley AC, 2007, Out of Home Care for Children in Australia: A Review of Literature and Policy, Report prepared for the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, September 2006
    Conference Presentations | 2007
    2007, 'Children and young people as active agents: Considering the case of young carers', presented at Academy of Social Sciences in Australia Workshop, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 11 October 2007 - 12 October 2007
    Conference Presentations | 2007
    2007, 'The costs of care/the benefits of care: a precarious balance? Considering the case of young carers', presented at Australian Social Policy Conference, , University of New South Wales 11-13 July., 11 July 2007 - 13 July 2007
    Reports | 2006
    Siminski P; Thompson DA; Bittman MP; Chalmers JJ; Smyth C; Craig L, 2006, Factors Associated with Inter-state Differences in Fertility Rates across States and Territories and over Time, Report prepared for FaHCSIA, Australian Federal Government, Canberra
    Reports | 2005
    Smyth C; Eardley AC, 2005, Retirees’ Use of Superannuation Payments, Final Report for the Department of Family and Community Services, Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, July 2005
    Reports | 2005
    Smyth C; Rawsthorne M; Siminski P, 2005, Women’s Lifework, Final Report, for the Commonwealth, States, Territories and New Zealand Ministers Conference on the Status for Women (MINCO)
    Conference Presentations | 2005
    2005, 'Exploring the dimensions of professionalising fostering: Carers’ perceptions of their fostering role', presented at Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 09 February 2005 - 11 February 2005
    Reports | 2004
    Mchugh MH; McNab JW; Smyth C; Chalmers JJ; Siminski P; Saunders PG, 2004, The Availability of Foster Carers, Final Report, with ? Prepared for NSW Department of Community Services, May 2004

Ciara has vast experience in a range of social policy research fields including evaluations and policy implementation reviews for federal and state government departments in the areas of domestic and family violence, settlement grants, homelessness, child protection and family payments. Most recently Ciara has managed the Evaluation of 1800RESPECT, the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service for the Department of Social Services. In 2016-17, she managed the Post Implementation Review of the No Jab No Pay 2015 Budget Measure and the Evaluation of Settlement Grants in 2017, also for the Department of Social Services.