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WHAT IS ARACY?

The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) is a non-profit organisation tackling the complex issues facing children and young people. By harnessing best evidence and collaborating with experts, ARACY is progressing solutions. And through forging partnerships with researchers, practitioners and policy makers, we foster action aimed at preventing problems before they arise.

ARACY are leaders of change in this area.

THE CHALLENGE

Evidence shows that while Australia's children fare well in some areas, when compared with other developed countries, the wellbeing of Australian children is at best, average. In a wealthy country like Australia we should be doing better. The challenge is for society to recognise this and work together to change conditions for children and young people.

We want a society in which ALL children and young people have the opportunity to become the best they can be.

What's New:

The Challenge:

"While Australia's economic and technological progress has been strong over recent decades, these benefits have not resulted in significant improvements to the health and wellbeing of the nation's young people"
- Professor Fiona Stanley, AC, ARACY Board Chair

ARACY's ROLE IS CRITICAL

ARACY is the primary mediator within the child and youth arena, seeking to join up the efforts of researchers, practitioners and policy makers across all fields to improve the wellbeing of children and young people. A great deal of knowledge is already available about what is needed to improve the health and well-being of young Australians. ARACY is the only national body principally focused on joining knowledge, experience and expertise across sectors and disciplines, to reduce the gap between what is known and what is done to prevent ill-health and improve the wellbeing of children.

"Complex problems require innovative solutions, but they have to be found quickly. That means bringing together the very best people and organisations to combine forces and collaborate in ways that haven't been done before. That's the ARACY challenge."
- Professor Fiona Stanley, AC, ARACY Board Chair

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Solutions to these complex problems lie beyond any one organisation working alone; solutions will only come with a whole of community approach, including a national cultural shift toward a society that values children and young people more highly.

"Problems affecting our kids can no longer be accepted as the unfortunate side effect of our economic progress: the 'canaries in the mine'. We need a better balance between good economic progress and a socially and environmentally sustainable society"
- Dr Lance Emerson, CEO ARACY