Enhancing outcomes for young people in out-of-home care who leave approved placements to stay in other locations

Young people placed in out-of-home care (OOHC) due to child protection concerns are among Australia’s most vulnerable populations. Their vulnerability increases when they leave formal OOHC placements (e.g., foster or residential care) to stay in unapproved locations (e.g., with friends, family, strangers or on the streets), as these arrangements are often temporary, insecure, and can expose young people to exploitation. The term ‘self-placing’ signifies this phenomenon in Australia, although this terminology is not universally accepted. Self-placing has substantial individual, societal and economic consequences. Young people who self-place are disconnected from support, at increased risk of homelessness and mistreatment, have increased contact with the justice system, disengage from critical education, face barriers to mental and physical health care, and experience ongoing trauma and crisis. Evidence suggests that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, who are significantly over-represented in the OOHC system, are more likely to self-place and at a younger age. Despite the increased risks to this cohort of young people, there is very limited practice guidance for how services should work to enhance their safety, connection and wellbeing.

Our ARC-Linkage project is the first in Australia to undertake a multistakeholder (e.g., young people, their informal networks, statutory child protection practitioners, residential care providers, NGOs), mixed-methods approach (e.g., document and policy analysis, interviews, focus groups) to examine self-placing.  Speaking directly to gaps in the existing evidence base, we will build knowledge regarding the needs and pathways of this cohort of young people; and map how formal practice responses are enacted in different geographical and practice contexts. Within the parameters of this broader project, PhD scholars are welcome to determine their specific focus. Possible topics could include but are not limited to, culturally safe responses, implications for transition from care planning and support, intersections with youth justice or workforce factors. Interested candidates are welcome to contact Dr Jemma Venables to discuss their ideas.

The PhD scholar will be based in UQ's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work (NMSW).  NMSW is the only social work school nationally to receive an ERA 5 ranking (outstanding research performance well above world standard) in the last two rounds. NMSW has a strong reputation in applied research related to strengthening family, community and professional workforce capacities to enhance the wellbeing of children, young people and their families. NMSW provides a supportive HDR program including an active student community of practice. The PhD scholar will also be supported within the broader project team, which include our five Partner Organisations who are industry leaders in out-of-home care policy and practice.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history

A working knowledge of the child protection and out-of-home care system and/or youth work would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of social work, human services, child and family welfare, psychology or related fields and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of qualitative research methods is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 1, 2026. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 September, 2025 30 June, 2025.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Dr Jemma Venables (jemma.venables@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now