Jacynta Krakouer

Research Interests

Child protection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing Health equity

Dr Jacynta Krakouer

Enterprise Fellow

Office of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences

College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Available For Media Comment.

Dr Jacynta Krakouer (BSc, MSW, MSP, PhD) is a Minang Noongar woman from southern Western Australia who lives and works on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm and maintains strong connections to Noongar Country. She is an Aboriginal Enterprise Fellow and Aboriginal Strategy and Engagement Lead with the Australian Centre for Child Protection, Adelaide University. She also holds an appointment as Honorary Senior Fellow in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne.
 
Jacynta is a nationally recognised Aboriginal researcher whose work focuses on improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. She leads an Aboriginal-led program of research examining how health, social care, legal and child protection systems shape Aboriginal family wellbeing, with a particular focus on pregnancy, early childhood, family decision-making, family safety and domestic violence, child protection, and Aboriginal self-determination in policy and practice.
 
Working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), communities, lived experience advisors and governments, her research seeks to strengthen culturally safe, family-centred and Aboriginal-led approaches to prevention, early help and family support. Her work has informed major policy and systems reform initiatives, including contributions to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, coronial inquiries, legislative reform processes and Aboriginal-led advocacy initiatives across Australia.
 
A social worker by background, Jacynta is committed to Indigenous research leadership, community partnership and the translation of research into meaningful policy and practice change. Her research is grounded in Aboriginal worldviews and social and emotional wellbeing frameworks and aims to support stronger, healthier and more self-determined futures for Aboriginal children, families and communities.

My research focuses on improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities who intersect with child protection and out-of-home care systems. I examine how health, social care, legal and child protection systems influence family wellbeing, with a particular focus on pregnancy, early childhood and critical decision-making points that shape family trajectories.

I lead an Aboriginal-led program of research focused on strengthening Aboriginal self-determination, prevention and family support across health, social care and child protection systems. My work spans perinatal child protection, family safety and domestic violence, Aboriginal family decision-making, institutional risks and responses, and Aboriginal self-determination in child protection contexts.

Working in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), communities, lived experience advisors and governments, I generate evidence to strengthen culturally safe, family-centred and Aboriginal-led approaches to prevention, early help and systems reform. Drawing on Aboriginal worldviews, social and emotional wellbeing frameworks and public health approaches, I am particularly interested in how systems can better support families before crises occur and how Aboriginal-led solutions can improve health equity.

My research aims to inform policy, practice and systems reform while supporting stronger, healthier and more self-determined futures for Aboriginal children and families.

Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
2024 Research Award UniSA 2024 Unstoppable Research & Enterprise Awards: Winner – Early-Career Researcher University of South Australia Australia -
2023 Research Award UniSA 2023 Justice & Society Staff Champion Awards: Winner – JUS Early Career Academic, Impact University of South Australia Australia -

Year Citation
2026 Mucabel-Bue, N., Onwuka, S., Gray, P., O'Donnell, M., Herrman, H., Gayde, R., . . . Krakouer, J. (2026). ‘Keeping Ourselves Safe From the System’: Perinatal Care Model Considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families Intersecting With Child Protection. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 61(1), 86-99.
DOI
2026 Chamberlain, C., Sundbery, J., Segal, L., Krakouer, J., Langton, M., Donnelly, J., . . . Marriott, R. (2026). Replanting the Birthing Trees to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and babies: protocol for developmental evaluation of a comprehensive culturally responsive, trauma-aware, healing-informed, continuity of care(r) model. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1721107-1-1721107-12.
DOI
2025 Beaufils, J. C., Krakouer, J., Kelly, A. L., Kelly, A. M., & Hogg, D. (2025). 'We all grow up with our mob because it takes all of us': First Nations collective kinship in Australia. Children and Youth Services Review, 169, 1-10.
DOI Scopus7
2025 Tucker, E., O'Donnell, M., Krakouer, J., & Octoman, O. (2025). Reinvolvement after returning home: a systematic review of the factors associated with post-reunification child protection involvement. Child Abuse & Neglect, 167(107515), 1-15.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2025 Maclean, M. J., Lima, F., Taplin, S., Marriott, R., Krakouer, J., & O'Donnell, M. (2025). Prenatal and infant reports and child protection involvement: a longitudinal cohort study. Child Maltreatment, online, 1-11.
DOI
2025 Burrow, S., ODonnell, M., Wood, L., Fisher, C., Usher, R., Gayde, R., & Krakouer, J. (2025). Homelessness, family violence and infant removals. Parity, 38(3), 20-22.
2025 Chamberlain, C., Krakouer, J., Gray, P., Lyon, M., Gayde, R., & Langton, M. (2025). Replanting the Birthing Trees: A Call to Transform Intergenerational Trauma into Cycles of Healing and Nurturing. Genealogy, 9(2, article no. 52), 1-16.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3
2025 Avery, J. C., Deppeler, J., Krakouer, J., Skouteris, H., & Morris, H. (2025). Calling for (r)Evolution: the rise of the educational phoenix of audacious hope. Pedagogy, Culture and Society, 33(4), 1179-1200.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2
2023 Krakouer, J. (2023). Journeys of culturally connecting: Aboriginal young people's experiences of cultural connection in and beyond out-of-home care. Child & Family Social Work, 28(3), 822-832.
DOI Scopus25
2023 Chamberlain, C., Gray, P., Herrman, H., Mensah, F., Andrews, S., Krakouer, J., . . . Gee, G. (2023). Community views on 'Can perinatal services safely identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents experiencing complex trauma?'. Child Abuse Review, 32(e2760), 1-14.
DOI Scopus8
2023 Krakouer, J. (2023). Overrepresentation is not accidental: systemic racism in Australian child protection and out-of-home care systems. Advances in Social Work and Welfare Education, 24(2), 107-112.
2023 Hine, R., Krakouer, J., Elston, J., Fredericks, B., Hunter, S. A., Taylor, K., . . . Skouteris, H. (2023). Identifying and dismantling racism in Australian perinatal settings: reframing the narrative from a risk lens to intentionally prioritise connectedness and strengths in providing care to First Nations families. Women and Birth, 36(1), 136-140.
DOI Scopus23 Europe PMC11
2022 Krakouer, J., Nakata, S., Beaufils, J., Hunter, S. A., Corrales, T., Morris, H., & Skouteris, H. (2022). Resistance to assimilation: expanding understandings of First Nations cultural connection in child protection and out-of-home care. Australian Social Work, 76(3), 343-357.
DOI Scopus42
2022 Heath, A., Martin, M. K., & Krakouer, J. (2022). Exploring the lived experiences of Indigenous Australians within the context of alcohol and other drugs treatment services: a scoping review. Drug and Alcohol Review, 41(7), 1664-1681.
DOI Scopus6 Europe PMC3
2022 Chamberlain, C., Gray, P., Bennet, D., Elliott, A., O'Donnell, M., & Langton, M. (2022). Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families to Stay Together from the Start (SAFeST Start): urgent call to action to address crisis in infant removals. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 57(2), 252-273.
DOI Scopus48 WoS42 Europe PMC18
2022 Krakouer, J., Savaglio, M., Taylor, K., & Skouteris, H. (2022). Community-based models of alcohol and other drug support for First Nations peoples in Australia: a systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Review, 41(6), 1418-1427.
DOI Scopus12 Europe PMC7
2022 Skouteris, H., Green, R., Chung, A., Bergmeier, H., Krakouer, J., & Black, M. M. (2022). Nurturing children's development through healthy eating and active living: time for policies to support effective interventions in the context of responsive emotional support and early learning. Health and Social Care in the Community, 30(6), 6719-6729.
DOI Scopus12 Europe PMC7
2021 Krakouer, J., Tan, W. W., & Parolini, A. (2021). Who is analysing what? The opportunities, risks and implications of using predictive risk modelling with Indigenous Australians in child protection: a scoping review. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 56(2), 173-197.
DOI Scopus23
2018 Krakouer, J., Wise, S., & Connolly, M. (2018). 'We live and breathe through culture': conceptualising cultural connection for indigenous Australian children in out-of-home care. Australian Social Work, 71(3), 265-276.
DOI Scopus84
2015 Krakouer, J., & Meston, T. (2015). Thelma Perso and Colleen Hayward,
<i>Teaching Indigenous Students: Cultural awareness and classroom strategies for improving learning outcomes</i>. Australian Journal of Education, 59(3), 329-331.
DOI

Year Citation
2026 Krakouer, J., & O'Donnell, M. (2026). Inequality in perinatal child protection involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Australia: challenges and opportunities. In K. Broadhurst, E. Keddell, L. Cusworth, L. Griffiths, & C. Mason (Eds.), Born into Care: International Perspectives on the Removal of Babies at Birth (pp. 199-221).
2023 Hunter, S. A., Krakouer, J., & Walter, M. (2023). The maintenance of the dominance of whiteness in Australian social work. In J. Ravulo (Ed.), Source details - Title: Handbook of Critical Whiteness (pp. 1-17). Singapore: Springer.
DOI
2021 Prehn, J., Krakouer, J., & Fernando, T. J. (2021). The intersectionality of Indigeneity and gender in Australian social work. In B. Bennett (Ed.), Source details - Title: Aboriginal Fields of Practice (pp. 3-25). UK: Red Glo ePress.

Year Citation
2026 Wanganeen, J., Krakouer, J., & Bromfield, L. (2026). Child Protection Risk Assessment and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Families. Adelaide University: Australian Centre for Child Protection.
2026 Krakouer, J., Bromfield, L., & Tucker, E. (2026). Australian Centre for Child Protection Submission to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee Inquiry into the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026.
2025 Bromfield Smith, L., Perfect, D., Krakouer, J., & ODonnell, M. (2025). Children and young people (safety and support) Bill 2024: Australian Centre for Child Protection Submission. Australia: University of South Australia.
DOI
2024 Krakouer, J., Thain, E., Maclean, M., Octoman, O., & Kaltner, M. (2024). Evaluation of SA family group conferencing: final report. Australia: Department for Child Protection, Government of South Australia.

Chief Investigator A

  • Chief Investigator A. Aboriginal unborn reporting and infant removals by child protection, ARC Discovery Indigenous, 01/07/2025 - 31/12/2029
  • Chief Investigator A. Wrapped in Our Ways During Pregnancy, Paul Ramsay Foundation, 11/11/2025 - 31/01/2029
  • Chief Investigator A. SNAICC research - Pre-birth notifications and infant removals, SNAICC National Voice for our Children, 27/06/2025 - 31/07/2026
  • Chief Investigator A. WHRTN – 2023 Indigenous Early and Mid-Career Research Fund, Australian Health Research Alliance, 09/10/2023 - 31/12/2025
  • Chief Investigator A. Literature Review for Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women's Council on Improving Multidisciplinary Responses Project, NPY (Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantatjara Yankuntjatara) Women's Council Aboriginal Corporation, 13/12/2024 - 30/06/2025
  • Chief Investigator A. Family Group Conferencing Evaluation, SA Dept for Child Protection, 03/07/2023 - 31/07/2024

Chief Investigator

  • Chief Investigator (CIA Prof Marcia Langton AO). Harm to Healing: Strength-Based Approaches to Family Violence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, NHMRC Targeted Call for Research: Addressing Violence for Safer Families and Communities, 2026 - 2031
  • Chief Investigator (CIA Prof Rhonda Marriott). Improving practice and care co-ordination for women/ families facing adversity during the perinatal period, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, 16/06/2025 - 17/06/2030
  • Chief Investigator (CIA A/Prof Yvonne Clark). Reconnecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, families and communities to their cultural, social and emotional wellbeing through Care and Connect Pathways to address intergenerational trauma, MRFF Indigenous Health Research Scheme, 09/12/2024 - 31/12/2029
  • Chief Investigator (CIA Prof Cath Chamberlain). Relighting the firesticks: Accelerating diffusion and progressing to sustainability of innovative care to foster a healthy start to life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, MRFF Early to Mid-Career Researchers Grant, 01/03/2024 - 31/10/2029
  • Chief Investigator (CIA Prof Cath Chamberlain). Replanting the Birthing Trees to Support First Nations Parents and Babies, MRFF Improving the Health and Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mothers and Babies, 08/04/2022 - 31/12/2027
  • Chief Investigator (CIA A/Prof Yvonne Clark). Understanding the social and emotional well-being needs of mothers of Aboriginal babies and their support people - PhD Naomi Thornwaite, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, 19/09/2024 - 31/12/2026
  • Chief Investigator (CIA Prof Leah Bromfield). Development of a Child Safety Training Package, QLD Dept of Education, 27/10/2025 - 26/10/2026
  • Chief Investigator (CIA Dr Sarah Cox). Bringing Baby Home (BBH) Program, Department for Education, Children and Young People, 10/02/2025 - 30/06/2025

Courses I teach

  • WELF 2015 Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services (2025)
  • WELF 2015 Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services (2024)

Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
2026 Co-Supervisor Perinatal child protection responses in the context of domestic and family violence: A critical exploration of policy, practice and lived experience - Doctorate Part Time Ms Renee Usher
2026 Co-Supervisor Perinatal child protection responses in the context of domestic and family violence: A critical exploration of policy, practice and lived experience Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Renee Usher
2025 Co-Supervisor First Contact: How child protection systems contribute to ongoing First Nations overrepresentation in Australia - Doctorate Full Time Janneen Ada Wanganeen
2025 Co-Supervisor First Contact: How child protection systems contribute to ongoing First Nations overrepresentation in Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Janneen Ada Wanganeen
2024 Co-Supervisor Aboriginal Parenting: Challenging misconceptions and strengthening practice - Doctorate Part Time Mrs Helen Allport
2024 Co-Supervisor Aboriginal Parenting: Challenging misconceptions and strengthening practice Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mrs Helen Allport
2023 Co-Supervisor Improving the Process and Long-Term Outcomes of Reunification for Families. Exploring the Barriers and Facilitators for Successful and Safe Reunification. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Ebony Rose Tucker
2023 Co-Supervisor Understanding the social and emotional wellbeing needs of mothers of Aboriginal babies and their support people Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Naomi Thornthwaite
2023 Co-Supervisor Understanding the social and emotional wellbeing needs of mothers of Aboriginal babies and their support people Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Naomi Thornthwaite

Date Role Membership Country
2021 - ongoing Member Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group for the Supporting Aboriginal Families to Stay Together from the Start (SAFeST Start) Coalition Australia
2020 - ongoing Member Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Group for the SNAICC Family Matters campaign Australia

Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
2022 - ongoing Editor-In-chief Australian Journal of Social Issues ANU Australia

Date Case Institution Country
2023 - 2023 Inquest into the Passing of XY Coroners Court of Victoria Australia
2023 - 2023 Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People - Hearing for the Inquiry into the application of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle in the removal and placement of Aboriginal children in South Australia Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Australia
2022 - ongoing Yoorrook Justice Commission - Child Protection System Inquiry Yoorrook Justice Commission Australia

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