Higher Degree Research students

Dr Marcia Pinskier

Thesis title:An Exploration of Australian Jewish peak body leadership responses to Institutional Child Sexual Abuse  
Completed: 2026
Supervisors: Professor Philip Mendes, Associate Professor Susan Baidawi, Dr Samone McCurdy

Thesis summary

This doctoral study investigates Australian Jewish peak body leadership and governance responses to Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, a growing phenomenon within Jewish communities globally. Using a multi-method qualitative design, it draws on interviews with Jewish community leaders, alongside secondary data from survivors and secondary victims. Findings reveal substantial disparities between leadership and survivor perspectives, with evidence of governance deficits, inadequate prioritisation of child safety, and reputational concerns overriding survivor care. The study concludes that leadership education, governance reform, and stronger engagement with survivors are essential to improving prevention, accountability, and support, with implications for Jewish and culturally similar communities internationally.

Citations of publications emerging from thesis / Associated publications

  • Pinskier, M., Mendes, P., & McCurdy, S. (2021). How do Ultra-orthodox Jewish leadership bodies respond to manifestations of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA)? A critical reflection on the findings of two public inquiries in Australia and England. Australian Journal of Jewish Studies, XXXIV, 122–156. https://doi.org/10.26180/30370042
  • Pinskier, M., Mendes, P., & Baidawi, S. (2025). Responses of Jewish leadership to manifestations of institutional child sexual abuse: An analysis of two Australian public inquiries. Children Australia, 47(2), 17. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.61605/cha_3058
  • Pinskier, M., Mendes, P., & Baidawi, S. (2025). An examination of the leadership and governance responses of Australian Jewish community peak body leaders to Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA). Social Work & Policy Studies: Social Justice, Practice and Theory, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.26180/30229279.v1

Dr David Taylor

Thesis title: Potential Outcomes for Care Leavers: Applying a causal lens to assess what works to improve their human capital

Thesis summary

Young people leaving out‑of‑home care face significantly higher risks of adverse outcomes than their peers. This thesis undertook three studies to examine whether policies and interventions for care leavers in high‑income countries improve their human capital. A systematic review and meta‑analysis of interventions found scant causal evidence supporting current approaches. A quasi‑experimental evaluation of a novel Australian intervention for care leavers found no meaningful effect on homelessness. A component network meta‑analysis of employment and skills programs revealed that two commonly provided components improved employment outcomes for highly vulnerable youth. Results suggest focusing on refining extended‑care policies and improving usual services.

Papers

  • Taylor, D., Roberts, J., Rose, V., Gyani, A., & Shlonsky, A. (2025). Examining the impact of an accommodation and support intervention in reducing homelessness amongst care leavers in Australia: A hybrid type-1 implementation-effectiveness study using propensity score methods. Children and Youth Services Review, 179, 108597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108597
  • Taylor, D., Albers, B., Mann, G., Lewis, J., Taylor, R., Mendes, P., Macdonald, G., & Shlonsky, A. (2024). Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Policies and Interventions that Improve Health, Psychosocial, and Economic Outcomes for Young People Leaving the Out-of-Home Care System. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(5), 3534–3554. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380241253041
  • Taylor, D., Shlonsky, A., Albers, B., Chakraborty, S., Lewis, J., Mendes, P., Macdonald, G., & Williams, K. (2021). Protocol for a systematic review of policies, programs or interventions designed to improve health and wellbeing of young people leaving the out-of-home care system. Systematic Reviews, 10(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01792-5