Dr. Sharon Bessell

Biography

Sharon Bessell is a Professor in the Public Policy and Governance Program at the Australian National University. Her academic interests focus on the rights of children, childhood poverty, and children's participation in decision-making. She has a strong commitment to understanding and advocating for children’s rights in social policy, specifically regarding out-of-home care systems like foster care. Bessell conducts research that addresses issues of childhood poverty and community development in various contexts, including Australia and Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Fiji. She emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in research involving children and utilizes a variety of methodologies in her studies. Bessell has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge in the fields of child welfare and social policy, as reflected in her numerous publications and research outputs.

Research Interests

Experience