The Centre for Adolescent Health aims to improve young people’s life chances because adolescence is as much about new opportunities as new risks.

As an Australian centre of excellence we are unique in focusing on adolescence as a critical life stage. This includes the transition from childhood into adolescence, and the transition beyond adolescence into adult life.

The Centre for Adolescent Health is recognised nationally and internationally for:

• The quality and impact of our research
• Our capacity building programs for students and professionals who work with young people
• Our clinical programs in adolescent medicine
• Our clinical programs for highly vulnerable young people

Our work is important because:

"As children mature through adolescence they are exposed to new health risks. Young children can't change the social circumstances and risk profiles of their parents, schools and communities.  In contrast, the developmental period of adolescence provides different ways for young people to engage with their families and the wider world. The second decade of life can thus be seen to provide a second chance to children. This is relevant for all young people, especially those who enter adolescence with social, emotional, or physical disadvantages."

Professor Susan Sawyer
Director

The Centre for Adolescent Health is part of the Royal Children's Hospital and has close affiliations with:

• The University of Melbourne through our Practice & Learning programs
• Murdoch Childrens Research Institute via our Research studies

The Centre for Adolescent Health's vision is generously supported by the work of the CAH Development Board