About this resource

This review summarises research on the costs of children published between 2005 and 2024.

It compares different approaches used to estimate costs and outlines how methods, data and assumptions vary across studies.

Key insights

  • A range of established methods are used to estimate the costs of children.
  • No single approach is widely used across all studies.
  • Different methods produce varying results and each has its own strengths and limitations.

More information

Learn more about Reviewing the Child Support Scheme.

Resource details

Date published: 18 June 2026

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DSS5194 | Permalink: www.dss.gov.au/node/5194