Stacy Blythe

Stacy Blythe is a Professor and Head of Discipline in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Her work focuses on improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children in out-of-home care, foster families, and kinship carers. She advocates for systemic reforms to bridge gaps in health and social service provision while emphasizing culturally responsive care.

Her research explores cultural identity preservation for diverse children in care, foster carer training needs, and maternal-infant bonding in adverse conditions. Notably, she co-designed training programs for foster carers, leading to national recognition via a 2017 Australian of the Year nomination. She previously held roles at Western Sydney University, including Associate Professor, Deputy Director Clinical, and Director of Research.

Key contributions include advancing integrated birth certificates for adopted children, advocating for breastfeeding support in care settings, and addressing prenatal substance exposure impacts. Her grant-funded work (e.g., 2020–2025 Australian Research Council grant) focuses on cultural connection rights for children in care.

• Research Interests: Out-of-home care systems, cultural competency, foster carer support, neonatal substance exposure, maternal-child health
• Grants: $[amount] for 'Upholding the right to cultural connection for children in care' (2020–2025)
• Advocacy: Policy changes for adoptive birth certificates and infant care protocols

Her academic philosophy centers on lifelong learning and innovative teaching methods, fostering staff and student growth within nursing education. She has held governance roles including Director of Engagement and Coordinator for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support.