What's new in the field of family relationships
This page aims to keep you up-to-date with "what's new" at the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse and in the field of family relationships.
- Connecting and Collaborating - conference of the Australian College for Child and Family Practitioners, 15-17 October, Canberra
2 September 2010
The theme of the conference is "Moving towards holistic approaches when working with children, families and communities", and aims to stimulate thinking on a shift in focus to a unified, integrated, holistic approach based on strengthening the capacity of families and the communities in which they live to raise happy and healthy children. - Issues in Earlier Intervention: Identifying and supporting children with additional needs
31 August 2010
Earlier intervention is a cornerstone of government policy on supporting children and families with additional needs. This review and scoping study was commissioned to provide a more in-depth understanding of what is meant by 'earlier intervention' (defined as intervening early in the lifecourse of a problem, or with a population at risk of identifying that problem, but not necessarily early in life). It draws on research evidence to highlight the relevance of issues such as the timing, duration and intensity of interventions; identification of the target population; the acceptability and 'reach' of programmes; and concepts such as prevention and risk assessment. The review focuses on additional support for children who are experiencing or likely to experience difficulties, and does not cover universal services available to all children and their families. - Help for new parents just a click away (WA)
31 August 2010
The Department of Health has launched a new website as a one-stop information point for new and expecting parents across the State. The website has been designed specifically for WA parents and contains information about every stage of maternity care. The site contains a comprehensive range of information to help prepare for pregnancy, being pregnant, labour and birth and after their baby is born. Women and their families can also access details about care options, support organisations, Aboriginal resources, information in other languages and links to many other relevant sources and facts. - The importance of early relationships (PDF 609 KB)
30 August 2010
A new paper for The Benevolent Society The importance of early relationships discusses why it is so important for families, community workers and communities to support children's early development through warm, nurturing care. There is increasing evidence that access to good quality early childhood programs from an early age, together with programs that increase parents' capacity to assist their children's learning, can make a significant difference to children's life chances, and these benefits are magnified for disadvantaged children.The paper also discusses why investment in children must focus on the early years (0 to 5), and especially on children in disadvantaged communities. This includes having a universal system of early education and care that is given the same priority as the school education system. - Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse (ADFVC), Newsletter 41 (PDF 1.3 MB)
30 August 2010
The current newsletter from the ADFVC includes a book review on "Domestic Violence – working with men", clearinghouse update and events, domestic violence as a workplace issue, new resources and more. - Victorian men's health and wellbeing strategy
19 August 2010
This report provides the first comprehensive picture of health issues and inequalities facing Victorian men. It proposes a framework and priority areas for the first Victorian Men's health and wellbeing strategy. - Cycles of poverty, unemployment and low pay, by Chris Goulden, Joseph Rowntree Foundation (UK)
19 August 2010
Families can move in and out of poverty, with some of them becoming trapped in a cycle. What causes this and how does it relate to unemployment and low pay? This Round-up summarises four projects focusing on the low-pay/no-pay cycle, examines relevant current UK policy and practice, and suggests ways to create longer-lasting routes out of poverty, particularly in relation to job security and wage levels. - Hearing directly from vulnerable young Australians, Mission Australia
18 August 2010
In 2009, around 48,000 young people across Australia participated in the eighth annual Mission Australia National survey of young Australians. This publication focuses on the responses of three vulnerable groups of young people, those who are homeless, in out-of-home-care or involved in the juvenile justice system. Family relationships rated highly in terms of what young people valued, and family conflict was of concern. - Resource: In my family we are proud to be Nunga
17 August 2010
This children's picture book highlights the pride and strengths that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural identity provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. - Resource: Sorting fact from fiction on self-harm (PDF 1.5 MB)
17 August 2010
This new "mythbuster" from Headspace outlines what is self-harm, how many young people self-harm and why, and addresses some of the myths associated with self-harm. - The state of Victoria's children - 2009 report
16 August 2010
The state of Victoria's children (2009) reports on how Aboriginal children and young people aged 0-18 years are faring against the whole-of-government outcomes framework, focusing on their health, wellbeing, learning, safety and development. It provides a systematic review of the evidence, allowing the Government to shape policy and programs and to identify where additional action may be required to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians. - Resource: Kids Central
16 August 2010
The kit was developed in response to a research project conducted by the Institute of Child Protection Studies on experiences of homelessness for accompanying children. One of the key messages from the research was that services greatly benefited from adopting a child-centred approach, and this kit helps workers with ideas and tools for how to do this in practice. - Think child think family: child and family-sensitive practice in specialist homelessness services (PDF 829KB)
11 August 2010
This report discusses the outcomes of interviews with staff from 107 specialist homelessness services operating across Australia. The needs of homeless children, relationships with "first-to-know" agencies, prevention of family homelessness and professional development are covered in the report. - Real kids, real carers
11 August 2010
Real Kids, Real Carers is a continuing education resource for foster carers. The resource consists of 8 booklets covering topics of importance to foster carers, including independence and connections, children's participation in decision-making and children and young people with disabilities. - Thanks Dad National Photo Competition 2010
10 August 2010
Thanks Dad is hosting the Thanks Dad National Photo Competition 2010 and People's Choice Exhibition. The competition aims tocelebrate the wonderful things men do with their children andencourage more men to spend more positive time with their children. Entries close 25 August 2010. - Overcoming disadvantage: chance and circumstance
10 August 2010
Researchers at the Brotherhood of St Laurence have followed 140 students in Melbourne from birth to age 18, tracking their personal and academic progress in a study called "Life Chances". An audio interview with Janet Taylor on ABC Radio National. - "Putting Children First" coming to Australia
30 July 2010
The "Putting Children First" program helps adults to build cooperative parenting relationships after divorce or separation. Developed by the Centre for Separated Families (UK), it will be run at the Bundaberg Family Relationship Centre. - Child Trends (US) Fact Sheet - What works for home visiting programs? (PDF 600 KB)
30 July 2010
This literature review synthesizes findings from evaluations conducted to examine the impacts of various intervention programs with a home visiting component. The goal of this review is to identify programs that work as well as the intervention strategies that contribute to program success. - Centre for Separated Families (UK) - Family Law Review Seminar Report
30 July 2010
This seminar was held on 15 July to look at the key themes of the Family Law Review and how the justice system and the support services that surround it can help families work together to reach agreements, and how children can maintain relationships with both their parents, and significant others, after divorce and separation. The report from this seminar contains the four presentations made. - Housing and children's development and wellbeing: A scoping study (PDF 635 KB)
29 July 2010
This scoping study reviewed existing literature on the connections between housing and childhood development and wellbeing it investigates the value and feasibility of conducting empirical research in the Australian context. - How long does housing affordability stress last? (PDF 287 KB)
29 July 2010
New AHURI bulletin concludes that families with mortgages are the most susceptible to prolonged housing stress, and those experiencing persistent housing stress are usually on low incomes. - Speaking Tour by Bruce Perry - Transforming Childhood Trauma: Connecting with Empathy and Compassion
29 July 2010
Sessions to be held throughout Australia in September 2010. - Engaging Marginalised and Vulnerable Families (PDF 108 KB)
29 July 2010
This policy brief, from the Centre for Community Child Health, explores the evidence regarding improving access to services for marginalised and vulnerable families with young children, and how families can best be engaged and supported. - BBS report - Mental Health of Young People, 2007 (first issue, July 2010)
23 July 2010
This new report outlines the mental health of young Australians between 16 and 24 years In 2007. Vulnerability to mental illness is heightened at this time of major life change and over three-quarters (76%) of people who experience mental disorder during their lifetime will first develop a disorder before the age of 25 years. Mental disorders in young people can seriously disrupt their growth and development, eroding quality of life by affecting their self-confidence and independence, and social and family relationships, as well as their education and employment. - Training - Working with Relationships
23 July 2010
A 3 day course for practitioners working at a preventative and early intervention level with individuals and families. The course is conducted by UnitingCare Institute of Family Practice. Email: info@ifp.nsw.edu.au. 26-28 Oct or 30 Nov-1/2 Dec, Parramatta, NSW - Training - Child Inclusive Dispute Resolution
22 July 2010
This 3-day clinical training program will be conducted by Dr Jenn McIntosh from Family Transitions. The workshop teaches core skills for working with children and their parents in child informed family law dispute resolution. The program will be run on 6-8 October in Melbourne and on 22-24 November in Sydney. Email: training@familytransitions.com.au - New brochure - Indigenous families and the Family Law Courts
22 July 2010
The Family Law Courts have developed new Indigenous information products for clients and staff to further meet the needs of Indigenous clients involved in family law proceedings. - Shared care parenting arrangements since the 2006 Family Law Reforms report (PDF 3.0 MB)
22 July 2010
The project surveyed a broad sample of parents and children about their experiences with shared care parenting to examine the circumstances under which shared care works, or does not work, in the best interests of the child. - Conceptualisation of social and emotional wellbeing for children and young people (PDF 1.2 MB)
22 July 2010
ARACY commissioned two research papers to address what is meant by social and emotional wellbeing for children (those aged 0–12 years) and young people (those aged 13-25 years) and to identify possible key national measures/indicators based on these constructs. - Family Violence and Family Law in Australia, by Thea Brown and Dale Bagshaw
21 July 2010
This report was commissioned by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department in early 2009 to examine the impact of family violence, which had occurred before, during and or after parental relationship breakdown, on post-separation decision making and arrangements as viewed by children and parents. - What about the children? Parenting post separation and divorce. A research report, by Thea Brown
21 July 2010
This research report investigated the outcomes for families attending the Frankston (VIC) Family Relationship Centre over its first three years, 2006 - 2009. The reserach found that 67% of parents reported they had achieved new ways of viewing the relationships with their partners. - Family violence outreach program funding for Indigenous women and children
15 July 2010
Indigenous women and children in Alice Springs who are experiencing domestic and family violence will receive improved services through additional funding, from the Australian and Northern Territory governments, being provided to the Alice Springs Women's Shelter. The Governments are also establishing a Personal Helpers and Mentors service in Alice Springs to work one-on-one with people with a mental illness to build confidence and increase connections within the community. - A helping hand for young carers
15 July 2010
The Australian Government is investing around $25 million over the next three years to continue supporting young carers across Australia. This funding extension will allow 53 Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres to continue delivering respite, education and support services to young carers. The Young Carers Program provides access to respite services to help young carers at school take time off to study, spend time with friends and enjoy regular activities that other young people take for granted like playing team sport. - Presentations from AIFS Conference - Sustaining Families in Challenging Times
14 July 2010
Presentations by the both keynote speakers and session presenters are now available from the Australian Institute of Family Studies conference held on 5 - 7 July. The conference themes were Economic well-being of families, Families and work, Social inclusion, Violence and neglect, Family transitions and family law, and Children, young people and their families. - New pilot project to improve collaboration in the Family Law system
14 July 2010
The Attorney-General has launched a pilot project in Dandenong, Victoria, aimed at improving collaboration in the Family Law system. The project features a 'triage' process aimed at establishing the issues for separated families coming to the Federal Magistrates Court. The project brings together a range of professionals, both legal and non-legal, to ensure that families receive the advice and support they require. - Information sessions on Family Dispute Resolution - Canberra
14 July 2010
Information sessions are held twice a month for separating parents on family dispute resolution by Family Relationships Australia in Canberra. For further information call 6122 7100. - Supporting children and families in remote Northern Territory communities
13 July 2010
Indigenous families in remote communities across the Northern Territory will benefit from new family support services as part of a $12.5 million partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments. The Australian Government's successful Indigenous Parenting Support Services and Supported Playgroups will be delivered through the Northern Territory Government's Families as First Teachers program. - Follow us on twitter
7 July 2010
The Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse is now on twitter! - Parenting children and teenagers after bushfire program in Barwon South West Region Victoria
7 July 2010
This free program is a practical parenting program to help parents and carers. It will run throughout Term 3. Venue dates and times can be flexible according to individual needs. Information about the program will be sent once a client registers. - Kids Grieve Too (KG2) - Groups for children who have lost someone close to them in the 2009 Victorian bushfires
7 July 2010
The first 'Kids Grieve Too' peer grief support group is running in Kinglake Victoria. There is the likelihood of other groups being developed in Ringwood, Strathewen/St Andrews, Gippsland and North Melbourne. For more information, contact the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement Counselling and Support Service on (03) 9265 2111 or email support@grief.org.au - No way to live: Women's experiences of negotiating the family law system in the context of domestic violence (PDF 646 KB)
6 July 2010
This report by Dr Laing, University of Sydney and The Benevolent Society, looks at how women negotiate the Australian family law system after leaving a violent relationship and how they and their children are impacted by the process. Dr Laing concludes with a discussion of the findings and makes recommendations for change. Download the full report (PDF 646 KB) or research snapshot (PDF 161 KB) - Good practice in social care for refugees and asylum seekers
5 July 2010
A summary of the latest Social Care Institute for Excellence (UK) guide, developed to help you understand as quickly and easily as possible the important messages and practice advice. - Alcohol, other drugs and your teenager - for parents from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
5 July 2010
This fact sheet explains some of the risk and protective factors for alcohol and drug use that young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds may experience. It also outlines how parents can use them to help reduce the risk that their teenager will misuse alcohol and other drugs. - Simplifying processes for separated families
1 July 2010
The Australian Government will simplify the way families deal with the Child Support Agency (CSA) and the Family Assistance Office (FAO). From 1 July 2010, most separated parents who receive child support and family assistance will only need to have their level of care assessed through one agency, either the FAO or CSA. - Carer Supplement and better support for carers
1 July 2010
More than 500,000 carers across Australia will receive a $600 Carer Supplement, as part of the Australian Government's Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform, from 1 July 2010. In addition, the Government is increasing funding by $2 million for emergency respite care under the Respite Support for Carers of Young People with Severe or Profound Disability Program. This will provide emergency places which cater for both the needs of carers and those for whom they provide care. - $1.5 million funding for family support services in East Arnhem
29 June 2010
Families in East Arnhem will have extra support through a range of child-focused services to help them provide a safe, happy and healthy environment for their children and protect them from abuse and neglect. The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced that this additional funding will be provided to Anglicare, NT, to deliver the Communities for Children Plus program in East Arnhem over the next three years. - Keeping the Baby in MInd: Enhancing Reflective Parenting in Early Intervention
29 June 2010
This one-day seminar for practitioners is to be presented by Arietta Slade (USA). The focus will be on how to help parents of young children develop the capacity to reflect on their child's experience, to keep the child's mind in mind. Presentation of a theoretical background will be followed by strategies and techniques for enhancing parental reflective capacities. In Sydney on 13 November. Enquiries to shelley.reid@email.cs.nsw.gov.au - Contemporary approach announced to delivering family support services (WA)
23 June 2010
The WA State Government plans to introduce a common sense service delivery approach to provide better support, referral and targeted information for Western Australian families. Whereto.org.au would provide a tailored and integrated online and telephone service and be developed across metropolitan and regional areas from 2010-2012. The first four family support hubs will be Midland, Armadale, Joondalup and South West. Child Protection Minister Robyn McSweeney said it was hoped the successful use of whereto.org.au would result in families not having to follow a statutory child protection path. - Paid parental leave scheme passed in Senate
23 June 2010
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced the passage of the bill introducing a paid parental leave scheme. This historic legislation gives parents 18 weeks paid leave at minimum wage to spend time with their newborns. The scheme will begin at the start of next year, 2011. - Raising Children - Australian Fathers
23 June 2010
New research shows Australian fathers spend as much time caring for their children as their international counterparts, including France and Denmark, despite working longer hours. The study, Work and Family Time: Australia in Comparative Perspective, compared time demands on families with young children and gender division of work and care in Australia, the US, Italy, France and Denmark. The study also concluded Australian mothers work long hours, often in unpaid caring roles. - Access Grid Seminar - Violence among young people: Social and cultural determinants and effective strategies for primary prevention
17 June 2010
This seminar, the fifth in the ARACY series on adolescent behaviour, will be presented by sociologist Dr Michael Flood. Dr Flood will present a multi-level framework for the primary prevention of violence against young people. To be held in most capital cities on 22 June. - Partners in Respite: Building Capacity in Community Mental Health Family Support and Carer Respite Project Report
17 June 2010
This project, funded by the Australian Government, was designed to provide a structure to bring people and organisations together to develop new and innovative support and services for families and carers of people with mental illness. Project Co-ordinators from peak bodies in each state and territory were involved. The report aims to be a resource providing a snapshot about family support and carer respite. - Supporting local Indigenous people with a mental illness
17 June 2010
Indigenous people living with mental illness, grief, and trauma in the Maddington and Armadale regions of Perth will have greater access to much needed support through the expansion of the Australian Government's Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program. The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, has announced additional funding to expand the personal helpers and mentors service in this area. This services provides support to both Indigenous people with mental illness and to their families and carers. - Australian Institute of Grief and Bereavement International Educator Tour
16 June 2010
Dr Stephen Fleming and Dr Leslie Balmer from Canada will present two one-day programs in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney from 26 July to 17 August. The first program is titled The Private World of Bereaved Children and Adolescents and the second program Individual and Family Responses to Loss: Clinical Approaches to Traumatic Grief. - Workshop - Towards a Better Life: An exploration of the Social Role Valorisation Framework, with regard to people who are marginalised
16 June 2010
This two-day workshop is designed to assist participants to attain a greater understanding of how to improve the lives of marginalised and disadvantaged people such as people with mental illness, disabilities or who are experiencing poverty or homelessness and frail aged people. In Darwin on 5 and 6 July. Email Somerville Community Services debbieb@somerville.org.au - Resource: Strong Bonds
16 June 2010
The Strong Bonds website offers useful information to help parents and workers support young people through hard times, and make a difference to their health and well-being. It also offers information for parents to help them feel better and cope with the situation. New information sheets have been added to the website for young people from other cultures, which are available for download in English, Vietnamese and Arabic. - Resource: Multicultural Mental Health Australia
16 June 2010
Multicultural Mental Health Australia (MMHA) has launched its new, more user-friendly website to help reduce stigma around mental illness in Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The new website will make it easier for people living with a mental illness and their carers to access fact sheets about suicide prevention and mental health in 21 languages. - National Indigenous Reform Agreement: Baseline performance report for 2008-2009
9 June 2010
This report, just released from the COAG National Reform Council, brings together much of the existing data relating to the economic and social disadvantage of Indigenous Australians and outlines the commitments and targets COAG (the Coalition of Australian Governments) have made to effect real change in the lives of Indigenous Australians. The report assesses the performance of governments against commitments to the six key areas of the National Indigenous reform Agreement. - Training - Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners
9 June 2010
An interprofessional training day is to be held by Womens Legal Service Tasmania for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners participating in the Building Better Partnerships between Family Relationship Centres and Legal Assistance Services. The training will focus on professional perspectives, practices and responsibilities. In Hobart on 15 June 2010. Phone Hobart Family Relationship Centre on 03 6211 2100. - Access Grid Seminar - Rethinking the impact of social disadvantage on youth violence
2 June 2010
This seminar, the fourth in this ARACY series, will be presented by Professor of Social Policy at RMIT University, Rob Watts. The seminar poses a challenge to how concerns about youth violence in Australian society are currently being thought about or addressed by scientists and policy makers. Background article available. To be held in most capital cities on 8 June. - Stolen Generations Working Partnership
2 June 2010
Through this document the Australian Government invites a partnership with Stolen Generations and their supporters to address the immediate and practical needs of the Stolen Generations. In this article are outlined the reforms and investments already commenced and the priority areas which have been identified. These areas include health; social welfare; community cohesion, and history records. - Parent Line (NSW) new website
1 June 2010
Parent Line, the helpline in NSW operated by CatholicCare, has now launched a website providing information, tip sheets and links to assist parents with specific issues which arise during a child's development from 0 to 18 years. - Family Partnership Model: Developments and Innovations Workshop
1 June 2010
This one-day workshop is to be presented by Professor Crispin Day (UK), Director of the Centre for Parent and Child Support, South London, on the Family Partnership Model and key developments from the UK. The workshop will be of interest to practitioners trained and experienced in FPM. In Sydney NSW 30 July. - ABS release: The health and welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, 2010
1 June 2010
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released this report and series of articles based largely on data gathered in 2008. The article titled 'Demographic, Social and Economic Characteristics Overview: Family and Community' reports that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households tended to be different from non-Indigenous households in that they tend to be larger, more complex, non-nuclear and more fluid in composition. Whilst most Indigenous and non-Indigenous households were single family households, a larger proportion of Indigenous households were multiple-family households (7% compared to 1%). Half of all Indigenous households were comprised of single families with children.