Children, youth and families

Title
Children, youth and families
Publication Date
2005
Author(s)
Mason, Chris
Carrington, Kerry
Johnston, Ingrid
Kelly, Susan
Penhaligon, Deidre
Editor
Editor(s): Diane Gibson Ruel Abello
Type of document
Book Chapter
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Place of publication
Canberra, Australia
UNE publication id
une:4807
Abstract
Children and young people in Australia are growing up in an environment of rapid social and economic change. The impact this is having on their development, health and wellbeing has received growing attention over the last 5 years. Further, there is an extensive body of evidence that points to the long-term benefits that can be gained by investing in a child’s early years. Childhood, particularly early childhood, has emerged as a key priority for governments and non-government organisations. This chapter provides a contemporary profile of Australia’s children, youth and families in a context of change. It captures the dynamic and diverse nature of childhood, adolescence and family life. Section 3.2 begins with a socio-demographic overview of children and youth from the 1980s, and presents population projections to 2026. Section 3.3 describes the characteristics of Australian families over the last decade. Section 3.4 presents information on trends in adoptions. Sections 3.5 and 3.6 examine the transitions in a young person's life: from early childhood to child care, preschool, school, higher education and finally to employment. Section 3.7 considers some of the risks associated with growing up and their outcomes—abuse, victimisation and homelessness. As child neglect is regarded as one of the strongest predictors of later youth offending, this section considers juvenile offending in a welfare context. The final section, 3.8, outlines some new national data collections that are being developed to provide a better basis for future policy and planning.
Link
Citation
Australia's Welfare 2005: The seventh biennial welfare report of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, p. 72-145
ISBN
1740245091
Start page
72
End page
145

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