CAFS- Families & Communities Revision (Revision Sheet)

1. A) What is the Australian Census definition of a family? B) Give reasons why there are
variations in the definition of family

A family is defined by the ABS as two or more persons, one of whom is at least 15 years
of age, who are related by blood, marriage (registered or de facto), adoption, step or
fostering, and who are usually resident in the same household.

Each separately identified couple relationship, lone parent-child relationship or other

blood relationship forms the basis of a family. Some households contain more than one
family. Non-related persons living in the same household are not counted as family
members (unless under 15 years of age). Other related individuals (brothers, sisters,
aunts, uncles) may be present in the household. If more than one family is present these
people can only be associated with the primary family. Visiting families are not included
as part of the household,
2. List and describe each of the 11 family structures
Adoptive Families- is where payment care is provided for children who are unable to live
with their birth families. It is a legal process where all legal rights and responsibilities are
transferred from birth parents to adoptive parents
Blended families- is a couple family that contains both a natural parent and a stepparent. A blended family has at least one child who is the biological child of both parents
at least one child who is the stepchild of either parent
Childless Families- A couple with no children and can be childless for many reasons
Communal Families- A group of families or individuals either related or unrelated, living
an sharing resources together
De Facto Families- Is where a couple of the opposite or same sex live together in the
same household but are not married to each other
Extended Families- Is at least one core family, plus one or more relative living in the
same house.
Foster Families- is where children and young people cannot live with their own parents
which isnt their faults. They provide a family like situation and can stay long or short
term
Nuclear Families- Is viewed as a heterosexual couple and their offspring
Same-Sex Couple Families- is two people of the same-sex in a sexual relationship, living
either with or without children
Sole Parent Families- Is one lone parent with at least one dependent or non-dependent
child living in the household
Kinship Families- Australian Aboriginal kinship care is provided by a person who is a
relative considered to be family or a close friend or is a member of the child or young
persons community
3. Compare and contrast two different family structures
Nuclear Families
Has 2 parents
Usually 2-4 children
Most common family structure

Sole-Parent Families
Has 1 parent
Usually just 1 dependent or non-dependent child
Becoming more accepted in society

4. A) What type of data is commonly collected from surveys, questionnaires, interviews and
observations? B) How is this data typically represented
Quantitative data is commonly collected
It is typically represented in numerical form and presented using bar, line or pie graphs,
or tables with statistics and percentages
5. Outline the three roles individuals adopt within families
Satisfying specific needs
Building relationships
Promoting positive wellbeing
6. Using an example, explain how different family structures can influence the roles
individuals adopt
Health- Any family member 16 years and older are able to have Medicare and provide
health support for younger members within the family
7. Using an example for each, give reasons why communities form
Interest-based groups- These groups develop due to a shared interest and needs of an
individual.
Geographic groups- develop as a result of where they are situated. They become
urbanised
Cultural groups- they are influenced by the shared beliefs and values of individuals. The
community promotes and builds upon the shared cultural/ethic identity. The promote
traditions and customs of that culture
8. List types of groups that makes up your community
PCYC- interest group that supports the kids in the communities with sport and
programmes run by youth workers and police officers
Church Groups- Common belief group that share the same customs and values
Chinese Ethnicity having a large population of Chinese ethnicity in my area, they share
there culture with the wider community and promote their customs values and their
cultural identity
9. What is a questionnaire and how does it differ from a survey
A questionnaire is a set of formally prepared questions that seek information on a
persons knowledge, beliefs, feelings, opinions, likes or dislikes
It differs from a survey because it is completed by the respondent
10. List the steps you would follow to construct and conduct a questionnaire
To construct a questionnaire
11. What is tallying
Calculating the total number
12. Identify three advantages and three disadvantages of questionnaire as a primary research
method
Advantage
Questions can be designed to collect both
quantitative and qualitative data
It is quick to finish
A written record is easy to access

Disadvantage
Questions may be misinterpreted
Questions cannot be explained to the
respondent
Amount of information collected mat be limited

13. A) Identify the 4 levels of community organisation. B) For each level give an example of
how groups within the community can meet the specific needs of people
Local-Early childhood centres for local families who have working parents that dont
have any family or friends to look after their child
State-Public hospitals for people who I need of medical assistance in an emergency
situations
National- Drug education programs to support those in rehab and to educate other
people why not use drugs
Global- HIV/AIDS prevention programmes to provide education and assistant to those
who likely affective
14. Describe 3 roles groups adopt within communities
Satisfying specific needs- need for community public transport
Building Relationships- having relationships within the community with locals at the
shops etc.
Promoting wellbeing- Using local knowledge, expertise and relationships with members
of the public to identify local needs or gaps within the community
15. Give examples of how community groups as charity groups, religious groups, health
services groups and emergency services groups have assisted individuals to overcome
diversity through the roles they have adopted within the community.
Community groups such as charity groups, religious groups, and health and emergency
services have assisted individuals to overcome diversity through roles they have adopted
within the community such as offering individuals with a form of formal support
satisfying specific needs allowing individuals with an adequate standard of living.
16. Using an example for each, describe the factors (4) that influence decision making within
the community.
Legislation - Governments are responsible for the development and implementation of
laws. E.g. Land use zones, protection of natural environment, noise pollution, child
protection and industrial relations.
Environmental factors- Community have resources available to help carry out goals.
Decisions about these resources need to be made after considering the impact upon the
environment. E.g. minimizing pollution, managing vegetation and protecting aboriginal
cultural heritage.
17. Identify the processes that are used to make decisions in the community.
Arbitration - process that seeks to resolve a dispute.
Consensus - aims to include everyone in the decision making process.
Election - gives individuals an opportunity to express their views and be involved with
the decision making process.
Voting - a formal expression of an individuals choice.
Referendum - aims to include all adults in an electorate in the decision making for an
important policy, proposal or change in constitution.

18. Describe the nature of change (6) and give examples.

The nature of change is the primary social unit in society, families experience change as
a natural aspect of their growth and maturity; however, the nature of change will
influence the type of intensity of modification required for the continued functioning of
the family.
19. Explain how change impacts on families and communities (5).
Changes in the population as a result of of birth, marriage and death.
Numbers in the population according to age, gender, marital status, family structure,
ethnicity or home location.
Levels of education.
Patterns of work, types of occupation and levels of income.
Statistic on immigration and its effect on economic conditions.
20. Differentiate between formal and informal support, use examples.
Informal support can come from people such as relatives, friends and neighbours.
Relatives provide and receive support and assistance from family members who reside
either within the same household or in another household. Friends and neighbours may
also provide support and assistance; for example, they may share childbearing duties or
be available for a social chat.
Formal support comes mostly from government agencies or community organisations;
for example, childcare facilities, recreational and sporting facilities, employment
agencies community centres, social security allowances and disability services. The need
for these formal supports may vary throughout individuals life span and a familys life
cycle.
21. Describe each stage of the life span.
Infancy - begins from the day of birth and lasts until age four. Its a time characterised by
the infants intense growth, and dependency on family to fulfil their needs.
Childhood - lasts from ages five to twelve. This stage is characterised by beginning
school, learning and trying different activities and establishing friendship groups.
Adolescence - begins at the onset of puberty, generally around the age of 12 or 13, and
ends at 18 years. It is transitional period between childhood and adulthood.
Adolescence is characterised by physical changes as a result of hormones being released
by pituitary gland.
Adulthood - begins at 18 years, according to the law, and lasts until the age of 65. It is a
time of complex decision making; individuals must make such decisions as whether to
study further, get a job or travel.
The aged - begins at the age of 65 years and continues until death. It is characterised by
a reduction of physical ability, deteriorating health, and the loss of spouse and friends. It
is also a time of little responsibility; therefore, if health is good individuals can look
forward to travel, stress free retirement and perhaps spending their children's
inheritance.