Family
Relationships
Quarterly
The Newsletter of the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse
ISSUE 2 2006
Welcome
W
Welcome
elcome to the second edition of Family Relationships Quarterly, bringing you the latest
news on research and events aimed at enhancing family relationships.
The Internet has brought about massive changes to the ways that family members
communicate, between themselves and others. While the changes have often been positive, for
example, the sharing of information and photos with family members, the Internet has also negatively
affected intimate relationships due to the simplification of access to materials, information and other
people. Our feature article looks at the increasing prevalence of Internet affairs, and offers guidelines
for practitioners in providing services to clients facing these issues.
Our second article examines the issue of family involvement in therapeutic treatment for young men
with sexually abusive behaviours. Cameron Boyd, Research Officer with the Institute’s Australian
Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault, discusses the delicate balance between the need for parents
to continue in a parenting role for the young person, whilst ensuring the safety of other children in
the home. These factors are a cornerstone to effective treatment.
Ruth Weston and Lixia Qu follow up their summary of trends in couple formation from the first issue
of the Family Relationships Quarterly by examining patterns of couple dissolution.
There are also our regular newsletter sections on conferences and literature highlights from recent
additions to the Institute’s library catalogue.
As always, the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse (AFRC) is keen to receive feedback on
how we can better meet the needs of those committed to working to improve family relationships,
so please provide us with your comments on current or future publications. If you would like to
contribute an article or review to Family Relationships Quarterly, details of how to do so are provided
on page 17 of the newsletter. All current and past AFRC publications are available on our website, as
well as bibliographies on a range of family-related topics, links to relevant websites and information
on useful resources.
Elly Robinson
Manager
Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse
The Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse (AFRC)
is an information and advisory unit funded by the Australian
Government Department of Families, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs. The Clearinghouse aims to enhance family
relationships across the lifespan by offering a resource and a
point of contact for providers of family relationship and support
services, policymakers and members of the research and
broader communities. The Clearinghouse collects, synthesises
and disseminates information on family relationships and
facilitates networking and information exchange.
In this issue
Welcome
1
e-relating – the e-discussion list of the AFRC
2
Internet affairs: Guidelines for practitioners
3
AFRC publications
5
Treatment of young men who sexually abuse:
The involvement of family
6
Family statistics and trends
9
Website review – Raising Children website
13
Join AFRC-alert
13
Website review – Parenting Research Centre
14
The Family Relationship Services Program
14
Literature highlights
15
Contributing to the Family Relationships Quarterly
17
Conferences and events
18
Editor: Elly Robinson, Manager, Australian Family Relationships
Clearinghouse
Compiled by: Robyn Parker (Senior Research Officer) and
Ren Adams (Project Officer)
Edited by: Ellen Fish, Editor, Australian Institute of Family Studies
© Commonwealth of Australia 2006.
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the
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Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should
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The Australian Institute of Family Studies is committed to the
creation and dissemination of research-based information
on family functioning and wellbeing. Views expressed in its
publications are those of individual authors and may not reflect
Australian Government or Institute policy, or the opinions of the
Editors or of the Director.
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AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
e-relating
the e-discussion
list of the AFRC
The goal of e-relating is to provide a venue for discussion
of research, policy and practice that contributes to the
enhancement of family relationships in Australia.
e-relating is designed to promote the exchange of
information and ideas and encourage debate between
professionals who provide services, develop policy
and conduct research on family relationships through
life. It is not a forum for the discussion of clients.
Appropriate topics for discussion include:
■
all areas of family relationship research;
■
requests for research, policy or practice
information;
■
developments and changes to relevant policy and
practice;
■
best practice in the nurturing of positive family
relationships and dealing with disruption to family
relationships;
■
education and training issues;
■
notices about relevant upcoming conferences,
workshops, events; and
■
pointers to new publications, online papers,
resources/links, websites.
Subscribers to the list can include: those working
within the Family Relationship Services Program
(FRSP); family welfare professionals; family law
practitioners; general practitioners; other health and
welfare service providers; people working in the family
law system; those working in education and training
or in policy and service planning; researchers and the
general public.
If you are new to the list, please introduce yourself, as
we would like to know about you and your interests.
e-relating is moderated. When you send a message to
the list, it goes to the moderator, who has the option
to accept or discard it, or request you to post a revised
message that conforms to the policy outlined on the
AFRC website www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/erelate.html.
To join e-relating send the following e-mail:
To:
majordomo@aifs.gov.au
Subject: (leave blank)
In body of email, type the following:
subscribe e-relating
To remove your name from e-relating send the
following e-mail:
To:
majordomo@aifs.gov.au
Subject: (leave blank)
In body of email, type the following:
unsubscribe e-relating
To check for future updates on these guidelines, please
see: www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/erelate.html.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Internet affairs
Guidelines for practitioners
Elly Robinson
T
he Internet has revolutionised personal and business communication, allowing people from across the globe
to exchange information and greetings in a matter of seconds. Within a few decades, the Internet has moved
from being a device designed to share research between a few academic and military agencies (Young, 2004)
to becoming a communication space used in over half of Australian homes (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2005).
The speed with which the world has embraced the Internet has raised concerns about society’s ability to cope with
the new problems and anxieties that have accompanied its use. Some issues capture the public’s attention and
fascination, such as access to online pornography. Other issues are less likely to be highlighted, such as the mental
health impacts of excessive use (Mitchell, Becker-Blease & Finkelhor, 2005).
One problem is that the evolution of the Internet is outpacing the development of research and guidelines for its use
(Morris, 2002). As a consequence, the body of knowledge that defines, theorises and identifies effective responses
to problematic Internet use is still in its infancy. Researchers are grappling with issues such as whether Internet
addiction exists, how it is defined (Grohol, 2005), or how much time online constitutes addictive behaviour (Mitchell
et al., 2005). Another area of inquiry is whether the Internet itself is less the problem and more the tool by which an
individual can engage in other addictive behaviours, such as gambling or viewing pornography (Widyanto & Griffiths,
2006). Problems are more likely to exist for people who have difficulty regulating their behaviour, as the Internet is
characterised by its accessibility and anonymity (Morris, 2002).
One area of problematic Internet use that is becoming a common presenting issue in counselling, is relationship
issues arising from one partner’s use of the Internet (Morris, 2002). Mitchell et al. (2005), in their survey of over 1,500
mental health professionals, found that approximately one in five clients in mental health treatment were accessing
help due to the negative effects of Internet sexual activities. A common scenario was a husband or wife who had left
their relationship after meeting someone online, only to have the relationship not work out. The couple had come to
counselling to try to repair the damage. Another scenario was problems developing between a couple due to one or
the other engaging in online sexual conversations or activities.
Three factors make Internet affairs a growing issue. Firstly, relationships can develop more quickly due to lowered
inhibitions, absent physical cues and details, and the ease of exchanging information. There are no real-life pressures
to deal with in this artificial environment, and people can fantasise about each other (Morris, 2002). Secondly,
although infidelity is not new, the Internet creates an environment where access to potential partners is unlimited
and around the clock. Contact can be made from home and there is less risk of public exposure (Mitchell et al.,
2005; Young, 2004). Lastly, many people think that Internet affairs are less deceptive as there is no physical contact
(Morris, 2002). There is yet to be a set of clearly defined norms as to what is acceptable and what is not, for example
is it infidelity to have sexual conversations with strangers? What if you are pretending to be someone else? What if
you engaged in cybersex? (Mitchell et al., 2005).
While there are a number of grey areas regarding what constitutes an Internet affair, Mitchell et al. (2005) suggest that
it is up to the individuals involved in the relationship to decide for themselves what is acceptable and what is not. If
the individual having the Internet relationship is in a committed real-life relationship, they may need to acknowledge
that communication of an intimate nature with someone on the Internet is a breach of trust and commitment to their
partner (Morris, 2002). The fact that physical sex hasn’t occurred does not necessarily mean that it is not an affair
(Morris, 2002).
An assessment of the ‘warning signs’ (see Quiz on p. 5) that indicate that an online friendship may have become
an affair can help draw attention to the issue for the Internet user. In many ways, the indicators are no different
from a real-life affair, except for those specific to the technology being used. The response from the faithful partner,
therefore, may often revolve around restricting access to the computer using strategies such as changing passwords,
cancelling the ISP or damaging the computer (Young, 2004).
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
By highlighting the reasons why the relationship may be seen as an affair, therapy can commence along similar lines
to a real-life affair. However, the offending partner may be in denial that he or she has been unfaithful. In this situation,
the therapy may need to centre on what the other partner is willing to tolerate (Morris, 2002).
If a couple wish to make amends, guidelines for rebuilding a relationship after an Internet affair may be similar to
those for conventional affairs. The following guidelines have been suggested (Lamble & Morris, 2001):
For the person having the affair:
■
Admit you were wrong to yourself and your partner.
■
Cease all contact with the other person.
■
Destroy all love letters, photos and keepsakes.
■
Change your contact details.
■
Listen to your partner.
■
Answer questions openly and honestly.
■
Work out what issues you were unhappy about in your real-life relationship.
■
Decide what limits you need to set in place to keep your own behaviour in check in the future.
■
Recommit to your partner.
■
Pay attention to your partner’s needs.
For the other partner:
■
Expect to grieve.
■
Make an informed choice about whether you wish to continue the relationship.
■
If you do want to stay, challenge unhelpful thinking that keeps you stuck and rehashing events.
■
Set a limit for when you will stop asking questions.
■
Resist the urge to check the computer.
■
Build your own interests.
■
Decide on what behaviour you will or won’t tolerate.
■
Work out what changes you want in the relationship.
It is important for practitioners to bear in mind that the Internet can be a positive tool if used appropriately. It allows
people to cheaply and easily stay in touch and allows the rapid exchange of information worldwide (Widyanto &
Griffiths, 2006; Morris, 2002). Abused or intimidated partners may meet people online who empower them to leave
the abusive relationship. A virtual support group environment may provide invaluable support to someone suffering
from depression or social anxiety. Even though practitioners may see the time spent in this virtual support group as
excessive, it may be one of few positive experiences for an inidividual (Grohol, 2005).
Professionals need to be aware of their own values and judgements regarding use of online technology. If the work of
the practitioner will involve clients who are experiencing these issues, it is important to increase skills and knowledge
in this area (Mitchell et al., 2005).
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2005). Household use of information technology, Australia, 2004–05. Catalogue
No. 8146.0. Canberra: Author.
Grohol, J. (2005). Internet addiction guide. Retrieved 3 November, 2006, from http://psychcentral.com/
netaddiction
Lamble, J., & Morris, S. (2001). Online & personal: The reality of Internet relationships. Lane Cove, NSW: Finch
Publishing.
Mitchell, K., Becker-Blease, K., & Finkelhor, D. (2005). Inventory of problematic Internet experiences encountered
in clinincal practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(5), 498–509.
Morris, S. (2002). How is the Internet affecting our relationships? Psychotherapy in Australia, 8(3), 42–47.
Widyanto, L., & Griffiths, M. (2006). ‘Internet addiction’: A critical review. International Journal of Mental Health
Addiction, 4, 31–51.
Young, K. (2004). Internet addiction: A new clinical phenomenon and its consequences. The American Behavioural
Scientist, 48(4), 402–415.
Elly Robinson is the Manager of the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse at the Australian Institute
of Family Studies.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Quiz: Warning signs that your online
chatting has become an ‘affair’ (see p. 3)
By Rosalie Pattenden
Clinical Practice Leader, Relationships Australia (Victoria)
1. Looking back over the past week, have you spent more than three hours talking to your online ‘friend’?
2. Have you begun to plan for and look forward to your next communication with him/her?
3. Does your partner know about this friend, and would you be comfortable if he/she wanted to join in?
4. Do you ‘chat’ when no-one else is around?
5. Do you make excuses to go online?
6. Do you ‘exit’ the screen if someone walks into the room when you are chatting?
7. Are you telling your online ‘friend’ more about your thoughts and feelings, your achievements and
disappointments than your partner?
8. Have you told your online ‘friend’ about problems you are having in your relationship with your partner?
9. Are you beginning to think that your online ‘friend’ understands and supports you more than your partner?
10. Are you finding that you are becoming unpredictable with how you treat your partner—sometimes very loving,
and sometimes unnecessarily impatient?
11. Are you finding that your sex life with your partner has changed since you have had this online ‘friend’—either
that you are having substantially more or substantially less sex with him/her?
12. Have you considered, or actually begun to take the next step with your online friend by sending photos, talking
on the phone, or meeting for coffee?
If you have answered “Yes” to five or more questions, you are crossing the line from ‘online friend’ to ‘affair’. Are
you willing to risk losing your partner and family? This is the risk you are running.
AFRC publications
The Clearinghouse publishes quality resources for
providers of family relationship and support services,
policymakers, and members of the research and
broader communities. All Clearinghouse publications
are electronic.
AFRC Briefing
Family Relationships Quarterly
AFRC Issues
Published four times a year, the newsletter includes
literature highlights, research updates, forthcoming
conference and event listings and information about
relevant training opportunities. Articles include reviews
of policy developments, project spotlights, summaries
of research and practitioner updates.
AFRC Issues are in-depth papers that focus on policy
and research topics relevant to family relationships.
AFRC Issues is published twice per year.
Concise papers that synthesise or translate key
messages from family relationship research or practice.
Six Briefings are published per year.
All publications are available for free download from the AFRC website at
www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/pubs/pubs.html
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
Treatment of young men who
sexually abuse
The involvement of family
Cameron Boyd
P
arents who discover that one of their children has been acting in ways that are sexually abusive face one of the
most difficult issues for any family. “Families frequently react with shock, disbelief and confusion followed by intense
feelings of shame, anger, guilt and depression... this is exacerbated when the victim and the abuser are living within
the same family” (Thomas, 1991, p. 337 cited in Duane & Morrison, 2004, pp.105–6). This paper will focus on just one
aspect of this problem: If and how families should be involved in the therapeutic treatment of young people with sexually
abusive behaviour.
Does family background contribute to sexually abusive behaviour?
There is insufficient space here to explore in any depth all the research and debates about whether families of young people who
sexually abuse are characterised by particular traits. In brief, some of the features thought to be common in families of young men
who sexually abuse are family violence, chaotic family relationships (Carolm & Louis, 2002; Duane & Morrison, 2004; Righthand
& Welch, 2004), and a range of parental problems such as drug abuse and a history of their own childhood victimisation (Duane
et al., 2003). While such research suggests some possible contributing factors, it does not allow any definite conclusions to be
drawn about the characteristics of families of young people who sexually abuse (Moore, Franey, & Geffner, 2004).
Durham states “…it is important not to pathologise families, and to remember that many families characterised by some
of these problems do not have children who have committed inappropriate or harmful sexual behaviours” (Durham, 2006,
p. 47). However it is equally vital not to dismiss or minimise the significance of violence in the family where this has occurred
(Righthand & Welch, 2004). It should also be emphasised that some young men who sexually abuse do not have such
family backgrounds.
Gender and sexual abuse
It is important to keep in mind that young men engage in sexually abusive behaviour in a gendered social and cultural
context (Slattery, 2000). That is to say, there are many ‘invitations’ for young men to adopt abusive attitudes and practices
towards women and children in their day-to-day lives. Within some male social groups a degree of sexual aggression is seen
as acceptable (Epps, 2004, p.77). Some authors maintain that these cultural norms are limited to ‘delinquent’ peer groups,
however a quick glance at any popular music video show should be enough to suggest that the influence of such values is
much broader: “Negative and stereotypical attitudes towards women are commonplace among men and are not specific to
sexual offenders”, and similar attitudes may be common among adolescent males (Epps, 2004, pp.78–79) and not limited
to or even more pronounced among those who sexually offend. Media, peer and other cultural influences appear to define
some degree of objectification and aggression as a normal part of sexual behaviour.
It may not be helpful to think of families as being ensconced within four walls, unaffected by broader patterns of gender
relations. Families themselves operate within this cultural milieu and may endorse or challenge traditional gender roles to
varying degrees. In contrast to the research into ‘dysfunctional’ families, there is a well established tradition of theoretical
literature suggesting that the structure of the ‘traditional’ nuclear family creates unequal power dynamics in relationships
(see Jasinski, 2001, pp.12–13). It might follow that some young men would extend this to sexual abuse of their peers and
of children.
With this in mind, the problem of sexual abuse cannot be reduced to one of dysfunctional families and pathological individuals
(Allan, 2006; Costello, 2004–2005). Thus, for young men to address their sexually abusive behaviour, “it is…necessary for
them to address, in a comprehensive way, their relationship with masculinity and, in particular, their relationship with some
oppressive ideas or attitudes that underlay a construction of masculinity that promotes abusive behaviours” (Slattery, 2000,
p.82). Rather than trying to explain young men’s sexually abusive behaviour in terms of their particular family dynamics,
these broader ideas about gender, power and sexuality also need to be considered.
The intent of pointing to these issues is not to attempt to excuse or minimise the actions of sexually abusive young men, but
to emphasise that such behaviour is tacitly and sometimes explicitly condoned within the cultural context of many (young)
people. Sexual abuse is not just a matter of pathological individuals but is a social and cultural problem that is strongly linked
to gender issues.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
The context of therapy: When family or family members should not be included in treatment
In the context of this paper, it is important to state clearly that there will be occasions where the involvement of some, or
all, family members will not be helpful or ethical. This is especially the case when an adult (usually male) has been violent
or abusive towards the young person or other family members. In some cases, adults may have coerced or ‘groomed’ the
young person to participate in abusing others.
Australian therapist Alan Jenkins asks:
How can we respectfully address young people’s experiences of disadvantage and victimisation, without sacrificing
the priority of responsibility and accountability for their abusive actions? (Jenkins, 2005, p. 99)
Young men who sexually abuse need to receive clear messages that they will be held responsible for their actions. This ethic
needs to be applied consistently, including to adults who have harmed the young man.
When parents are involved in treatment
The above comments notwithstanding, the involvement of family, where possible, is thought to be an important factor for
effective treatment of young people (Nisbet et al., 2005). Unfortunately, families are often considered only to the extent that
they are thought to be able to act protectively for the other children in the home (Duane & Morrison, 2004). While this is
obviously important, there are other ways in which family can contribute to the assessment and intervention process.
Immediate response
There are two critical factors on which parents must be engaged, even where resources will not stretch to meet other
intervention needs:
1. restoring the parental functioning following the crisis of disclosure; and
2. engaging parents in safety planning (Duane & Morrison, 2004).
The literature suggests that without these two basic areas being met, there is little chance of treatment being effective.
In many instances, the young person will be removed from the family home at the time of disclosure/discovery, especially
where there are younger siblings involved (Grant et al., 2006). This involves its own set of challenges, but the family can still
have an important role to play in treatment. Removal from home can lead to a profound sense of isolation and abandonment
for the young person who has sexually abused. Parents can help to maintain a sense of connection and belonging through
displaying their ongoing interest in the wellbeing of the young person.
There can be positive aspects to removal from the family home for the young person under some circumstances (see Grant,
Thornton, & Chamarette., 2006).
Assessment
Where it is appropriate, parents should be fully informed about the assessment and treatment process. Given that many
of the areas discussed during the process may be considered (by parents) to be intrusive or unnecessary, a clear and
transparent explanation to parents about the relevance of ‘family issues’ (for example, the importance of understanding any
history of family violence) may help them feel more informed and thus supportive of treatment (Durham, 2006). Parents can
bring their own strengths to bear on the development and progress of their child in treatment.
For some young people, it may be assessed that some aspects of the family have contributed to the development of sexually
abusive behaviours. This will obviously complicate the issue of parental involvement in therapy (as discussed above). For
example, a highly sexualised home environment will hinder any attempts at change by the young person. (Examples of
such an environment would include where pornography is present, where individuals do not have access to privacy, or
inappropriate behaviours such as prolonged kissing on the lips between siblings or between parents and children occurs). If
parents do not recognise this as a problem, or they decline to make changes towards a less sexualised home environment,
this needs to be addressed. (For an example of a thorough family assessment framework, see Durham, 2006; Chapter 4)
Treatment
Families can contribute to the motivation of the young person to participate in treatment. Involving the family can also help
to identify factors that may contribute to the maintenance of sexually abusive behaviours, and work to minimise the influence
of these factors (Durham, 2006). If the support of families can be elicited in challenging the dominant messages about
masculinity, sexuality and entitlement that facilitate sexual abuse, the young man can be supported in standing against
these harmful ideas (Stillman, 2006), and work towards constructing an ‘ethic of fairness’ to inform his relationships with
others (Jenkins, 2005).
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
Supervision
If the young person continues to live at home, or continues to visit the home, during assessment and treatment, parents
will inevitably play a crucial role in supervision. “Line of sight” supervision around younger children may be recommended.
This is not only practically demanding—especially for single parents with limited resources and support (Allan, 2006)—it can
also be emotionally difficult for parents to feel that they must constantly be suspicious of their son or daughter. Given that
pornography is an unhelpful influence (Epps & Fisher, 2004), parents may also need to ensure that the young person has no
access to such material in the home, especially via the Internet (Cameron, Salazar, Bernhardt et al., 2005).
Conclusion
Engaging with families can be important in understanding and working with young people with sexually abusive behaviours.
However family factors alone are insufficient in explaining sexual abuse by young men. It is important to remain mindful of
the gendered nature of sexual abuse, and families can play a powerful role in helping young men to stand against harmful,
dominant ideas about masculinity. In some circumstances it will not be helpful for parents to be involved, and treatment
of young people should not occur at the expense of holding adult men accountable when they have been abusive to the
young person or other family members.
References
Allan, J. (2006). Whose job is poverty? The problems of therapeutic intervention with children who are sexually violent.
Child Abuse Review, 15, 55–70.
Cameron, K., Salazar, L., Bernhardt, J., Burgess-Whitman, N., Wingood, G., & DiClemente, R. (2005). Adolescents’
experience with sex on the web: Results from online focus groups. Journal of Adolescence, 28(4), 535–540.
Carolm, V., & Louis, V. (2002). Adolescent sex offenders: A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 3(4),
247–260.
Costello, M. (2004–2005). The disappearing ‘f’ word: Feminism and Australian government violence against women
policies? Women Against Violence, 17, 41–50.
Duane, Y., Carr, A., Cherry, J., McGrath, K., & O’Shea, D. (2003). Profiles of the parents of adolescent CSA perpetrators
attending a voluntary outpatient treatment programme in Ireland. Child Abuse Review, 12(1), 5–24.
Duane, Y., & Morrison, T. (2004). Families of young people who sexually abuse: Characteristics, contexts and
considerations. In G. O’Reilly, W. L. Marshall, A. Carr & R. Beckett (Eds.), The handbook of clinical intervention with
young people who sexually abuse (pp. 103–127). Hove: Brunner-Routledge.
Durham, A. (2006). Young men who have sexually abused: A case study guide. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.
Epps, K., & Fisher, D. (2004). A review of the research literature on young people who sexually abuse. In G. O’Reilly, W.
L. Marshall, A. Carr & R. Beckett (Eds.), The handbook of clinical intervention with young people who sexually abuse
(pp. 62–102). Hove: Brunner-Routledge.
Grant, J., Thornton, J., & Chamarette, C. (2006). Residential placement of intra-familial adolescent sex offenders.
Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology.
Jenkins, A. (2005). Making it fair: Respectful and just intervention with disadvantaged young people who have abused. In
M. C. Calder (Ed.), Children and young people who sexually abuse: New theory, research and practice developments
(pp. 98–113). Dorset: Russell House Publishing.
Moore, T., Franey, K. C., & Geffner, R. (2004). Introduction: Assessment and treatment of youth who sexually offend: An
overview. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 13(3/4), 1–13.
Nisbet, I., Rombouts, S., & Smallbone, S. (2005). Impacts of programs for adolescents who sexually offend: Literature
review. Retrieved 22 August, 2006, from http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/documents/adolescents_literature_
review.pdf
Righthand, S., & Welch, C. (2004). Characteristics of youth who sexually offend. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 13(3/4),
15–32.
Slattery, G. (2000). Working with young men: Taking a stand against sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Dulwich Centre
Journal, 1&2, 80–88.
Stillman, J. R. (2006). Working with adolescents who have committed sexual abuse: Establishing a new place to stand.
The International Journal of Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 1, 32–38.
Thomas, J. (1991). The adolescent sex offenders family. In G. Ryan & S. Lane (Eds.), Juvenile sex offending: Causes,
consequences and correction. Lexington: Lexington Books.
Cameron Boyd is a Research Officer with the Australian Centre for the Study of Sexual Assault at the Australian
Institute of Family Studies.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Family statistics and trends
Trends in couple dissolution
Ruth Weston and Lixia Qu
T
he first Family Relationships Quarterly presented an overview of Australian trends in couple formation. It was
shown that the ways in which Australians form couple relationships have changed dramatically in the 20th
century: marriage rates have fallen, those who marry do so at later ages, couples increasingly live together
before marrying, and those who divorce are less likely to remarry. This issue of the Family Relationships Quarterly
focuses on trends concerning the dissolution of marriages and cohabiting relationships.
Divorce rates
The increase in the divorce rate represents one of the most spectacular family-related trends in the 20th century.
Figure 1 depicts the number of divorces across the years and the crude divorce rate, that is, the number of divorces
granted in a year per 1,000 resident population.
Figure 1. Crude divorce rate and number of divorces, 1901–2005
5.0
70,000
Divorces per 1000 population
4.5
4.0
60,000
50,000
3.5
3.0
40,000
2.5
2.0
30,000
1.5
20,000
Number of divorces
Rates
Numbers
1.0
10,000
0.5
0.0
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
Year
1970
1980
1990
0
2000 2005
Sources: ABS (various years) Marriages and divorces (Catalogue No. 3310.0); ABS (2006), Divorces Australia 2005 (Catalogue No. 3307.0.55.001).
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■
■
Prior to the Second World War divorce was rare. In the first decade of the twentieth century the number of
divorces recorded each year ranged from 300 to 400.
The crude divorce rate (number of divorces per 1,000 resident population) rose slightly in the 1920s to the mid1940s and peaked at 1.1 in 1947. In fact, the number of divorces recorded in 1947 was the highest (8,705)
during the first half of the twentieth century, partly reflecting the instability of hasty wartime marriages and the
disruptive effects of the war on marriage. The rate then declined slightly until the 1960s, when it began to rise
substantially.
The rate soared to a peak of 4.6 divorces per 1,000 resident population when the Family Law Act 1975 came into
operation (5 January,1976), which allowed only one ground for divorce (“irretrievable breakdown” as measured
by at least 12 months separation). This change led to the formalisation of some long-term separations and the
bringing forward of some divorces that had been filed in the previous years but were not as yet finalised.
Since then the crude divorce rate has mostly fluctuated between 2.5 and 3.0, with a trough occurring in the
mid-1980s.
While the crude divorce rate has remained at a high plateau since the early 1980s, the number of divorces has
increased since the mid-1980s – a trend that reflects the growth in the Australian adult population.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
■
Another measure of the divorce rate is the number of divorces per 1,000 married women. In the late 1980s these
rates ranged between 10.6 and 10.9, and gradually increased throughout the 1990s. The rate over the past
several years has fluctuated between 12.0 and 13.0 divorces per 1,000 married women.
Age-specific divorce rates, married men and women
A more detailed picture of the patterns of divorce is obtained by determining the rates of divorce for specific age
groups. These data are presented in Figure 2. They show that:
■
■
Among women, the divorce rate is highest for those aged 25–29 years while among married men, it is highest
for those aged 30–34 years – a difference that reflects the fact that women tend to marry at a younger age than
men.
• In 2001, divorce was experienced by 21 in every 1,000 married men aged 25–29 and 35–39 years, and 23
in every 1,000 married men aged 30–34 years.
• During the same year, the number of women experiencing divorce in every 1,000 married women of the
same age was 23 for those aged 25–29, just under 23 for those aged 30–34 years, and 19 for those aged
35–39 years.
Among married men and women in their mid-30s and older, the divorce rate declined progressively with
increasing age.
Figure 2. Age-specific divorce rate by gender, 2001
Divorcees per 1000 married men (women)
25
Husband
Wife
20
15
10
5
0
<=24
25–29
30–34
35–39
40–44
45–49
Age
50–54
55–59
60–64
65+
Sources: ABS (2006), Divorces, Australia 2005 (Catalogue No. 3307.0.55.001).
The stability of cohabitation
While couples are increasingly likely to live together before they marry, cohabiting relationships tend to be less stable
than marriages. Data from Wave 1 of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey
suggest that:
■
■
Only 9% of those whose cohabitation commenced in the early 1990s were still cohabiting with the same partner
in 2001 (7–11 years later).
Only 2% of men and women who began cohabiting 10 years earlier than this (in the early 1980s) were still
cohabiting with the same partner in 2001.
The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey is funded by the Australian Government through
the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. This survey is being conducted by a consortium of
three research bodies, with the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research being the lead agency. The
other consortium members are the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Australian Council for Educational Research.
10
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Figure 3 refers to five cohorts of HILDA respondents who began cohabiting in different years (from the early 1970s
to the early 1990s). It shows the proportion in each cohort who married or separated within the first five years of the
cohabiting union. (The percentages do not add up to 100 per cent because some couples continued to cohabit.)
■
■
Cohabiting relationships that commenced in the early 1970s were much more likely to end in marriage than
separation (63% vs 25%).
Since the 1970s, cohabiting relationships became increasingly likely to end in separation than in marriage. The
chance of a cohabiting couple who began living together in the early 1990s being married five years later was
only slightly higher than the chance of separation (43% vs 38%).
One implication of these trends is that divorce statistics have become progressively less useful as a reflection of
relationship breakdown trends.
Figure 3. Cohabiting couples: outcomes of cohabitation after 5 years
70
60
Married
Separated
Per cent
50
40
30
20
10
0
1970–74
1975–79
1980–84
1985–89
Year beginning living together
1990–94
Source: The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey Wave 1.
Those without partners
Together, trends in couple formation (outlined in Family Relationships Quarterly Issue 1) and relationship breakdown
influence the overall proportions of men and women who are partnered or unpartnered.
Figures 4a and 4b, which are based on analyses conducted by Birrell, Rapson, and Hourigan (2004) using Census
data, indicate the proportion of men and women of different ages (below 50 years) who were living without a partner
in 1986, 1996 and 2001.
■
■
■
Across all five-year age groups shown (20–59 years), the proportion of unpartnered men and women increased
between 1986 and 2001.
Given that men are usually older than women when they first cohabit or marry, unpartnered rates are considerably
higher at younger ages for men than women.
Gender differences in unpartnered rates narrow with advancing age, and given the lower propensity for women
to repartner at older ages, women in their late forties are marginally more likely to be unpartnered than men of
this age.
In summary, patterns of couple dissolution have undergone a great deal of change. Although fairly stable over the
past decade, the number of divorces per 1000 marriages was lower in the late 1980s than more recently. While
cohabitation tends to be an unstable status, it is less likely to convert to marriage than in the past. In other words,
the chance of cohabitation ending in separation has increased progressively. The trends in couple formation and
dissolution have resulted in an increase in the proportion of Australian adults who are unpartnered.
Note: while the increase in the unpartnered rates between 1986 and 1996 is greater than the increase that occurred between
the 1996 and 2001, it must be remembered that the first two periods span ten years, while the second and third periods
span five years.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
11
Figure 4a. Proportion of men who were living without a partner by age, 1986, 1996 and 2001
1986
1996
2001
Per cent
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
20–24
25–29
30–34
Age
35–39
40–44
45–49
Source: Based on Birrell, B., Rapson, V., & Hourigan, C. (2004). Men + women apart: Partnering in Australia. Melbourne: Australian Family Association and Centre for Population
and Urban Research.
Figure 4b. Proportion of women who were living without a partner by age, 1986, 1996 and 2001
100
Per cent
90
80
1986
1996
2001
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
20–24
25–29
30–34
Age
35–39
40–44
45–49
Source: Based on Birrell, B., Rapson, V., & Hourigan, C. (2004). Men + women apart: Partnering in Australia. Melbourne: Australian Family Association and Centre for Population
and Urban Research.
References and data sources
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (various years). Marriages and divorces Australia (Catalogue No. 3310.0).
Canberra: Author.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2006). Divorces Australia 2005 (Catalogue No. 3307.0.55.001). Canberra:
Author.
Birrell, B., Rapson, V., & Hourigan, C. (2004). Men + women apart: Partnering in Australia. Melbourne: Australian
Family Association and Centre for Population and Urban Research.
Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. http://melbourneinstitute.com/hilda
Ruth Weston is General Manager (Research) and Principal Research Fellow at the Australian Institute of Family
Studies.
Lixia Qu is a Research Fellow and Demographic Trends Analyst at the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
12
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Website review
Raising Children website
Reviewed by ren adams
T
Resource for parents and carers
http://raisingchildren.net.au
he Raising Children website is an Australian information resource for parents, professionals and others caring for
children. Launched in May 2006, the site has been developed by the Raising Children Network (RCN), a consortium
consisting of the Smart Population Foundation, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Parenting Research
Centre (formerly the Victorian Parenting Centre).
The Raising Children website offers research-based early childhood and parenting information in a highly engaging and
interactive format. The site is primarily targeted at parents and carers of newborns to children of eight years, offering
practical parenting information in plain English. It is also a valuable resource for health professionals and those providing
family relationships services, with a dedicated section for professionals.
With sections based upon the age of the child such as newborns, babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school age children
up to eight years, users can browse the 700 plus pages of the site with ease. Within each of the age-based sections there
is easy-to-read information on behaviour, communication, development, health, nutrition, play & learning, safety and sleep.
There is also a section for ‘grown-ups’ that focuses on topics such as ‘Looking after Yourself’, ‘Family Management’, ‘Work
& Family’ and ‘Dealing with Separation’.
As well as providing impartial and reliable information on parenting, the site contains links to local services and activities.
One of the best features of the site are the discussion forums, enabling users to share information and discuss family and
parenting issues relevant to them. Current forums include ‘Baby & Child’ with separate forums based upon the age of
the child, ‘Parents Like Me’ where parents and carers can make contact with others in similar circumstances, and ‘My
Neighbourhood’ connecting parents and carers with resources in their area.
The Raising Children Network was born as a result of the development of the National Agenda for Early Childhood (www.
facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/family/early_childhood.htm) and the subsequent Parenting Information Project (www.
facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/family/early_childhood_pip.htm), which highlighted the need for easily accessible, upto-date, quality-assured parenting information in Australia. The site provides this information in an easy to use and parentfriendly fashion. It also provides vital support to health professionals who are often the community’s first point of call for
information and advice on parenting and early childhood development.
The Raising Children Network is wholly funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) as part of the Early Childhood – Invest to Grow initiative of the Stronger Families and
Communities Strategy.
Ren Adams is Project Officer with the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse at the Australian Institute
of Family Studies.
Join AFRC-alert
AFRC-alert is an email list for news and updates from the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse. You will
receive messages with announcements of relevant news, publications, resources, conferences and other important
information concerning family relationships.
You can join AFRC-alert on our web page at www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/afrcalert.html
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
13
Website review
Parenting Research Centre
Reviewed by ren adams
T
Resource for practitioners
www.parentingrc.org.au
he Parenting Research Centre (PRC), formerly the Victorian Parenting Centre, changed its name and launched its
new website in September 2006. The main focus of the PRC is the development of knowledge about the effects of
parenting practices on children, and how best to engage and support parents in the task of raising children well.
Research conducted by the PRC is typically translated and developed into programs and resources designed to better
equip and resource practitioners in working with families with children, particularly those families and children experiencing
adversity. Programs developed and/or facilitated by the centre include Healthy Start – a national strategy for supporting
parents of children with learning difficulties; and Signposts Statewide – a program that helps families prevent or manage
difficult behaviour in children aged 3 to 15 years who have a developmental delay or intellectual disability. The centre is also
a consortium member of the Raising Children Network (see article on previous page), providing the content for the Raising
Children website and thereby enabling the centre to fulfill its goal of translating parenting information nationally.
Professional services offered by the PRC include training programs and consultation services. Professionals wishing to
learn particular programs or further develop skills in working with families with children can attend one of the regular
training sessions, the details of which are available at www.parentingrc.org.au/vp/events/index.php?type=all. The Centre
also provides consultancy services to agencies and practitioners in the form of research; conducting or guiding evaluation
of practices, programs or initiatives; and providing clinical support to those needing assistance in resolving clinical issues in
the delivery of parenting interventions.
By conducting evidence-based research on parenting practices and translating some of this into practical strategies and
programs, the PRC is a valuable resource for Australian child and family practitioners. Visit the PRC at www.parentingrc.org.au
Ren Adams is Project Officer with the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse at the Australian Institute
of Family Studies.
The Family Relationship Services Program
Provided by the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs (FaCSIA).
The Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) and
the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department jointly fund over 100 organisations under the Family
Relationship Services Program (FRSP) to provide family relationships services through approximately 350 outlets
across Australia.
The FRSP aims to:
■
■
enable children, young people and adults in all their diversity to develop and sustain safe, supportive and
nurturing family relationships; and
minimise the emotional, social and economic costs associated with disruption to family relationships.
FaCSIA has funded the establishment of the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse (AFRC) in response to
requests from the FRSP sector in order to:
■
14
support community organisations and other professionals assist families by providing easy access to current
knowledge, the latest research, data and models of best practice;
■
assist in the achievement of the FRSP’s strategic priorities; and
■
inform on the implementation of the Australian Government’s new family law system.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Literature highlights
Compiled by Joan Kelleher, Librarian
Literature highlights provides a summary of a selection of resources from the Institute library. Where
available, links to resources are provided. Other resources are available via the inter-library system
– please contact your local library for details.
Culturally diverse family services
Cultivating culture (2000). Fraser, S. Consumer Rights
Journal, 4(4), 7–10
Kildonan Child and Family Services, with its Lalor office
in the City of Whittlesea, has recently developed two new
services: financial counselling and community development
responses to problem gambling and works with people
from non English speaking backgrounds; and a financial
counselling service for people who have experienced family
violence. This article focuses on delivering these services
to the Macedonian people in this area, discussing issues
of culture; bilingual workers; the financial counselling needs
of Macedonian people; and extending understanding of
cultural differences, particularly for women seeking help in
family violence situations.
Cultural challenges for violence prevention:
working towards an ethical practice of sustainable
interventions (2002). Braaf, R., & Ganguly, G. In
Expanding Our Horizons: Understanding the Complexities
of Violence Against Women – International Conference,
February 2002, University of Sydney – Conference
papers. Kensington, NSW: Australian Domestic and
Family Violence Clearinghouse, University of New South
Wales.
http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/
Conference%20papers/Exp-horiz/Braaf_Ganguly.pdf
The authors note that, despite the broadening of
understandings and prevention practice, women from
diverse cultural groups continue to suffer violence with little
or no criminal justice intervention, health and counselling
support, or social and community supports. In this paper,
issues arising from prevention work which seeks to address
(conflicting) goals of bridging cultural difference, celebrating
cultural diversity and ensuring cultural sustainability are
addressed, and implications for women from diverse cultural
groups are considered. The paper draws on examples of
prevention practice in NSW to explore these issues. An
argument is made for consideration of ethical dimensions
of practice in order to inform prevention’s engagement with
cultural issues; that is, the authors explain, to work towards
appropriate and effective prevention strategies, which
support women from diverse cultural groups to create
futures free of violence.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Family and child counsellors working with Aboriginal
families (2000). Ralph, S. In P. Dudgeon, D. Garvey & H.
Pickett (Eds.), Working with Indigenous Australians: A
handbook for psychologists (pp. 209–216). Perth, WA:
Gunada Press, Curtin Indigenous Research Centre, Curtin
University of Technology.
Sharing his insights gained from working as Director of Family
Court Counselling in Alice Springs in 1996, the author of
this paper discusses the following issues: Aboriginality and
ways of bridging two cultures; the sociocultural context;
the counselling interview; asking questions; speaking and
listening; sign language; seating arrangements; respect for
culture and customary law; and conflict resolution.
Family business: whose business is it? (2000).
Robinson-Sabath, M. Threshold, 65, 22–25
This is an extract from a report published by Bethany Family
Support in 1997, following a community development
project which was undertaken with the aim of developing
linkages between people from diverse cultural and language
backgrounds, and the agency’s family education programs.
The project sought to stimulate discussion around the
challenge of offering relationship education, not just marriage
education, in response to the diversity of family structures and
relationship choices evident within contemporary Australian
culture. Noting that promoting participation in relationship
education programs is a multifaceted endeavour, the article
first provides a brief canvassing of frameworks used in
understanding and intervening in these many facets in order
to make family business the business of us all. Discussion
includes access and equity principles, adult education
principles, and principles of community readiness. The
project approach is then explained; impressions of readiness
discussed in relation to non English speaking background;
the implementation strategy is outlined; limitations and
issues identified by the project are set out; and project
outcomes are discussed.
The I do’s and don’ts of intercultural marriage (2005).
Kahlenberg, R. R. Threshold, 84, 11–13
Spouses in intercultural marriages can be faced with
additional challenges in their relationship that derive from
cultural differences. This article discusses some aspects of
intercultural marriages, and offers suggestions for dealing
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
15
with specific difficulties arising from differing cultural attitudes
towards child rearing, in laws, religion, and other issues.
Indigenous family consultants at the Family Court of
Australia (2006). Akee, J. In B. Smyth, N. Richardson
& G. Soriano (Eds.), Proceedings of the International
Forum on Family Relationships in Transition: Legislative,
practical and policy responses: 1–2 December 2005 (pp.
258–261). Melbourne, Vic: Australian Institute of Family
Studies. http://www.aifs.gov.au/institute/pubs/frtforum/
proceedings.html
Mistrust of the Australian system, the government and the
courts is not uncommon among Indigenous people and is
one important barrier to accessing the family law system.
The low number of Indigenous family law workers makes
access more difficult. The author of this paper shares her
experience working as an Indigenous Family Consultant in
Cairns, explaining the ways she tries to make the family law
system accessible to Indigenous people.
Inspiration across cultures: reflecting teams among
the Metis in Canada (2001). Lowenberg, C. Australian &
New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 22(1), 25–27
Metis Community Services on Vancouver Island exists to
serve the Metis, one of Canada’s three aboriginal peoples.
The author went there, hoping for an exchange of thoughts
and ideas that she could apply to her work back home in
Sweden and was welcomed to observe and participate in
the work. She was asked to share some of her experiences
which resulted in a workshop about how to apply the
reflecting team mode of working when counselling aboriginal
families. The outcome of the exchange was a blend of the
ethics and rules of behaviour among aboriginal people and
the Scandinavian reflecting team mode of working. (Journal
abstract, edited)
Journey of resilience and adaptation: counselling
Vietnamese people (2002). Hart, J. Australian & New
Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 23(1), 20–28
Despite the substantial number of Vietnamese residing in
Australia, many Australians’ knowledge and attitudes are
still shaped by the Vietnam War and the resulting exodus
of refugees. This superficial impression contributes little
to a meaningful understanding of the rich heritage of the
Vietnamese people. The purpose of this article is to broaden
the understanding of helping professionals who come
into contact with Vietnamese Australians, so as to evoke
responses that are more sensitive, appropriate and useful.
A brief history of Vietnam is followed by an exploration
of historical insights and cultural variables that aid our
understanding of the people, and by an examination of
the applicability of these factors for counselling. (Journal
abstract)
Language, spirituality and cultural empathy: A
response to Justin Hart (2002). Hoang, L. Australian &
New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 23(1), 29–31
In an article of this issue of the Australian & New Zealand
Journal of Family Therapy, the author responds to an article
16
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
by Justin Hart in which he aimed to provide counselling
professionals with a background history of Vietnam and an
understanding of Vietnamese cultural flavours. The author
focuses on sharing his own experiences as a counsellor,
some of which support Hart’s position, others of which
bring out different aspects of therapeutic relevance to the
points made in his article. Although Hart called for displaying
empathy as part of relationship development, the author
found it useful to attend to cultural empathy, which requires
tuning very specifically to cultural variables in individual
cases and for which he provides two examples.
Primary preventative intervention in a modern and
diverse society (2002). Mesuraco, B. Australian & New
Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 23(1), 33–37
The realisation that cultural contexts were impeding access
to services for many disadvantaged families and hindering
the disclosure of child sexual abuse prompted two agencies
to organise collaborative primary prevention strategies.
Family groups were convened from the local Cambodian,
Vietnamese, Latin American and Arabic-speaking
communities. Focus groups were attended by one or more
members of each family. Participants contributed to the
formation of a collective understanding that could then be
adapted and passed on to other families in their communities.
It was observed that once individual families entered this
process, isolation diminished and steps towards exploration
of the issues could be taken. This paper outlines a process
through which family therapists can use primary prevention
strategies to reach NESB groups. (Journal abstract)
Towards developing a family therapy for Melanesia
(2004). Orathinkal, J., & Vansteenwegen, A. Australian &
New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 25(3), 148–154
Our principal objective is to call attention, primarily of
Australian–New Zealand family therapists, to the relevance
and the urgency of developing, promoting and providing
family and/or couple therapy in the Melanesian context. We
emphasise the need to take into consideration Melanesian
worldviews, values and social systems. We discuss a
traditional ‘mediation reconciliation ritual’ model of solving
family or couple conflicts, and also point to some of the
immediate situations in which a family therapist could
intervene. A few recommendations are also made for
how the academic context could be utilised to develop
Melanesian family therapy. (Journal abstract)
Working cross culturally (2001). Wigzell, C. Relatewell,
5(3), 5–7
Requirements of multicultural awareness are itemised
in this article which defines culture and outlines the
challenges parent educators may face in inter-cultural
interactions, discussing issues of: overcoming personal
ethnocentric attitudes; understanding attribution; cross
cultural communication; presenting parenting education to
culturally and linguistically diverse audiences; and culturally
and linguistically diverse communities and family issues.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
Working therapeutically with Aboriginal families (2000).
McKelvie, G., & Mallard, J. In P. Dudgeon, D. Garvey &
H. Pickett (Eds.), Working with Indigenous Australians:
A handbook for psychologists (pp. 127–136). Perth, WA:
Gunada Press, Curtin Indigenous Research Centre, Curtin
University of Technology.
The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe ways
in which practitioners can work therapeutically, either from
an individual basis with Aboriginal families or in collaboration
with other Aboriginal health practitioners. Issues discussed
include: the Western concept of the family; the concept of
the Aboriginal family and Aboriginal kinship systems; family
functions from generic as well as Aboriginal perspectives;
the role of the practitioner in utilising the Aboriginal family
within the mental health context; Aboriginal approaches to
working with Aboriginal families; culturally appropriate family
counselling; and confidentiality issues. The Aboriginal Family
Futures Program in WA is described.
Working with CALD families: Learning from the
experience (2005). Young, S. Synergy: Newsletter of
the Australian Transcultural Mental Health Network, 2,
6–7. http://www.mmha.org.au/mmha-products/synergy/
2005No2/working-
Key themes to be aware of when working with culturally and
linguistically diverse families in mental health services are
discussed in this article. These issues include: strengthening of
family ties; children; the meaning of language; the importance
of homeland; communication with other family members;
post traumatic stress; cultural understanding of mental
health; spirituality; generational attitudes to assimilation and
the culture of origin; and family and cultural life.
Working with men from culturally and linguistically
diverse backgrounds: A cultural and gender
sensitive approach (2004). Bhattacharjee, S. In Papers
from the 2004 National Men and Family Relationships
Forum. Deakin West, ACT: Family Services Australia.
h t t p : / / w w w. f s a . o rg . a u / c o n t e n t - s e c t i o n s / f i l e s /
MFR%20paper_Sandip%20Bhattacharjee_2004.pdf
Assuming the centrality of culture and gender in the provision
of services to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) client
groups, this paper argues that effective cross cultural practices
rely on the practitioner’s position of ‘informed not knowing’.
The paper discusses various theoretical approaches to cross
cultural practice, and issues for male and female practitioners
working with men. It describes a framework for cross cultural
practice with men from CALD backgrounds.
Contributing to Family Relationships Quarterly
F
Guidelines for contributors
amily Relationships Quarterly
aims to provide a lively forum for ideas, debate and comment on family relationships. The newsletter
includes literature highlights, research updates, upcoming conference and event listings and information
about training opportunities. Articles include reviews of policy developments, project spotlights, summaries of
research, and practitioner updates. These range from short reviews of books, conferences, workshops and
projects to more substantial articles on significant issues relevant to family relationships.
Service providers, researchers and those interested in family relationships in Australia are encouraged to
contribute to the newsletter. We welcome readers’ letters, comments and feedback on issues discussed in
AFRC publications.
The average length of contributions is 1,000–1,500 words, but may be as short as 300–500 words. If you would
like to submit a longer article, or if you are unsure about the appropriateness of a piece, contact the Manager of
the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse prior to submission.
Acceptance of all material is subject to a review process. Consideration will be given to whether articles are
relevant, clearly written, and accessible. Consideration will also be given to the following criteria: timeliness
of article; significance of the topic; factual accuracy; clear presentation and logical organisation of material;
conclusions substantiated by convincing analytical argument; argument supported by references; quality and
balance of the argument or information presented; and balance and relevance of any policy implications drawn.
Please email contributions in a Microsoft Word document to afrc@aifs.gov.au, or post to the Australian Family
Relationships Clearinghouse, 300 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 (Electronic provision of material
is preferred where possible). For further information contact Elly Robinson, Manager of the Australian Family
Relationships Clearinghouse, phone (03) 9214 7888, fax (03) 9214 7839, email: elly.robinson@aifs.gov.au
Copyright
The Commonwealth of Australia holds copyright to all material published in Clearinghouse newsletters.
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
17
Conferences and events
Compiled by Helen Arch
The following list of forthcoming conferences is taken from the Conferences and Events page
on the Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse website. For the latest entries, visit
www.aifs.gov.au/afrc/conferences.html
6th National Intensive Family Support
Symposium 2007
28–30 March 2007
Caloundra, Qld
Anglicare Strengthening Families Service presents this
symposium with the theme “Family Centred Practice:
innovation, controversy and imagination”. Three streams will
be the focus of the symposium: Practice, Leadership and
Research. Practice workshops will be held on 28th March.
Further
information:
Email
IFSS2007@tracc.org;
Phone Anglicare Strengthening Families Service on
(07) 5495 8718.
National Youth Conference – Are We
There Yet?
1–2 May 2007
Melbourne, Vic
The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria is hosting the first
national youth conference in 8 years, to look at past
learnings, current realities and future directions for youth
affairs in Australia. The conference is for young people,
youth workers, educators, policymakerss, academics and
researchers, community workers and anyone interested in
youth affairs in Australia.
Further information: Youth Affairs Council of Victoria website
– www.yacvic.org.au
CAFWAA & PeakCare Queensland’s
National Symposium 2007
Their Lives, Our Work – building hope
through practice excellence
15–17 May 2007
Brisbane, Qld
A not to be missed practice development opportunity
for those working with children, young people + families
with complex needs. The symposium theme challenges
delegates to explore the diverse and complex needs of
children, young people and their families and how best to
meet these needs in the contemporary context.
Further information: Conference website – www.theirlives
ourwork.com.au
18
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF FAMILY STUDIES
AFCC 44th Annual Conference – Children
of Separation and Divorce: The Politics of
Policy, Practice and Parenting
30 May – 2 June 2007
Capital Hilton, Washington DC, USA
The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
is an interdisciplinary and international association of
professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict.
The AFCC Annual Conference convenes the innovators,
thinkers and reformers that have influenced the practice
of family law, mediation, custody evaluation and parent
education. Participants network, share ideas and interact
with the experts on children and families. The conference
features nearly 70 sessions on the latest topics that impact
children and families of separation and divorce, and more
than 150 presenters from Canada, Taiwan, United Kingdom,
Germany, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Further information: www.afccnet.org/conferences/afcc_
conferences.asp
Children and Young People are Key
Stakeholders
23–25 July 2007
Perth, WA
This inaugural, international conference addresses the
area of children and young people as key stakeholders in
their world experience – now and in the future. It aims to
contribute significantly to our understanding of children,
young people and their families in the community, and
factors which impact on their wellbeing as stakeholders in
policy, programmes and service delivery. It will also highlight
issues and challenges facing vulnerable children and young
people today and explore preventative and strengths-based
strategies for improving positive outcomes for them at a
local, national and international level. The conference will
be of interest to children and young people; parents/carers/
family and community members; practitioners from all fields
who support, work with and advocate on behalf of children,
young people and families; policy makers and managers;
and researchers and educators.
Further information: Conference website – www.caypaks.com
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS QUARTERLY ISSUE 2