Family and Community
NATIONAL AND STATE SUMMARY TABLES
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DATA SOURCES AND DEFINITIONS
Fathers' work and family balance
This article examines the employment patterns of fathers and the flexible working arrangements used by fathers to help care for their children. In 2003, the vast majority of fathers in couple families with children aged less than 15 years (91%) were employed, with most (85%) employed full-time. Fathers of children aged 0–14 years who worked full-time worked 42 hours per week, on average, with over half (56%) preferring no change to their working hours. Between 1993 and 2005, fathers have increased their use of flexible work arrangements to care for their children.
Children living apart from one parent
Many Australian children live apart from one of their natural parents, mostly due to family breakdown. In 2003, 22% of all children aged 0–17 years lived with one parent and their other parent (in most cases their father), lived elsewhere. Just over three quarters (77%) of children with a parent living elsewhere lived in one-parent families, 14% in step families and 9% in blended families. This article looks at the living arrangements of children with a parent living elsewhere, the characteristics of non-resident parents and the contact between children and their parent living elsewhere.
Social participation of young people
Using data from the 2002 General Social Survey, this article presents information on aspects of young people's social participation. In 2002, young people aged 18–24 years had higher levels of participation in social activities outside the home than other adults, with 96% participating in at least one of eight selected activities in the three months prior to interview. Over the previous 12 months, nearly three-quarters of 18–24 year olds had actively participated in sport or physical recreation and more than a quarter had undertaken voluntary work.
Community participation of people with a disability
In 2003, over two-thirds of people aged 18 years and over with a disability usually left their home as often as they liked. In 2002, increased severity of disability among adults was associated with lower rates of participation in a range of activities offering potential for community interaction. This article examines the extent to which disability is associated with restrictions in community participation and how participation varies with the type and severity of disability.
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