Overview

In the first section of this paper concepts of the family and their implications for the organisation of social welfare services are examined. The second section attempts to show the ways in which families are shaped by government policies and programs. Section three provides a brief historical account of the provision of welfare services for families to set the context for the discussion which follows. The final section contains a review of the development of the Family Support Services Scheme and the principles underlying its objectives. Particular attention is given to the development and operation of the Scheme in Victoria and New South Wales.

Policy background paper (Australian Institute of Family Studies) no. 1