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Community and Family Studies – weblinks

Chapter 1 – Introduction to Community and Family Studies

The de Bono Group
http://www.debonogroup.com/six_thinking_hats.php
Six Thinking Hats is a simple, effective parallel thinking process that helps people be more productive, focused, and mindfully involved. And once learned, the tools can be applied immediately!
Dr Edward de Bono – Six Thinking Hats
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3ew6h5nHcc&feature=related
Watch Dr de Bono discussing his own theory and studies.
Enchanted Learning
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/graphicorganizers/
Find templates for graphic organisers including Venn diagrams and PMI charts.
Graphic Organisers
http://www.graphic.org/goindex.html
Venn diagrams and concept maps, their uses and construction are outlined here.
Mind Tools
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm
Sections on six thinking hats and mind maps.



Chapter 2 – Resource Management

About Psychology
http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentstudyguide/p/devthinkers.htm
Good article with ideas and links relating to a variety of theorists – Erikson, Piaget, Bandura, Freud, Watson.
Changing Minds
http://changingminds.org/explanations/learning/learning_stage_theory.htm
Looks at stage theories of development, such as those of Erikson, Piaget and Kohlberg.
Developmental Psychology Lifespan Theories
http://www.angelfire.com/life.lab/lifespan.html
A reference to compare classic developmental lifespan theories of the leading psychologists of the 20th century. Theorists include Bronfrenbrenner, Erikson, Piaget, Freud, Ginzberg, Vygotsky and Levinson.
Mind Tools
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm
Sections on communication skills, decision making and time management.
The Space Within
http://userwebs.cth.com.au/~gcutts/Management/20communication.htm
Provides information on defining communication, components of communication, informal and formal communication, barriers to communication and effective communication.
Theories of Developmental Stages – Stages of Development
http://psychology.jrank.org/pages/183/Developmental-Stages-Theories.html
Examines the theories of Erikson, Piaget and Kohlberg.
Mind Tools
http://www.mindtools.com/selfconf.html
Considers a range of issues relating to self-confidence, including characteristics of those with high and low self-confidence and the steps for building self-confidence.
Response Ability
http://www.responseability.org
An initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, implemented by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health in partnership with universities and tertiary educators, the site provides information to support the social and emotional development and wellbeing of children and young people.
Time Magazine
http://www.time.com/time/time100/leaders/profile/mandela.html
This issue has an informative article on the leadership style and qualities of Nelson Mandela.
University of Richmond – Group Dynamics Resource Page
https://facultystaff.richmond.edu/~dforsyth/gd/
Includes links to resources on conflict, decision making, individuals and groups, leadership, group formation and power.

Chapter 4 – Families and Communities

ABC Heywire
http://heywire.abc.net.au
A space for young people living in regional areas to create and share their stories, ideas and opinions. Case studies presented in visual, audio, or text forms through blogs show what matters in the lives of young people in communities, such as education and employment,access to resources and services, family issues, concerns about the environment, the role of sport in small communities, the value of participation and involvement and the clash of values in the community.
Annenberg Media – Learner.org – Discovering Psychology – Life Span Development
http://www.learner.org/discoveringpsychology/development/dev_nonflash.html
Outlines biological, cognitive and psychosocial development for various age groups that cover all stages of the lifespan. Very clear, useful site.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies
http://www.aifs.gov.au/index.html
An Australian government statutory authority, established to promote the identification and understanding of factors affecting marital and family stability in Australia. Excellent publications with easy to read text and graphics (all useful for stimulus material as well as research). Some good topics include how Australian families spend their time, building relationships between parents and carers in early childhood, and tailoring parenting to fit the child. Access to Family Matters magazine also. Excellent links.



Chapter 5 – Research Methodology

ABS: Australian Bureau of Statistics
http://www.abs.gov.au
Entry point for research issues including statistics relating to Australian population and social trends. Education section has activities and information about bringing data to life, and is excellent for use by teachers and students.
University of Melbourne – University Library
http://www.library.unimelb.edu.au/
Has some excellent resources on all aspects of a literature review. Headings include conducting a literature review, getting started, reading materials, critical reading, reviewing and rethinking, plagiarism, structure of a literature review and starting to write.
University of New England – Research Skills
http://www.une.edu.au/library/eskillsplus/research/
Great site which covers primary and secondary resources, evaluating research sources and statistics.



Chapter 6 – Groups in Context

General

ABS: Australian Bureau of Statistics
http://www.abs.gov.au
Entry point for statistics relating to Australian population and social trends. Data on the various groups can be found and comparisons between groups is also possible.
AIHW: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
https://www.aihw.gov.au/
Australia's national agency for health and welfare statistics and information. Publications on homelessness, aged and aged care, burden of disease, chronic disease, functioning and disability, indigeneous Australians, rural health, population health, and children and youth. Includes great statistics and grphics on each.
Mission Australia
http://www.missionaustralia.com.au
Mission Australia is a community service organisation, committed to eliminating disadvantage and creating a fairer Australia. The site outlines the work done for the homeless, youth and families in crisis.
UNUDHR: United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/
Presents the full text of the Declaration, including all 30 Articles.


Aged

ACSA : Aged and Community Services Australia
http://www.agedcare.org.au
This is the leading national peak body in Australia, representing over 1400 church and charitable organisations providing accommodation and care services to older Australians. The site has lots of information, including government reports and resources on residential care, housing alternatives, rural needs, workforce issues, carers and health.
AIR: Association of Independent Retires
http://www.independentretirees.com
A non-party political, not-for-profit volunteer organisation, representing retired and partly retired people who are not in full time employment at all levels of Government.
COTA: Council on the Ageing
http://www.cota.org.au
COTA National Seniors is the largest seniors organisation in Australia with over 270,000 individuals and 1000 seniors organisations under its umbrella. It protects and promotes the well-being of all older people. It is an independent consumer organisation run by and for older Australians as an advocate and advisory service for all older people in Australia.
NSA: National Seniors Association
http://www.nationalseniors.com.au
A not-for-profit membership based community organisation which has as its major objectives being to provide economic and social benefits for people 50 years and over. Provides information on reports of policy and advocacy, news and community projects.
TARS: The Aged-Care Rights Service
http://www.tars.com.au
A community legal centre that provides advocacy for the residents of Commonwealth funded hostels and nursing homes, self-care retirement villages and recipients of in-home aged care in NSW.
Indigenous Portal – Commonwealth Government
http://www.indigenous.gov.au
Australian government portal with access to resources, contacts and information on government programs and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
ALSO: The ALSO Foundation
http://www.also.org.au
The foundation works to enhance the lives of Victoria's diverse gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer communities. Resources available through the site include a directory of business and organisations, bisexual, domestic violence, health, legal, seniors, transgender and youth.
AVERT
http://www.avert.org/gay-lesbian.htm
An international HIV and AIDS charity, this section looks at gays and lesbians. It includes definitions, statistics, relationships and equity issues.
Doctors' Health Fund
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/178_12_160603/mcn10852_fm.html
Looks at lesbian health inequalities, such as mental health, sexual health, reproductive health and others. It also investigates access to health services.
Working It Out
http://www.workingitout.org.au
Tasmania's only service specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex and transgender Tasmanians. The site includes information on services, homophobia, and various resources.


Homeless

ABC documentary
http://www.abc.net.au/homeless
Case studies of six different homeless people from across the globe – with DVD footage and notes. Looks at a day in the life of each and how they survive.
AHRC: Australian Human Rights Commission
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/human_rights/housing/homelessness_2008.html
Excellent detailed investigation into homelessness. Relevant areas covered include definition of homelessness, causes, people affected by it, impact on human rights and needs, and very useful links and resources.
Centrelink Services For Homeless People
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/homeless.htm
Entry point to find out about the procedures and services in place to help homeless and at-risk people, including a network of specialised staff.
Enough Rope with Andrew Denton, ABC
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/enoughrope/transcripts/s1084364.htm
Transcript of an eposide in which Damo, Eleanor and Peachie, homeless people tell about their experiences and give a glimpse into their world.
Rebecca's Community
http://www.homeless.org.au
Lots of good information for research, including definitions of homelessness, news, directory of services and case studies on actual homeless people.
YHA: Youth Accommodation Association
http://www.yaa.com.au
Describes youth homelessness, strategies to address youth homelessness, government policies and improving access for youth. The Resources section is particularly useful.


Rural families

ABC Rural
http://www.abc.net.au/rural
Provides news stories, relevant podcast links, including Bush Telegraph and message board. Link to Bush Telegraph from here which has great articles in the archive.
Blues Country Magazine – For Farmers and Graziers
http://www.abc.net.au/rural
Contains news stories, humour and 'good yarns' – a magazine for the rural family.
Rural Women's Network – The Country Web
http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/rwn/cweb/countrywebindex.htm
A newsletter for rural women and their families – a source of information and support for women dealing with the many aspects of rural life. Access to editions, each with its own focus, some including family, community matters and identity. Some great activities and columns in various editions.


Youth

ACYS: Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies
http://www.youthfacts.com.au
Wide range of facts and statistics on youth in Australia, including housing and homelessness, indigenous youth, drugs, education, attitudes and opinions, and the future. It also has great 'focus on' areas such as at-risk youth, disabled youth, rural and isolated youth, and useful links. Particularly useful are Youth Studies Australia (quarterly peer reviewed journal), Youth Field Express (email newsletter), and Youth Facts and Statistics (quick information on young people).
Youth NSW
http://www.youth.nsw.gov.au/
NSW government's website for young people and workers in the youth field. Great site, easy to navigate with information on health, staying safe, disabilities, multicultural, indigenous, legal rights, youth leadership and many more areas.
Youth Gas
http://www.youthgas.com
Australian networking and communication service focused on young people and communities. Provides insite into the initiatives, issues and concerns of young people.



Chapter 7 – Parenting and Caring

General

Carers Australia
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail. This is the entry point for information and services in each state.
IVF Australia
http://www.ivf.com.au/
Lots of current data on the Assisted Reproductive Technologies, through its research and development. Navigate from IVF Australia's difference.
NCYLW: National Children's Youth and Law Centre
http://www.ncylc.org.au/
A community legal centre dedicated to addressing human rights issues for children and young people in Australia. The site has excellent statistics, information on support services and rights of the young in various settings.
Sydney IVF
http://www.sivf.com.au
Australia's leading centre for infertility and IVF treatment, the site provides valuable information on pregnancy, fertility and a range of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Good search facility.
Young Carers
http://www.youngcarersnsw.asn.au/
This website is designed to support young carers. It provides the opportunity to access information, share caring ideas and stories; talk to other young carers; and keep up to date on current news and events. Additionally this website has sections for families, schools and professionals. The website also has links to other websites and useful information.


Health services

NSW Department of Health – Health Services
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/services
Provides information on public hospitals, community, family and children's health centres, ambulance stations, and an extensive range of other services including mental health, dental, allied health, public health, Aboriginal health and multicultural health services.


Welfare agencies

Association of Children's Welfare Agencies
http://www.acwa.asn.au
Represents the voice of NSW non-government community service organisations that deliver services to vulnerable children, young people and their families. The website has resources related to families, rights of young people, social work, community information and a range of other areas.
The Salvation Army
http://www.salvos.org.au
Part of The Salvation Army's mission involves meeting human need wherever it occurs – without discrimination. Here you can find information on the Army's services including, aged care, domestic violence, drugs and alcohol, problem gambling, financial troubles, youth issues, children's homes and counselling.
St Vincent de Paul
http://www.vinnies.org.au
This website is a valuable operational tool for the dissemination of information, to encourage and assist research and assist us in advocacy for the poor and the increased numbers of disadvantaged. It includes the services for homelessness, budget counselling, migrants and refugees, home visits and a special section on youth issues. There is a very good links section also.


Parenting groups

Australian Breastfeeding Association
http://www.vinnies.org.au
This group provides support and advice for new parents on breastfeeding, with comprehensive information on every aspect of breastfeeding appearing here. There is also a helpline and forum page for parents.
Playgroup Association of NSW
http://www.playgroupnsw.com.au
Playgroup is an informal session where parents, carers, babies and children aged 0 to school age come together in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Toddler Kindy Gymbaroo
http://www.gymbaroo.com.au
GymbaROO is about parent/carer education. Parents and young children take part in activities that assist the child's development. It provides a fun filled platform for parents and carers to gain greater knowledge of development.


Community groups

Community Relations Commission
http://www.crc.nsw.gov.au
Hosts websites and develops contact with ethnic communities in NSW. Provides information about community events and allows for discussion about community issues. Communities and the government can work closely to strengthen our multicultural society.
Infoxchange Service Seeker NSW
http://www.serviceseeker.com.au
Australia's most extensive electronic health and welfare directory that provides hundreds of thousands of records of agencies and services The online directory and its technological support are regularly upgraded to keep pace with development and to maintain security of data.


Government agencies

Centrelink
http://www.centrelink.gov.au
An Australian Government Statutory Agency, assisting people to become self-sufficient and supporting those in need, both families and individuals.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
http://www.health.gov.au/
Body providing health services, such as ATSI, ageing, men's and women's health, rural health and other related areas.
DADHC: NSW Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care
http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/DADHC.htm
Provides information and services for carers, people with disabilities and older people.


Childcare services

CCC: Community Child Care Association
http://www.cccinc.org.au
An independent non-profit organisation that provides training, resources, advice and advocacy. CCC works to ensure that children and families have access to quality children's services which meet their individual needs.
NCAC: National Childcare Accreditation Council
http://www.ncac.gov.au
Excellent information on requirements of child care centres. Has some useful fact sheets on a variety of topics, such as families and different types of child care facilities.


Carers' support groups

Carers Australia
http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/
Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail. This is the entry point for information and services in each state.



Chapter 8 – Individuals and Work

Websites

ACTU: Australian Council of Trade Unions
http://www.actu.asn.au
In the Campaigns section there is data on rights, OHS and leave, and under Issues there is a useful overview on work and family.
AIRC: Australian Institute of Employment Rights
http://www.aierights.com.au/
An independent body formed by respected professionals engaged as labour rights advocates, employers and their representatives, unions, academics and industrial relations practitioners. The site has useful resourves and a great links page.
CPD: Centre for Policy Development
http://www.cpd.org.au
A public interest think tank dedicated to seeking out creative, viable ideas and innovative research to inject into Australia's policy debates. Can search for the latest ideas and discussion around issues like employment rights, work, family and care, work/life balance and industrial relations.
DEEWR: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations – Fresh Ideas
http://www.deewr.gov.au/WorkplaceRelations/FreshIdeas/Pages/default.aspx
A grants program to support Australian small businesses in implementing practices that help employees balance their work and family obligations as well as improve employee retention and productivity.
Fair Work Australia
http://www.fwa.gov.au/
The national workplace relations tribunal. It is an independent body with power to carry out a range of functions relating to minimum wages and employment conditions, enterprise bargaining, industrial action, dispute resolution, termination of employment and other workplace matters.
Hedrick Smith – Juggling Work and Family
http://hedricksmith.com/PBSDoc/jugglingWorkAndFamily.shtml
Site from a US documentary series and multi-media project; meet the characters (excellent for case studies); videos to watch online (also good for case studies); action guide; tips on managing for employees and working parents; resources for employers.
ILO: International Labour Organisation
http://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm
UN agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of its member states in common action to promote decent work throughout the world. Provides access to statistics and databases, a range of projects, publications and themes.
NSW DPC: NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet
http://www.eeo.nsw.gov.au
Provides useful information on EEO principles and initiatives for women, culturally diverse people, ATSI, people with a disability, mature and young people and carers. Lots of case studies and an esy to navigate site.
Safe Work Australia
http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
An independent statutory agency with primary responsibility to improve occupational health and safety and workers' compensationarrangements across Australia. Has details about OHS legislation and policies.



Chapter 9 – Social Impact of Technology

ABC TV
http://www.abc.net.au/newinventors
Review the inventions from the TV series, view videos and gather information from the resources page.
Greatest Engineering Achievements
http://www.greatachievements.org
This website contains historical information, timelines and essays on twenty major technological developments of the 20th century, such as household appliances, health technologies, computers and the internet.
Information Technology, Science and Society
http://alia.org.au/~rhorton/it/index.html
A good site , with special attention to Module 5 – Social, ethical, moral and legal impacts of Information Technology, Module 6 – Various Views of Technology's Future , and the Factual essay on Privacy vs. Freedom of Information.
IVF Australia
http://www.ivf.com.au/
Lots of current data on the Assisted Reproductive Technologies, through its research and development. Navigate from IVF Australia's difference.
Online Banking for Beginners
http://www.onlinebanking.org.au/
This website is for people who want to learn more about internet banking. It contains easy to understand information about the online banking services offered by Australian banks and financial institutions.
Powerhouse Museum HSC technology support
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/hsc/
Presents case studies in design, technology and cultural diversity including objects and research from the Powerhouse Museum.
Sydney IVF
http://www.sivf.com.au
Australia's leading centre for infertility and IVF treatment, the site provides valuable information on pregnancy, fertility and a range of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Good search facility.
You Tube – Technology case studies
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=technology+case+study&search_type=&aq=f
The link to some excellent short video case studies related to technology, such as assistive technology for people with a disability, interactive whiteboards in use and other applications of technology in education.
CAL: Commonwealth of Australia Law
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/
A low-cost or no-cost access site to the law, maintained by the Australian Attorney-General's Department.
CSA: Child Support Agency
http://www.csa.gov.au
CSA is responsible for administering Australia's Child Support Scheme, supporting separated parents to transfer payments for the benefit of their children. The site contains a parent's guide, a range of factsheets and an online calculator to estimate support payments.
DHA: Department of Health and Ageing
http://www.health.gov.au
The department aims to provide better health and active ageing for all Australians. Provides health services, such as ATSI, ageing, men's and women's health, rural health and other related areas.
DHS: Department of Human Services Portfolio
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/
Consists of a Portfolio of government departments, including the Child Support Agency and CRS Australia, and the Human Services agencies, Centrelink, Medicare Australia and Australian Hearing. He aim is to improve government social and health-related services to all Australians.
FCA: Family Court of Australia
http://www.familycourt.gov.au
Includes access to services, family violence assistance, legal issues information and other related topics.
NCYLW: National Children's Youth and Law Centre
http://www.ncylc.org.au
A community legal centre dedicated to addressing human rights issues for children and young people in Australia through legal change.
NSW Legislation
http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/
The official NSW Government website for online publication of legislation It contains Acts and regulations, explanatory notes, advanced searching and browsing features and guides to legislation.
Victims of Crime
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/victimsservices/ll_voc.nsf/pages/voc_index
This website provides practical information for victims of crime and service providers assisting victims about counselling and support services, police investigations and court processes, obtaining compensation, domestic violence and sexual assault and victims' rights. It includes contact details and links to relevant government and non-government sites.