Family and home

Family

The family is the basic unit of society. It is a group of various ages who are usually related by birth, marriage or adoption.

Functions of the family

One most important function is to provide for the needs of children. These needs include:• Food and drink• Care and training• Shelter• Secure environment in which they can

develop into adults• Warmth and clothing

• Love and companionship• Boundaries for behaviour• Protection and support• Encouragement with their education

Family ties

The members of the family usually feel they have a special relationship with each other based on some or all of the following:• Blood – knowing that they have the same

ancestors• Affection• Duty – due to a traditional sense of obligation• Shared experiences • Common interests.

Family Structures in Australia

Nuclear families

• Consists of two parents and their biological children.

One-parent Families.

• Single or sole-parent family.• Consists of one parent with a child or children.

Blended families

• Combination of biological children and stepchildren living with parents

• Formed when two sole-parents or a sole-parent and a partner unite

Extended families

• A large family group that include grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins.

• Live close together, sometimes in the same household.

• The traditional pattern of family life in many cultures.

Childless families

• Two adult partners with no children• Formed by choice, or due to infertility, or the

death of a child or children

Fostering/adopting

• Couple with children entrusted to their care but not their biological offspring.

• Foster families are temporary (days or years)• Adoptive families are permanent

Same-sex couples

• Two adult partners of the same sex, with or without children, who share an interpersonal relationship and resources.