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Topic name
The City of Casey agrees with feedback identified by the ABS for the 2021 Census regarding the representation of diverse family structures in Australia, particularly regarding children in shared custody arrangements.
In accordance with the questions asked in the 2016 Census, this may not require an additional question but rather more information to enable a person to select more than one ‘usual’ place of residence, e.g. “For persons who usually live at more than one address, such as living with their other parent/guardian, write the address of the second place of residence.”
Further confirmation can be achieved by matching responses from the second place of residence reporting that a person was away on the night of the Census to support integrity of results.
The City of Casey includes higher than average proportions of young families. The level of divorce/separation is also higher than the State and National averages in this region. A greater understanding of household structures, particularly the propensity of children living in shared custody arrangements, assists in the planning and delivery of local support and relevant services.
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Households and families
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Topics on Households and families
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Household and family relationships
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Assessment Criteria 1
1.
This topic is of current national importance.
National Importance
Assists in understanding that families are no longer the typical ‘nuclear family’ unit. Separation and family breakdowns have been linked to school absenteeism and therefore an overall socio-economic disadvantage for affected children. More robust data on shared custody arrangements can geographically assist the planning and delivery of support services.
Assessment Criteria 2
2.
There is a need for data from a Census of the whole population.
For whole population
This topic is valuable in capturing a national picture on contemporary family units where shared custody arrangements, mixed families and blended families are more common.
Assessment Criteria 3
3.
The topic can be accurately collected in a form which the household completes themselves.
Easy to answer
Collecting information on shared custody arrangements does not require any additional questions. More information and the option to select more than one place of residence is all that is necessary.
Assessment Criteria 4
4.
The topic would be acceptable to Census respondents.
Acceptable
Respondents will require additional information informing them to note more than one usual place of residence due to shared custody arrangement.
Assessment Criteria 5
5.
The topic can be collected efficiently.
Collected efficiently
The additional option of noting more than one usual place of residence for children is an extra point of data that can be compared over time to socio-economic, educational and employment status.
Assessment Criteria 6
6.
There is likely to be a continuing need for data on this topic in the following Census.
Continuing need
As shared custody arrangements for children continue, relevant facilities and early intervention services can be better targeted for those who need it.
Assessment Criteria 7
7.
There are no other alternative data sources or solutions that could meet the topic need.
No alternatives
Studies have been conducted on shared custody arrangements following the 2006 Family Law Reform based on court files at the time. These can be found on the Australian Institute of Family Studies. However, there is no updated data on the number of children currently in a shared custody arrangement.