Child care and children's welfare resources on the Internet

These are links on to government and non-government organisations, including industry associations involved directly or indirectly in child care and the welfare of children in Australia. In many cases they publish reports, research and newsletters and industry events on their sites, documents are frequently located in the "Publications" or "Research" sections.

The information is suitable for all students, however, those in cerificate 3, 4 and diploma programs may find many of the research and policy documents especially useful. If have any questions ask your teacher or contact the library. Please note the links are current as of 12/2/2009 and that the list is not comprehensive.

Child Care New South Wales (http://www.childcarensw.com.au/ccnsw/): "Previously there were two child care associations responsible for the private child care sector: The Association of Child Care Centres of NSW and the Quality Child Care Association of NSW. The 1st of July 2003 saw the Amalgamation of those two Associations to form "Child Care New South Wales" One strong voice for Private Child Care!" - CCNSW website (accessed 12/12/2009).

Children and Youth (in Themes listed under People), Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (http://www.abs.gov.au/) "This theme page provides a guide to both ABS and non-ABS data, identifying the wide range of information available on children and youth. A number of links are provided to publications and Feature articles, many of which can be accessed online, free of charge." - ABS website (accessed 12/2/2009).

Department of Community Services (DOCS NSW) (http://www.community.nsw.gov.au/): NSW Government department with responsibility for the welfare of children in New South Wales; the Reports & other publications section of the site lists a number of documents which may be of use.

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (main child care page) (http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/early_childhood/default2.htm): Commonwealth government department site providing information to parents, carers and others on child care benefits, news and services.

Eary Childhood Australia, Inc. (http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/): "Early Childhood Australia will advocate to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years." - ECA mission statement, ECA website (accessed 12/2/2009).

Growing up in Australia: the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (http://www.aifs.gov.au/growingup/): "is the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children initiated and funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs as part of its Stronger Families and Communities Strategy. The study aims to examine the impact of Australia's unique social and cultural environment on the next generation and will further understanding of early childhood development, inform social policy debate, and be used to identify opportunities for early intervention and prevention strategies in policy areas concerning children." - study website (accessed 12/2/2009).

National Child Protection Clearinghouse (http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/): A unit within the Australian Insitute of Family Studies which is "an information, advisory and research unit focused on child abuse prevention, child protection and out-of-home care." - AIFS website (accessed 12/2/2009).

National Childcare Accredition Council, Inc. (http://www.ncac.gov.au/): This is the Australian government body regulating the Australian child care industry. It defines it's mission as "To set standards to improve the quality of child care and accredit services that meet the standards " - NCAC website (accessed 12/2/2009).

NSW child care law and regulations (http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/scanact/inforce/NONE/0): This is the official NSW Government website for legislation and regulations. Its is divided into several several categories and then arranged alphabetically; for example, to find the Children's Services Regulation 2004 look under C in Regulations and read down the list and click on the title of the regulation to dispaly it.

NSW Commission for Children & Young People (http://www.kids.nsw.gov.au/index.cfm): "The Commission is an independent organisation that works with others to make NSW a better place for children and young people. The Commission reports directly to the NSW Parliament, and the Committee on Children and Young People oversees our work." - Commission website (accessed, 13/2/2009).

NSW Family Day Care Association, Inc. (http://nswfdc.org.au/): The aim of the Association is "To promote and support all aspects Family Day Care in the Community." - NSWFDCA website (accessed 12/2/2009).