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Nuclear Family

Two parents (mother and father) and their biological or adopted children living together in one household.

Blended Family

Formed when two separate families join through remarriage or repartnering, often including children from previous relationships.

Sole Parent Family

One parent living with and caring for their child(ren), due to divorce, separation, death or by choice.

Extended Family

A nuclear family plus other relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) living in the same household or maintaining close, regular contact and support.

Adoptive Family

The legal process where all legal rights and responsibilities are permanently transferred from birth parents to adoptive parents.

Foster Family

Non-biological children placed with individuals or families for an unspecified length of time; legal rights usually remain with the birth parents or the state.

Childless Family

A married or de facto couple with no children, by choice or circumstance.

Communal Living

A group of families or individuals, related or unrelated, living together and sharing resources, responsibilities and living space.

De Facto Relationship

A couple of the same or opposite sex living together in the same household for at least 12 months, in a marriage-like relationship, without being legally married.

Same-Sex Couple

Two people of the same sex in a committed relationship, who may or may not have children through adoption, surrogacy, IVF or previous relationships.

Kinship Care

A care arrangement where the wider family/community network shares responsibility for raising a child.

External Change

Change in the wider community that impacts family functioning; family members do not control the change.

Planned Change

Change that occurs with prior knowledge; decisions have already been made to bring it about.

Unplanned Change

Unexpected change; families/communities cannot prepare for it in advance and the impact is often severe.

Temporary Change

Change that occurs for a limited time; functioning returns to normal once it is over.

Permanent Change

Change that lasts forever; its impact reduces over time as people adapt to the new way of life.

Internal change

Internal

Change that occurs within a group, usually involving a change in family structure; family members generally have some control.

Marriage, divorce, birth of a child, adoption, change of address, death in the family, change in family dynamic/decision-making.

Similar internal changes as families (e.g. changes in group membership or leadership).

Cultural Component

Connection to heritage, customs, and community traditions.

Spiritual Component

Moral values, a sense of purpose, and inner peace.

Factors affecting wellbeing

SPEECS

• Social: Interactions and relationships with other people.

• Physical: Bodily health, fitness, and nutrition.

• Emotional: Feelings, self-worth, and mental stability.

• Economic: Wealth, income, and financial security.

• Cultural: Connection to heritage, customs, and community traditions.

• Spiritual: Moral values, a sense of purpose, and inner peace. [1, 2, 3]

Satisfying Specific Needs (SHESEA)

Need	Description
Safety and Security	A secure place to call home, financial stability, emotional security and a stable household.
Health	Physical and mental health needs, including nutrition, medical care and healthy routines.
Education	Access to schooling and learning opportunities appropriate to each life stage.
Sense of Identity	Feeling a sense of belonging, self-concept and connection to culture/family.
Employment	Access to work or, for children, access to carers so parents can maintain employment.
Adequate Standard of Living	Suitable food, clothing, housing and living conditions.