Access to a 'village' to help raise a child is not equal and family circumstances can make or break the ability to sustain support networks, say UNSW researchers.
A new report from Uniting NSW.ACT , in partnership with the UNSW Social Policy Research Centre , sheds light on the networks that help Australian families raise children - and the barriers that can make building those networks harder.
The Uniting Families Report 'It takes a village to raise a child' investigates how families across Australia rely on extended family, friends, community groups and services to support parenting. Drawing on data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey and in-depth interviews with 28 families, the report paints a nuanced picture of what 'the village' looks like today - and why some families struggle to access it.
"Families don't raise children in isolation," says Dr Megan Blaxland, lead researcher at UNSW's Social Policy Research Centre. "They rely on a web of relationships and supports. Our research aimed to identify barriers to those supports because this has real implications for family wellbeing and for support services."
The researchers found that while most families value and sustain strong support networks, factors like housing instability, financial stress and caregiving responsibilities can limit their ability to connect with others. Families living in private rentals, for example, were less likely to participate in community activities and reported lower levels of belonging.
Key connections shape the village
Grandparents, friends and community are at the heart of the village.
"Extended family remains the cornerstone of support for most families, with over 80% of those surveyed identifying grandparents and other relatives as key helpers. Friends also play a vital role - particularly for sole parents, 58% of whom said their most reliable support came from friendship networks," says lead researcher Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo.
Interview participants spoke warmly of the emotional and cultural benefits of their villages. One First Nations father described how raising his children on Country helped them connect with language and culture. Others highlighted the importance of having trusted adults in their children's lives, from grandparents to teachers and community leaders.
Barriers to connection
Despite the enduring value of the 'village', not all families have equal access to it. The report found that families experiencing financial stress were significantly less likely to engage socially with friends and family outside their household. Only 41% of these families saw friends or relatives weekly, compared to 49% of those with little or no financial stress.
"Housing instability also emerged as a major barrier," says Dr Naidoo. "Living nearby your support network makes a difference, especially with practical support like minding children or sharing a meal. Families forced to move - whether due to affordability or social housing rules - often lost those connections. One in five renters reported low satisfaction with their sense of belonging, and nearly two-thirds said they did not participate in local community activities."
Families caring for someone with a disability or chronic illness also faced challenges. Time pressures, emotional fatigue and limited access to inclusive community options made it harder to build and sustain support networks. Yet these families were just as likely to volunteer and participate in community life, reflecting a strong desire to give back.
Extended family remains the cornerstone of support for most families, with over 80% of those surveyed identifying grandparents and other relatives as key helpers. Friends also play a vital role - particularly for sole parents, 58% of whom said their most reliable support came from friendship networks.
Services that build relationships, not just programs
The report calls for a shift in how services are designed and funded. It argues that frontline workers need time and resources to help families connect with their villages - not just deliver programs focused on individuals.
"Social support is a fundamental enabler of parenting," says Dr Blaxland. "Focusing too closely on individuals while ignoring the lack of support around them risks misdiagnosing the problem - or worse, blaming those who could benefit from additional help."
Recommendations include:
- Investing in community-managed organisations and place-based initiatives, such as playgroups, libraries, community centres, parents' groups and early learning centres.
- Co-locating outreach services in trusted community spaces like libraries and playgroups.
- Addressing the housing crisis with affordable, family-appropriate housing stock.
- Retaining block funding for community organisations to support relational, not just transactional, models of care.
Reciprocity and belonging
One of the most striking findings is that families don't see the village as a one-way street. They value reciprocity - giving as well as receiving support. Many interviewees described helping others in their community, from minding children to offering emotional support and advice.
I'm not just a taker, said one sole parent. "I always give as well. I love to help ... I find that I like helping more."
This sense of mutual care was especially strong among migrant families, who often built new support networks in the absence of nearby extended family. These families were more likely to volunteer and participate in local groups, driven by cultural values of connection and contribution.
Looking ahead
The report concludes with a call to action: to design systems and services that help families build and sustain their own networks of support. That means recognising the diversity of family structures, addressing structural barriers, and investing in community spaces where relationships can flourish.
"We all know the saying 'it takes a village to raise a child', but this research shows that too many villages are out of reach," says Tracey Burton, CEO of Uniting NSW.ACT.
"Stable housing, adequate income and the right services don't just keep families afloat - they allow relationships to grow, and children to be raised with confidence and care. If we want stronger communities, we must invest in the conditions that allow those villages to flourish."
