Isolation in rural, remote and urban communities

In this chapter we consider the role of communities in the support of families and children. To illustrate the importance of community influences, we discuss the benefits of well-functioning and adequate community links, then highlight difficulties encountered by families who are cut off from their communities, or who live in communities that are themselves isolated. We examine links between families and communities, discuss the impact of social change on the extent and form of isolation, and consider what it can mean for children and families to be excluded from community support. We conclude by identifying strategies and examples of innovative, ongoing and effective service models that have been used successfully in the Australian context to combat the negative effects of isolation. The first task, however, is to clarify how we are using the term 'community'.