The child development field is changing all the time, and with each edition Children Families and Communities has endeavoured to reflect contemporary thinking, current theory and research, as well as the most topical issues. The editors also flag the issues that they see as important to moving the field forward, such as the importance of child voice and participation in decision making relating to research, policy and practice.

This fifth edition is focused on child development within the Australian context and the factors that influence childrens development. These include the effects of ability, ethnicity, family, school, neighbourhood (including rural, urban and remote communities) and state interventions and policies. The structure continues to reflect the contextual layers described in Bronfenbrenners bioecological model. All of the individual chapters have been reconceptualised and rewritten to reflect current
research evidence and theory development.

The book benefits from the contributions of experts with child development backgrounds alongside those who think about childhood within the disciplinary frames of sociology, history, social work, education, health, and law. The authors bring exceptional academic, policy, and practical experience.