This publication is an edited record of a series of public seminars held between June and October of 1983. The seminars, entitled "Community Based Services for Children and Families," were based on two policy background papers commissioned by the Institute of Family Studies (ISF) on the topics of family support and children's services. The book is divided into two sections: the first section includes five commissioned papers and reports of the Institute's research. Topics covered include issues confronting the localization of services to children and families; social support and access to resources in an Australian community; and case studies of families' access to and use of support networks. Section 2 contains the papers given by politicians, government officers, and community representatives which are relevant to six states throughout Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin). Topics cover a broad range of perspectives on local concerns and approaches to community based services, social problems, and policy formation for children and families. Emphasis is placed on policies and services currently implemented in each locality. (DST)