The Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey (VCHWS) collects valuable information about the health and wellbeing of children living in Victoria. Issues covered by the survey include:
- child health
- growth
- asthma
- nutrition
- oral health
- reading
- injury
- child behaviour
- family functioning
- parental health
- parental mental health
- health in pregnancy.
The Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey was conducted for the sixth time in 2019. Previous surveys were conducted in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2019.
Latest summary findings
The 2021 Victorian child health and wellbeing survey summary findings (DOCX, 2.58MB) have now been released.
Who completes the survey
Victorian residents aged over 18 years who are the parent or carer for a child aged from birth up to and including 12 years of age. Participants are randomly selected and invited to participate in a telephone interview.
In addition to the Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey, we are also conducting a short survey with parents and carers of children aged 13 to 18 years about their opinions of the Victorian school system.
How it works
The Social Research Centre has been contracted to conduct the Victorian Child Health and Wellbeing Survey on behalf of the Department of Education and Training. The survey collection period is from July to September.
Participate in the survey
Participation is entirely voluntary. However, in order for us to collect accurate information, it is important that as many families as possible participate in this study.
Participants do not have to answer any question if they feel uncomfortable doing so. The interview will take approximately twenty minutes and arrangements can be made for participation at a convenient time.
All information collected is treated in strict confidence. Personal details will be deleted at the end of the interview and will not be passed onto any other agency. The information provided will be used for planning purposes only.
Survey data - how we use the findings
The information collected in this study will be used by us and other government planners to improve the delivery and quality of services and initiatives for children in Victoria.
Some findings from the survey will be published online, including in the annual State of Victoria’s Children reports (an outcomes-focused analysis on how Victorian Children and Young People are faring).
Previous survey results
The State of Victoria’s children annual reports presents data from previous surveys.
Historical findings and background information are also available in the following documents:
Updated