This report in question was commissioned under my Department's families research programme and funded by my Department with the support of the Family Support Agency. Last month at the launch of this valuable report, I stated the findings from this research project were a valuable contribution to broadening our understanding of the role of fathers in an ever changing and challenging society. The findings make it clear that we should re-examine our attitudes to some fathers and their role in the family.
The report's findings and recommendations will be considered by all relevant Departments and will be taken into account in the development of the strategy on families, the preparation of which is co-ordinated by my Department. However, the changes affecting families are such that an adequate and effective response in Government policy is difficult to achieve through separate responses in individual policy areas. A strategic process is required that will facilitate the integrated development of policies to support and strengthen families in meeting the challenges they face.
One significant issue that has arisen is the position of fathers in situations of separation and family breakdown and their role, generally, in a changing society. Until recently, the predominant family formation consisted of the father as the breadwinner, with the mother full-time in the caring role. This is changing and, in the view of many commentators, is unlikely to be the norm in the future. More mothers are opting to participate, or continuing to participate, in paid employment, with the opportunities to develop their own careers and achieve financial independence this affords.
The perceived need for fathers to be more directly involved in the rearing of children is also an issue which needs to be considered. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states:
State parties shall use their best efforts to ensure recognition of the principle that both parents have common responsibilities for the upbringing and development of the child.
Until recently, shared parental responsibility for children usually meant the father having the role of sole breadwinner and the mother of sole care giver. One profound social change is the increasing female participation in the workforce, resulting in both parents becoming joint breadwinners. However, the necessary adjustments in attitudes and in practical arrangements have been slower in bringing about more joint care giving. Research and consultation has shown particular difficulties exist in the case of families where the parents are separated.
There is no single solution to this. It raises issues relevant to many policy areas including, employment, income support, child care and related services. The purpose in developing the family strategy is to identify all key issues and to develop an appropriate response to the changes affecting families and family life generally. I intend to bring forward the strategy in the first half of 2005.