Family Matters

Family Matters is a report on the major changes in family life that have taken place in Britain over the past 30 years. It was commissioned by the Parliamentary 'Family and Child Protection Group' as a report to the then Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP.

The report is based upon a comprehensive review of recent research on the family in Britain. It covers all the major studies carried out since 1990 on various aspects of family life. It draws these studies together presenting a holistic picture.

It notes the basic statistics relating to marriage, divorce, cohabitation, lone-parents, step-families, births outside marriage and the development of different family types. A more detailed analysis of research findings is presented in relation to the effects upon children of these changes in family life. This is the main thrust of the report.

All the research findings point to the conclusion that up to half the nation's children are suffering from the effects of a home life disrupted by the disputes of their parents. Research shows that children from broken homes suffer a variety of social disadvantages including lower levels of education and low status employment. They are more likely to be unemployed and to be involved in crime.

Children in families where their parents are married to each other have the best life-chances. It is also the safest environment. A Child whose mother is living with a boyfriend is 33 times more likely to be exposed to physical or ual abuse than if he or she is in a two-parent married family.

The report reviews the Government Green Paper Meeting the Child Care Challenge outlining the 'Welfare to Work' policy and the proposal to encourage mothers of infants to come off welfare and find employment. The implications of this policy are reviewed as research shows the damaging effects of full-time day nursery child care which often results in insecure infant attachment and psychological damage.

Looking to the future the report shows the alarming social and economic consequences of present trends and the widespread disorder and breakdown of the social structure likely to occur if family life continues to fragment. It urges co-operation between statutory and voluntary agencies with Government support for strengthening the family and encouraging life-long commitment in marriage as the only way to promote the health, happiness and welfare of the nation.