The findings are revealed in an 18-month study by the Family Commission, which surveyed 10,000 families to find out what support is most important to them (News, 1 April 2009).
The commission, which is led by 4Children, says that families are being ignored when they should be seen as assets. It calls for a family revolution, proposing a new blueprint for family life and an overhaul of services, including Sure Start centres.
Founder of ChildLine Esther Rantzen, who chairs the commission, said, 'With more practical help and support for families, we are convinced we can reduce the number of families in crisis, get more children off to a good start in life, and improve the quality of life in communities. Families can be the foundation stone of the Big Society, but only if they are recognised as an asset and not a burden.'
The inquiry report, Starting a Family Revolution, says that families are worried about their children's future, cuts to vital public services and their family finances. It found that 60 per cent of families said they feared cuts to schools and 24 per cent said they feared cuts to Sure Start centres.
The report, released just days after the child benefit row, says the Government should also introduce a 'family test' to be used when making policy decisions to consider the impact of cuts on them.
Local authorities should also use a 'family test' when planning new housing, local services, open spaces and transport, it says.
The report recommends that children's centres be developed into children and family centres, extending the support they offer to all families with children from pregnancy to 19, rather than the current focus on under-fives.
Antenatal care delivered by children and family centres, or in partnership with them, would 'flow seamlessly into community-based health support after birth to ensure the crucial early months and years provide a sound foundation for life'.
The report proposes introducing a family-friendly kitemark for employers built into the existing Investors in People model, and more flexible childcare, with sessions open at times to fit in with parental employment.
Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, said, 'Politicians talk a lot about the importance of families, but the reality on the ground is very different. These are tough times. Many families have told us they are feeling vulnerable, insecure and anxious about their ability to parent, their children's future and whether they will be able to stay afloat in the future. Taking an axe to the services and support that families need would be short-sighted and damaging. In contrast, supporting families will save money down the line.'
The report says families should be recognised as a crucial resource and money should be spent in a way that supports families and prevents problems reaching crisis point.
Key recommendations include:
- - Every family should have a legal entitlement to a family group conference when concerns are raised about them or the children are at risk, to produce an action plan to help resolve the crisis
- - More family intervention projects to resolve crisis and prevent children being taken into care should be made available to all families whose children are at risk, because they have proved successful and demonstrate significant savings for public money
- - A kinship approach when separation occurs, so extended family members are the first choice when parents cannot look after their children, siblings will be kept together or close by when in care, prisoners' families will be helped to stay in touch and grandparents recognised as a vital resource.
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