CAFS Notes

Resource Description

CAFS Notes

Abstract from “sole Parents” Section

 

SOLE PARENTS

• a person who raises a child without a partner.
• reasons- death, separation/divorce, choice to parent alone.
• some sole parents are in the role due to their partner’s occupation EG members of the defence force, people who work in remote mining communities and on oil rigs, will leave their partner in a temporary sole parent status.
• other reasons include the partner having a mental or physical condition which prevents a role to be taken in parenting without endangering the child or if the partner has a jail sentence.

Three specific needs;

Financial support

• needed as there is only one income
• can come through Baby Bonus, Parenting payments and Family Tax Benefits.
• Childcare rebates decrease the cost of childcare.
• other supports can come through the Child Support Agency which can direct payments from a former partner’s wages to a custodial parent.
• Informal support from other family members may also be available.

Health

• many sole parents are raising a child with a disability or an illness.
• A health care card issued by the Federal Government reduces health costs.
• Community groups such as Rotary and Lions Clubs may help a sole parent to modify the house for a disabled child or provide funding for specialised equipment.
• the emotional and physical toll of the relationship breakdown can lead to a negative health status of the sole parent.

Employment

• find employment difficult to access if the supports of childcare and family/friends are not readily available.
• however in the long run, it is better to have an income from a paid job rather than be reliant on welfare. This is because of improved income and the opportunity to be a role model for the child.
• Government policy requires sole parents to undertake work once their child turns six years of age.
• Sole parents need a job with flexible working patterns.