Supporting the Independence of Low-Income Single-Mother Families

<p>This report investigates systems that provide support to maintain the independence or self-sufficiency of low-income single-mother families. It pays special attention to the provision of support for employment and for securing childcare for families receiving public assistance as well as for those not receiving such assistance. An important objective of the paper is to describe clearly the distinctive situations regarding employment and childcare support for women leading single-mother families. Which families receive this support ? If they do receive support, what kind of assistance is it ? We identify four mutually related pillars of support for family independence, with childcare support and public assistance being especially important.</p> <p>A precondition for independence is not just employment support but also easing of the childcare burden. Once the foundation for livelihood security, including reliable childcare, is established, the next step in assuring a proper livelihood is receiving assistance in gaining qualifications necessary to advance one’s career.</p> <p>It is important to recognize that it is difficult for mothers to make long-term career plans unless they are able to ensure basic livelihood needs for themselves and their children. In this regard, it is also essential to maintain crucial social support functions such as the provision of consultation services oriented to family needs.</p>