Parenting on a low income
New report from About Families
The experience of living on a low income and in poverty is almost always negative. It affects adults' and children's lives in many ways, including loss of self-esteem and feelings of powerlessness; damage to present and future health and wellbeing; isolation, restricted opportunities and choices. While most parents living in poverty parent their children well, and show remarkable resilience, parenting under the pressure of financial hardship is extremely challenging.
About Families recently launched its third evidence report, 'Parenting on a low income'. The report summarises issues about poverty and reviews evidence (mostly from the UK and Scotland) about the material and non-material impact of low income on parenting; how parents manage; work and family care; and barriers to work. It also comments on the economic climate, proposed welfare reform and poverty forecasts. Findings from small-scale research with families affected by disability, exploring the impact of disability-related expenditure on family life, are also included.
About Families launched the report at an event for practitioners and policymakers from academia, local authorities, the Scottish Government and third sector agencies. We are now working with several organisations to establish action plans for developing services to support parents and families experiencing financial hardship. A community of practice is exploring how the evidence can inform services supporting parents and families, including those with disabilities.
About Families works with voluntary and public sector agencies to develop evidence-informed services so the changing needs of parents, including families affected by disability, can be met more effectively.
About Families is a partnership between the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships (CRFR), Capability Scotland and Parenting across Scotland, and funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.