Media release

02 September 2010

Put the children first in child support scheme

The Families Commission says putting the needs of children first will help create a more equitable, flexible and effective child support system.

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne is releasing a discussion document on possible changes to the child support scheme today (Thursday 2 September 2010). The Families Commission says the review is an opportunity to put the needs of children at the centre; and to support changes that help couples maintain their parenting relationship during and following separation.

"Research undertaken by the Families Commission shows that separating couples who are able to cooperate on parenting and put their children's needs first, are more satisfied with their care and financial arrangements than those who have arrangements imposed on them by the court or the current child support system " says Chief Families Commissioner Carl Davidson. "More importantly, outcomes for children are much better when a cooperative parenting relationship is maintained."

New Zealand census data shows that 21% of households with dependant children are single-parent families, and one in four children live in a sole-parent family at some point in their lives. The Commission says this makes it imperative that separated couples are supported to continue to parent together.

"The Commission believes there are a number of ways the Child Support system could be changed to encourage cooperative parenting and improve outcomes for children," Mr Davidson says. "For instance, child support could be paid directly to the receiving parent. Overseas experience shows that where the liable parent sees the money going directly to their children, rather than into a government department, they tend to be more involved with their children and payment compliance improves."

Mr Davidson says the Commission's research also suggests that the system would be improved if it were more flexible, taking into account whether both parents provide such needs as housing, transport, food and clothing (common in shared custody agreements). The system would also be perceived to be more fair if the needs and costs of raising a child, and the changing circumstances and incomes of both parents, were included in payment calculations. When people believe the system to be fair, payment compliance can be improved.

The Commission also wants to see improved information and support services to help separating couples with their parenting relationship.

"Our research shows that parents tend not to use formal support services for advice and information. Instead they often rely on family, friends, professionals close to them such as their GP or lawyer, or community organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureaux. We believe a strategy is required to ensure information supporting cooperative parenting gets to separating couples in as many ways and places as possible.

"Our focus must be on ways to put the child first. Encouraging the continuation of shared parenting should be a priority," says Mr Davidson.

ends

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