Government policies have both positive and negative impacts on New Zealand families. The challenge for policymakers is to anticipate and understand potential impacts. This report recommends methods of family impact analysis to ensure that policies and services achieve good outcomes for individuals, families and society.
This report is the second stage of the Families with Dependent Children – Successful Outcomes project. It combines and discusses results of a literature review, focus groups, and other relevant studies. It presents a cohesive picture of the diverse range of issues important to New Zealand families with dependent children.
Research shows that parent support and development programmes, especially as part of overall strategies to address family concerns, can make a positive difference. This review looks at key parenting programmes in New Zealand and their key issues, provides recommendations, and suggests ways forward.
Longitudinal data is important for research into family functioning and child development. This report summarises the range, quality, and nature of New Zealand longitudinal data available at May 2005, and assesses further research opportunities relevant to families.
Between 2003 and 2004, one in 10 New Zealanders changed their family type. Understanding how and why families change or remain stable is important because of the impact on our government’s policies and family services. This report analyses one year of statistical family changes.
Towards a parental leave policy that gives New Zealand families real choice
All of society benefits when children get the best possible start in life. This report recommends how New Zealand can improve parental leave provisions to give parents real choices in balancing employment and family responsibilities.
This report, prepared by Charles and Kasia Waldegrave for The Families Commission, highlights the critical role of parents and caregivers in the physical development of children's brains.
