Today we bid farewell to our Counselling Manager, Marguerite McCarthy, who is retiring after seventeen years with One Family.

Marguerite, sometimes described as a quiet subversive; pioneered unplanned pregnancy and post-abortion counselling with her predecessor Sherie de Burgh, supporting thousands of women, men and children throughout her career. She leaves in place a dedicated, professional, and capable team to support service users into the future. The staff, board and service users of One Family want to thank Marguerite for her work, guidance and friendship and we wish her a long and happy retirement. Thank you

Ahead of the Oireachtas debate on the motion to establish a Joint Committee on Gender Equality today (9th November 2021), civil society organisations have welcomed the setting up of this Committee and called on it to implement the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality in full, prioritising a referendum to make the recommended Constitutional changes in relation to non- discrimination (Art. 40), the value of care (Art. 41.2. on ‘woman in the home’) and Article 41.3 on the Constitutional definition of the family.

The recommendations by the Citizens Assembly are ground-breaking and send a strong and clear signal to Government and all decision makers that gender equality needs to be at the centre of our Constitution, our legislation and our policies.

These recommendations come after long campaigns by civil society organisations to reform our constitution to reflect a modern Ireland with the value of equality at its centre.

Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council (NWC) said,

“We welcome and support the establishment of the Committee to discuss how we can best implement the comprehensive recommendations by the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality. In particular, we call on the Committee to prioritise the necessary changes to our Constitution on women, the value of care and care work and on the definition of the family.

In line with the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly, we urgently need to replace the sexist and outdated wording of Art. 41.2 of our Constitution and replace it with wording that recognises the value of care within the home and the wider community.”

Karen Kiernan, One Family said,

“The establishment of this Committee on Gender Equality is very welcome to drive forward the implementation of the wide-ranging recommendations by the Citizens Assembly. The recommendation to recognise all forms of families in our Constitution, not only families based on marriage, will finally recognise the diversity of family life in Ireland and particularly provide status and recognition to one parent families.”

Organisations supporting this call include the National Women’s Council (NWC), One Family, Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL), Children’s Rights Alliance, Treoir, Family Carers Ireland and Care Alliance Ireland.

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For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, NWC, Tel. 085 858 9104.

Notes to Editor:

Full report on the recommendation of the Citizens Assembly

Recommendations in relation to the Constitution are:

Insert a new clause into Article 40 to refer explicitly to gender equality and non-discrimination.
Delete and replace the text of Article 41.2 (woman in the home) with language that is not gender specific and obliges the State to take reasonable measures to support care within the home and wider community.
Amend Article 41 so that it would protect private and family life, with the protection afforded to the family not limited to the marital family.

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Piecemeal budget fails to deliver for Ireland’s poorest families

Welcome moves as some inequalities for one-parent families removed while others are compounded

 

Press Release – One Family react to Budget 2022

October 12, 2021

Budget 2022 contained many measures to be welcomed but ultimately failed to deliver for Ireland’s poorest families. National statistics and numerous Government and independent reports have proven the link between one-parent families and poverty. This budget should have used the evidence and focussed on targeted measures to support the poorest families and loosen poverty’s grip on children. Instead, what we got was a giveaway budget that focused on headlines rather than solutions.

Karen Kiernan CEO of One Family said, “We welcome the measures such as the €10 increase in the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) for each qualifying child and we especially welcome that the income threshold for single parent households is now the same as that of two parent households; this is something we have campaigned for. The €5 increase in weekly social welfare payments and the paying of 100% of the Christmas bonus for social welfare will be welcome for families. While on the Carers Allowance, the income disregard increases for single carers and lone parents is to be welcomed too. We have huge concerns though, about the lack of supports for one-parent families in the rental sector while private landlords are supported, we see no help for these families. The investment in childcare is a welcome step on the road to a fully publicly funded system, but it’s imperative the additional funding makes access easier for low-income families.”

Niamh Kelly, One Family Policy Manager said, “We welcome some inequalities for one-parent families being removed such as changes to the BSCFA but we are concerned with others being compounded in this Budget such as with Parents Benefit. While an increase is welcome, one-parent families are still only entitled to half the leave of two-parent families. We can understand the difficulties of dealing with historical inequalities in an antiquated system, but this is an inequality that is newly introduced. We are also sceptical about the Fuel Allowance increase. The increase of €5 is below the basic rate of fuel/energy inflation. We would have preferred to see the payment period increase to 32 weeks to support families. Overall, this is a piecemeal budget that leaves many families in the cold.”

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Note to editors:

About One Family:

Statistics on one-parent families:

Source: Census 2016

For further information visit: https://onefamily.ie/

Available for Interview

Niamh Kelly | Policy Manager

Further Information/Scheduling

Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 085 7241294
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In 2020 there was a 20% increase in demand for One Family’s services for lone parent and separating families including 17% increase in demand for Parenting during Separation courses

 

Press Release

Ireland is facing a tsunami of separation and divorce following the pandemic and family law and support services are not prepared according to One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating. The charity, commenting at the launch of its Annual Review for 2020, said demand for its specialised family support services dramatically increased in 2020 with a 20% rise in client services and a 17% increase in demand for its parenting during separation courses.

One Family CEO, Karen Kiernan said, “For many separated families the pandemic and lockdowns acted as a pressure cooker exasperating old grievances and increasing conflict. There was a huge increase in calls from parents in distress (68% increase in calls to the askonefamily helpline in Q2 2020 compared with the same period in 2019) as issues of relationship breakdown, access, guardianship and child maintenance coincided with reduced access to courts services; leading to increased conflict and mental distress. We worked to support parents and we provided information guides, advocated on behalf of parents, and brought all our services on-line affectively bringing our services to every county. But this demand for services, particularly our mediation and Tusla funded Separating Well for Children service, has meant services are now extremely stressed and we are worried about a future surge as families struggle with family breakdown.”

Geraldine Kelly, One Family Director of Parenting Services said, “What we found is that support services are there in local communities if you have a parenting issue or if you are separating amicably but if there is conflict, or legal issues, which is often the case, specialist services are very hard to find.  Currently, we are receiving calls from support services across the country looking to refer families to us and we are trying to accommodate them. But we have limited resources and demand is so high. This leaves many families in crisis waiting longer than we would like. At the moment, we have with a six-month waiting list for Separating Well for Children and eighteen-month wait for counselling services; when your family is in crisis this is a long-time. Any delay can increase the level of conflict in the family and impact greatly on the wellbeing of children and parents.”

One Family CEO, Karen Kiernan said, “We need to see a commitment from Government to provide funding in local communities for separating families, people sharing parenting and particularly for those in conflict. There is a tsunami approaching which will have a knock-on effect on children and families unless we prepare now.”

 

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For Editors:

One Family was founded in 1972 as Cherish and is Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families and people sharing parenting or separating, offering support, information and services to all members of all one-parent families, to those sharing parenting, to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and to professionals working with one-parent families. Children are at the centre of One Family’s work and the organisation helps all the adults in their lives, including mums, dads, grandparents, step-parents, new partners and other siblings, offering a holistic model of specialist family support services.

These services include the lo-call askonefamily national helpline on 0818 66 22 12, counselling, and provision of training courses for parents and for professionals. For further information, visit www.onefamily.ie. The askonefamily helpline can be contacted on 0818 66 22 12 or 01-6629212.

Link to One Family Annual Review:

Two case studies of how One Family supported families during the pandemic:

For further information visit: https://onefamily.ie/

Available for Interview

Karen Kiernan, CEO | t: 086 850 9191

Further Information/Scheduling

Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 085 7241294

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Press statement

Tuesday 14, 2021
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One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating have reacted to today’s Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission/ERSI report on adequate housing by saying they are shocked but not surprised by findings that less than 25 per cent of lone parents reported home-ownership, compared with 70 per cent of total population. The report also found that lone parents had higher rates of affordability issues (19 per cent) when compared to the general population (5 per cent) and were particularly vulnerable to housing quality problems such as damp and lack of central heating (32 per cent compared to 22 per cent of total population).
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Karen Kiernan, One Family CEO, said “Unfortunately we are not surprised by the findings of today’s report. Through our services we are hearing reports daily of parents living in substandard accommodation, being blocked from work due to HAP restrictions and waiting months on emergency accommodation. We are calling on the Government to urgently develop a family homelessness strategy, which includes targeted measures for one-parent families. We were disappointed that no provision for such a strategy was made in the Government’s Housing For All Strategy; this was a missed opportunity. What this report makes clears is Government must act now to protect children in one-parent families. Yet again we are asking them to use the evidence in-front of them.
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We agree with the UN Rapporteur Balakrishnan Rajagopal that the treatment of one-parent families in Ireland raises serious questions for the Irish Government and that they must act now. Thousands of children are spending their childhoods growing up in emergency accommodation – most of them living with one parent. We don’t want this to be the Mother& Baby Home scandal of the future – we must prioritise those most in need for housing and the Government must act now as the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing has said.”

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For Editors:

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One Family was founded in 1972 as Cherish and is Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families and people sharing parenting or separating, offering support, information and services to all members of all one-parent families, to those sharing parenting, to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and to professionals working with one-parent families. Children are at the centre of One Family’s work and the organisation helps all the adults in their lives, including mums, dads, grandparents, step-parents, new partners and other siblings, offering a holistic model of specialist family support services.
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Available for Interview:

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Karen Kiernan, CEO | t: 01 662 9212 or 086 850 9191
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Niamh Kelly, Policy Manager | t: 01 662 9212
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Further Information/Scheduling

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Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 01 622 9212 or 085 724 1294
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One Family is inviting people who are parenting alone, sharing parenting or separating to participate a focus group on the organisation’s strategy 2022-2025.  We are asking parent to share their thoughts about the services and policy areas we should be focused on for the next three years.  The focus group will take place online and will take approximately an hour and a half.
Focus group takes place on:
• Thursday, 9 September 10.30am
If you have any questions and/or are interested in taking part, please email: policy@onefamily.ie

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23 June 2021 
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The CSO’s Pulse Survey May-June 2021 – Life at Home: Snapshot of Results shows hardship and discrimination continue for lone parents. Survey results show 68% of lone parents saying they are often under financial pressure while 41%* reported feeling lonely all or most of the time. While 48% of lone parents said they often experience judgemental attitudes or exclusion as a lone parent.
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Karen Kiernan CEO of One Family said, “Unfortunately these statistics aren’t news for us. In our work with parents, we see the barriers that are put in place for parents every day from housing, education, and social welfare to access to vaccination centres. It seems our society is designed for two-parent families and anyone outside of this is excluded.”
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“What is deeply saddening is that in the year of the publication the Mother and Baby Home Commission Report and the horrors that it revealed, 48% of lone parents still report they often experience judgemental attitudes or exclusion as a lone parent. Government needs to use the evidence in front of it to improve the lives of lone parents and their children in Budget 2022. They also need to change Article 41.3 of the Constitution on the definition of the family so that all families feel included in our society so any notion of stigma or shame is ended.”
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*Due to a CSO processing error, the loneliness figure was originally reported as 59% this has now been corrected to 41%. Link here.
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For Editors

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One Family was founded in 1972 as Cherish and is Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families and people sharing parenting or separating, offering support, information and services to all members of all one-parent families, to those sharing parenting, to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and to professionals working with one-parent families. Children are at the centre of One Family’s work and the organisation helps all the adults in their lives, including mums, dads, grandparents, step-parents, new partners and other siblings, offering a holistic model of specialist family support services.
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For Interview:

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Karen Kiernan, CEO | t: 086 850 9191
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Further Information/Scheduling:

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Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 085 724 1294
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Education is the key to unlocking quality employment opportunities for people parenting alone and sharing parenting, which has a crucial part to play in breaking cycles of disadvantage and poverty. One Family’s policy team has made a submission to the Higher Education Authority on the National Equity of Access Plan for Higher Education. To read our submission click here:

Children’s rights should guide family law reform.

Courts should be last resort for separating families, where there are no safety concerns.

 

Wednesday 2 June 2021

A webinar on family law reform has been told children’s rights should guide family law reform. The Building a Family Law System for Children webinar hosted by One Family, heard from national and international experts with panellists from the Department of Justice, Courts Service, academia from the UK and Ireland and a High Court Judge from Northern Ireland.

Dr Jan Ewing of the University of Exeter’s Law School and member of the Family Solutions Group which authored the report “What about me?”) said, “Ireland has the opportunity to learn from the experience and mistakes of England and Wales to create a world-class family law system centred on the rights, needs and safety of the child. Where there are safety issues, these must be prioritised and accessible, affordable access to legal advice and the Family Court are needed. However, in the absence of safety or other welfare concerns, court should be a last resort for parenting disputes. Instead, parents need access to information, advice and well-signposted support to help them to look beyond their relationship issues and toward the rights and needs of their child and the child’s right to have a relationship with both parents.”

Dr Stephanie Holt from Trinity College Dublin said, “In domestic violence the perpetrator targets the whole family. However, our family law system focuses on the perpetrator and immediate victim, failing to understand what it is like to be a child and live with domestic violence and abuse. In reforming family law we must challenge the myth that it is possible to be an abusive partner and a good father; this is simply is not true. Doing so however involves prioritising children’s voice and children’s rights and ensuring mechanisms are in place so the voice of the child is understood at every step of the process.”

Karen Kiernan CEO of One Family said, “We know from our work with families that they are often traumatised from going through the adversarial family courts and this can cause long-lasting damage to children. We strongly advocate for a Family Law Service Model to be developed alongside the new legislation to provide assessments, safety and family supports to families before and during court. When families separate or have issues that need to be agreed, the first responder shouldn’t be a solicitor – instead child-focussed, affordable supports should be available locally”.

Emer Darcy, Head of Family Law Reform, The Courts Service said, “The Courts Service is looking forward to continuing to collaborate with One Family as we progress with our Modernisation Programme to deliver better outcomes for all our users including children and families.”

About One Family:

One Family is Ireland’s organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating, offering support, information and services to all members of all one-parent families, to those sharing parenting, to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and to professionals working with one-parent families. Children are at the centre of One Family’s work and the organisation helps all the adults in their lives, including mums, dads, grandparents, step-parents, new partners and other siblings, offering a holistic model of specialist family support services.

These services include the askonefamily national helpline on 01-662 9212, counselling, and provision of training courses for parents and for professionals.

For further information visit: www.onefamily.ie.

Services such as our Tusla-funded, Separating Well for Children project show the depth of demand that exists from people going through the private family law system. This project deescalates the conflict within the family using mediation, parenting support as well as creative therapies for children, allowing parents to put aside their own grievances and focus on the welfare of their children.

Available for Interview

Karen Kiernan, CEO | t: 01 662 9212 or 086 850 9191

Further Information/Scheduling

Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 01 622 9212 or 085 7241294

 

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Saturday, 15 May
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To mark UN International Day of Families, One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating is calling for Article 41.3 of the Constitution on the definition of the family to be changed. The call comes following the publication of the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality and the publishing of the Mother and Baby Home Commission Report.
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One Family/Cherish founder Maura O’Dea Richards said, “As a so-called ‘unmarried mother’ in 1970s Ireland, I felt the full weight of the Constitution on my shoulders as I struggled to raise my child alone against a system that sought to constrain us.  I repeatedly saw women with no choice, who were forced to put their children up for adoption, go into Mother & Baby Homes or become homeless and outcast.
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This is why I founded Ireland’s first organisation for single parents, to change how Ireland treats it most vulnerable citizens.  Now, while Article 41.3 of the Constitution has little practical impact on the lives of families – I believe it is a symbol. A symbol of discrimination and isolation. It tells families they are ‘other’ they are outside our community and society. This must end, all families are entitled to respect and protection. Discrimination against families who are not married must end.  Never again will they be isolated and incarcerated. Never again will they be stigmatised and shamed. We need to tell the thousands of women and their children who were imprisoned in homes and adopted against their will that we see and acknowledge their pain and this will never happen again. We need to change Article 41.3 now.”
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One Family CEO Karen Kiernan said, “The recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality to “Amend article 41 so that it would protect private and family life, with the protection afforded to the family not limited to the marital family” provides a clear pathway for our political representatives and we are asking Government to set a date for a Constitutional Referendum on Article 41.3.  We are today calling on parents, other NGOs and public representative to support our call on social media on Saturday 15 May using the hashtag #WeAreFamily & #FamilyDay to make Ireland a better place for all families.”
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For Editors:

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One Family was founded in 1972 as Cherish and is Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families and people sharing parenting or separating, offering support, information and services to all members of all one-parent families, to those sharing parenting, to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and to professionals working with one-parent families. Children are at the centre of One Family’s work and the organisation helps all the adults in their lives, including mums, dads, grandparents, step-parents, new partners and other siblings, offering a holistic model of specialist family support services.

For further information click here:
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For Interview:

Karen Kiernan, CEO | t: 086 850 9191

Further Information/Scheduling:

Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 085 7241294
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One year on from our first webinar focused on Family Law Reform in Ireland , Building a Family Law System for Families, One Family want to focus attention on the most vulnerable court users – children in our on-line conference Building a Family Law System for Children on Wednesday, 2 June 2021, from 3pm-5pm.
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The conference will be hosted by Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and will include a distinguished panel of national and international experts from the Department of Justice, Irish Court Service, Trinity College Dublin and the UK. Panellists will examine current Irish Family Law Reform plans and what the Irish system can learn from developments in other jurisdictions.
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Responding to the announcement of the results of the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality One Family, Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating, hailed the Citizens recommendations as transformational. It urged Government to act swiftly and set out a timetable for when the recommendations would be implemented.
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Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family said,

“The recommendations from the Citizens have the potential, if implemented, to transform the lives of one-parent families and end decades of discrimination and stigmatisation for families where parents are not married. We particularly welcome the call to address the definition of the family in the Constitution, a call we made in our submission to the Assembly. One Family has campaigned for this change for nearly 50 years and, if implemented, it will give non-marital families equal protection under the Constitution.”
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“Article 41 of our Constitution has had a defining role in some of the most shameful chapters of the State’s history, facilitating the treatment of unmarried mothers and their children in various institutions.  A progressive review of Article 41, bringing it in line with the European Convention of Human Rights, would not only give all families equal protection but also give symbolic reparation to the thousands of unmarried mothers and their children mistreated in Ireland since the foundation of the State.”
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We also welcome the call for changes to how children are cared for in Ireland, including; paid parental leave for the first year of life for all children and the introduction of a publicly funded, accessible and regulated model of quality of childcare together with an increase in State spending on childcare from its current level of 0.37 per cent of GDP to at least 1 per cent, in line with international best practice.  One Family has long been calling for these changes, which will have a profoundly positive effect on the lives of lone parents and their children.
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Other positive recommendations from the Citizen’s Assembly include the call to move from system of minimum wage to a guaranteed living wage, ensuring social welfare payments support an adequate standard of living and addressing the specific needs of lone parents who are in receipt of social welfare payments with respect to education, employment and child care services.
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We now call on the Government to set out a clear roadmap to implement the recommendations and call with others for a Constitutional referendum in 2022.

Read more about the Citizen’s Assembly on gender equality here.
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One Family have made a submission to the  review of the Student Grant Scheme – SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).  To read the submission including One Family’s recommendations for changes to the SUSI grant to improve access and administration of the scheme for one-parent families click here.

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To celebrate Single Parents Day, 21 March 2021, we will be running a campaign to celebrate everything that is brilliant about being a single parent and we’re looking for parents to share the positive things about parenting alone.

We will turn as many quotes as we can into graphics, with your quote, your first name and the town/city you live and share them on social media in the run up to Single Parents Day.

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One Family, today launched 5 new, low-cost, on-line e-learning parenting courses.  The new e-courses, which are on the organisations new e-learning platform, can be completed in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace and are specially designed for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and parenting post separation (separating). To view courses click here.
One Family’s Director of Parenting Services, Geraldine Kelly said, ” It’s so exciting to have these courses available to parents to complete in the comfort of their own homes and at their own pace. We know how much pressure parents are under especially with the schools still off and we hope the courses will support parents to overcome some of the challenges of parenting during lockdown and parenting through separation. While the courses are self-directed, we are still here for parents if they need further support.”
The e-courses are self-directed and include built in tutorials from One Family parenting staff. Courses include:
  • Parenting Through Stressful Times
  • The Skill of Clear & Direct Communication
  • Positive Parenting – For Changing Families
  • Family Communications – Coping With Family Life and Teens
  • Family Communications – Parenting When Separate
To view courses click here.

One Family, today, made a submission today to the Family Justice Oversight Group Consultation in  the Department of Justice in relation to Family Law Reform. To read the submission please click here.

 

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Submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice in relation to the General Scheme of the Family Court Bill

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– February 2021
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One Family have today made a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice in relation to the General Scheme of the Family Court Bill.  To read our submission click here.
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One Family this week made two submission to the Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration in relation to the General Scheme of the Parent’s Leave and Benefit (Amendment) Bill.

The first submission was on behalf of One Family, that submission can be read here and the second was a joint submission with other NGOs (Barnardos , Children’s Rights Alliance , FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) , Focus Ireland , National Women’s Council , One Family , Society of St Vincent de Paul , SPARK and Treoir) as part of the National One-Parent Family Alliance, that submission can be read here.

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One Family issue a statement in reaction to the Mother and Baby Home Commission’s Report

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18 January 2021
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One Family, Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families, today issued a statement on  the report of the Mother and Baby Home Commission. In the statement One Family said  they were shocked at the cruelties outlined in the report’s findings but not surprised given their years of work with mothers and families who have experienced unplanned pregnancy. To read the statement in full click here.
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One Family called for a number of actions in response to the report including:

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2nd Annual Sherie de Burgh Commemorative Event

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We are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Sherie de Burgh Commemorative Event in memory of our friend and former colleague Sherie de Burgh. On Monday 15 February 2021, her fourth anniversary,  One Family in partnership with Dr Catherine Conlon, School of Social Work and Social Policy, TCD will host an online cultural event entitled Artistic Responses to Reproductive (in)Justice.
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Date: Monday, 15 February 2021

Time: 7.00pm

Location: Via Zoom
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To register, email info@onefamily.ie 
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We will also be providing an update on the Sherie de Burgh Memorial Fund here
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Watch Sherie’s 2nd Annual Commemorative Event here

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