Uncategorized – One Family

Location: Smithfield, Dublin 7 (Hybrid)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary: €46,312.19– €48,627.80 DOE
Contract: Permanent
Application Deadline: Friday 30^th May 2025

Join Ireland’s leading organisation for one-parent families.

One Family is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and experienced Case Management Coordinator to join our Parenting Service team. This is a key role supporting families navigating separation, parenting alone, and parenting in complex circumstances. If you’re passionate about making a tangible difference in children’s and parents’ lives—and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment—this may be the role for you.

About One Family

One Family is Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting, and separating. We provide expert support and information to families and professionals, aiming for a future where every family in Ireland is equally valued and supported.

About the Role

As Case Management Coordinator, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring timely, effective support for families. Working closely with the Parenting Service Manager, you’ll lead on referral processing, case assessments, and service allocation, while supporting our multidisciplinary team with complex cases. You will work directly with families experiencing parental separation. You’ll also collaborate with key partners like Tusla and contribute to service development, funding proposals, and policy influence.

Key Responsibilities

Manage incoming referrals and carry out comprehensive needs assessments.
Direct work with parents and children.
Allocate families to the appropriate Parenting Service pathways.
Support the parenting team with complex cases and ensure best practice is upheld.
Represent One Family in interagency networks and committees.
Help develop innovative, evidence-informed services aligned with strategic goals.
Support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to funders.
Maintain high standards of record-keeping, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance.

Essential Experience

A third-level qualification in Social Care, Psychology, Early Years, or related field.
Minimum 6 years’ post-graduate experience working with children and families in complex contexts.
Deep knowledge of issues such as child safeguarding, family law, domestic violence, mental health, and homelessness.
Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills.
Experience working within diverse teams and an interagency environment.
Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM systems and GDPR practices.
A proactive, flexible, and child-centred approach.

Desirable experience

Experience in the voluntary/community sector.
Understanding of challenges facing one-parent families and families experiencing separation.

Why Work with Us

25 days annual leave + 2 privilege days
Hybrid working and flexible arrangements available
Work with a passionate, mission-driven team
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Laptop provided
Company pension contribution

How to Apply

Please email a CV and cover letter (clearly addressing the required competencies) to:

📧 akelly@onefamily.ie
📌 Subject Line: Case Management Coordinator Application
🕛 Deadline: Friday 30^th May 2025
🗓️ Interviews: June 2025

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l-r Breda Murray, board member One Family, Mary Kerrigan, founding member of Cherish (One Family), and Karen Kiernan, CEO at Dublin Castle for the Family Referendum result announcement
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One Family Devastated by No Result in the Family Referendum

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Dublin, Saturday 9th March 2024:
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Karen Kiernan, One Family CEO said: “To say that we as an organisation are devastated by this result is an understatement. It is so disappointing that this opportunity to include unmarried and single parent families in our Constitution has been rejected by the Irish people.

Our founders have been campaigning for this for over 50 years. They started working in the 1970s to abolish illegitimacy, to get a small social welfare payment and to ensure single parents could no longer be fired or evicted. The fact that their heartfelt desire for their families to be included in the Constitution is no longer a reality in their lifetimes is a massive rejection to them.

I would like to thank the Irish voters for their consideration of these amendments, for all our amazing staff, Board, volunteers and spokespersons. It has been a pleasure to work with them all and now we will regroup as a coalition of civil society organisations to work in solidarity towards a more equal Ireland for all people – children, parents, families, disabled people, carers and others that are often left behind.”
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Further Information

Laura Curtin, Communications Manager

t: 086 8537043 | e: lcurtin@onefamily.ie
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Deprivation Levels Among One-Parent Families Remains Persistently High

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41.4% of one-parent families are experiencing deprivation

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Dublin, Thursday 7th March 2024: One Family, the national organisation for one-parent families in Ireland, welcomes the most recent Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
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Despite a decrease in some poverty rate measures for one-parent families in 2023 compared to the previous year, the SILC survey reveals significant disparities between one-parent families, the general population, and two-parent households. 41.4% of households headed by a lone parent with children under 18 are experiencing deprivation, which is more than double that of two-parent households. One Family believes urgent action from the Government is necessary to provide support for struggling one-parent families.
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Karen Kiernan, One Family CEO, stated“In a country as prosperous as Ireland, it is inexcusable that one-parent families continue to face poverty and deprivation at levels scandalously higher than other families.

These statistics represent actual children and families who are forced to navigate daily challenges to meet their basic needs such as food and shelter. Once-off cost of living measures may have provided temporary relief, but the reality of life for these families is that their struggles are ongoing. Given that the new Child Poverty & Wellbeing Unit was established by the Government in 2022, we expected to see a more significant impact on poverty rates for one-parent families.”
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One Family warns that without long term, targeted government support, poverty rates will inevitably increase for those who are parenting alone.
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Carly Bailey, Policy Officer with One Family said “The latest SILC survey clearly demonstrates that lone parents and their children remain one of the most disadvantaged groups in Ireland. This is due to ongoing structural barriers and a refusal by successive governments to respond to the unique challenges faced by people parenting alone.

It is critical that the Government provide long-term support such as affordable childcare, secure housing and adequate income supports to one-parent families. It is also crucial for the Government to hear the voices and concerns of lone-parent families and eliminate the many obstacles they face to escape from the grip of poverty.”
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Ends/
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Notes to editors:
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For more information, visit CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions.
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Notes:
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One Family’s Pre-Budget Submission 2024
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Asks:

Develop a National Action Plan that includes a sub target for one-parent families to reverse the tide of child poverty/
Provide free (or almost free) access to childcare for families on the lowest incomes and eligible for a medical card, with a higher subsidy under the National Childcare Scheme
Extend Job Seekers Transitional Payment to parents in education, training or employment until their youngest child reaches the end of second level education.
Reduce the weekly work threshold for Working Family Payment to 15 hours a week for one-parent households.
Make the SUSI grant available to lone parents engaging in part-time and blended learning educational courses.

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January homeless data which tells us that 56% of all families in emergency accommodation are one-parent households despite only making up 17% of the overall population. Click here to view.
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ESRI- Lone parents among most disadvantaged in Ireland’s housing system. Click here to view.

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ESRI- Poverty, income inequality and living standards in Ireland: First annual report. Click here to view.

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About One Family:

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 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 or helpline@onefamily.ie.
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Further Information/Scheduling

Laura Curtin, Communications Manager

t: 086 8537043 | e: lcurtin@onefamily.ie
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The referendum to expand the definition of the family is a historic occasion which we welcome. For over 50 years our founders have been calling for equality for all families, as single parents who have fought against the odds to keep and raise their own children. Since its founding in 1972 One Family, previously known as Cherish, has been working to ensure a positive and equal future for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and those parenting around separation. The Family Referendum is a chance to offer symbolic reparation to one-parent families. All families deserve to be recognised, appreciated and cherished equally.

Given the importance of this referendum we would encourage you and your community to register to vote. This is your chance to make a difference in the lives of one-parent families.
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Press Release — NOPFA Demands Urgent Action on One-Parent Family Homelessness

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Three out of every four families entering homelessness are one-parent families since eviction ban has been lifted

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Dublin, Thursday 23rd November 2023

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Prior to the upcoming release of the Department of Housing’s monthly report on homelessness, the National One Parent Family Alliance (NOPFA) is calling on the Government to take immediate measures towards addressing the dire housing crisis affecting one-parent households. According to recent data from the department, one-parent families account for an alarming three out of every four families entering homelessness since the eviction moratorium was lifted last April.

It cannot be denied that one-parent families, particularly those with lower incomes, face challenges when competing against higher income households in terms of securing rental properties and social and affordable housing. They continue to struggle with a shortage of rental properties, and additionally, they may also encounter discrimination due to their family status.
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Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family and Chair of NOPFA said, “It is shocking and unacceptable that in 2023, the housing crisis is disproportionately affecting young children and lone parents. Daily we see and hear from these vulnerable families on their constant struggles in very difficult conditions. It’s heartbreaking to know that these individuals are being disregarded by the Government, leaving them to fend for themselves. The lack of action from the Government only reinforces the message that they do not matter. Immediate action needs to be taken to address this pressing issue.”
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As the calendar turns once more, it is disheartening to see that no significant steps have been taken by the Government towards addressing the challenges faced by one-parent families and those experiencing homelessness. These individuals continue to struggle with a shortage of rental properties, inadequate housing, a lack of necessary support services, an inability to compete with two-income households and a glaring absence of comprehensive national policies.
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Louise Bayliss, Campaign Coordinator with Focus Ireland said, “It is unfortunate that there is currently no specific strategy or taskforce in place to aid one-family households facing homelessness. The fact that this is happening in modern times is truly regrettable. It is crucial to establish a cohesive method of assisting these families from the time they receive an eviction notice.”
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Commenting on the imminent threat of homelessness a lone parent stated,

“I am a lone parent, single mother on a low income and have faced so many barriers over the years, but this is the worst one, as it really affects my son. We have rented a property for thirteen and a half years and have been issued with two notices to quit in five years. I am at my wits end with it all, we have been on the housing list since 2005. We are now expected to get up and live a normal life outside of a looming eviction with no alternative accommodation. To be honest it’s not fair. And it makes me so angry. I feel there’s barriers that single-parent families have to face and battle everywhere, preventing anyone from progressing forward out of low income situations.
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Fergal Landy, CEO of the Family Resource Centre National Forum said, “Family Resource Centres strive to empower and strengthen children, families, individuals, and communities throughout Ireland. It is incredibly frustrating to see scarce resources expended on dealing with the avoidable impact on children of living in emergency accommodation and experiencing homelessness. It is crucial for prompt measures to be taken in tackling the housing crisis, particularly for lone parents, to prevent the many costly adverse outcomes that will inevitably arise for children if comprehensive action is not taken.”
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The National One Parent Family Alliance (NOPFA) urges the government to focus on the following actions specifically targeting one-parent families:

Remove Child Maintenance from means testing for housing supports such as HAP and Rent Supplement. It is a payment for children and when it is being paid, should be considered a means to support one-parent families out of poverty.
Establish a dedicated team in the Department of Housing to investigate the disproportionate increase of homelessness on one-parent families and offer practical solutions.

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Note to editors:

About National One Parent Family Alliance

The National One Parent Family Alliance comprises of national organisations including Barnardos, One Family, Family Resource Centre National Forum, FLAC, Focus Ireland, National Women’s Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, SPARK, and Treoir. This Alliance was established in 2020 around a shared concern about the high levels of poverty experienced by lone parents and their children.

Children in one parent families are four times more likely to experience poverty than children in two parent families. Prior to cost-of-living increases, 17% of one parent families lived in consistent poverty, 45% were experiencing enforced deprivation and almost 80% were unable to afford an unexpected expense. Despite making up only 20% of families in Ireland, one parent families account for 56% of homeless families. (EU SILC, 2022).

For media inquiries, please contact:

Laura Curtin, Communications Manager at One Family | t: 086 853 7043
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Another Year Where Children are Left Looking for More

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Budget 2024 Does Not Target Ireland’s Poorest Families

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Press Release: Tuesday 10 October

One Family, Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families, has said that it is disappointed that a Government that promised to target low-income families and tackle child poverty instead seems to be thinking about the next election.

Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family states: “Whilst we welcome Government listening to us in relation to extending Child Benefit to young people still in full-time education and the need to increase the Single Person Child Carer Credit, we are shocked that one-parent families on social welfare are not being targeted for once-off cost of living increases as other payments are, despite clear evidence of need.

“As One Family predicted, last year’s short-sighted Budget has helped push the poorest children in the State, even further into poverty. Between March 2022 and March 2023 one-parent households experienced a higher rate of inflation than nearly all other household types. Budget 2024 is unfortunately more of the same.”

Carly Bailey, One Family’s Policy Officer states: “It is so frustrating to have another budget that leaves the poorest children behind as Government focusses on expensive once-off Child Benefit payments for everyone instead of targeting those who need it most.

“Some increases are well behind inflation which is a rinse and repeat of last year. Research tells us that one-parent families need long-term targeted supports to throw them a lifeline and truly tackle the scourge of child poverty. One-parent households are the most affected by consistent poverty and deprivation. In such a wealthy country it is shameful that so many families are being pushed into consistent poverty.”

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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.

1 in 5 people in Ireland live in a one-parent family and the Survey in Income and Living Conditions (SILC) tells us that children in one-parent families are four times more likely to experience poverty than children in two-parent families.

Link to One Family 2024 Pre-Budget Submission.

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

Available for Interview:

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

Carly Bailey, Policy Officer | t: 086 068 3007 or 01 662 9212

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15% increase in queries to national one-parent family helpline

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Press release, Monday 28 August

Queries to the askonefamily national helpline, a specialist support line for one-parent families, increased by 15% in 2022 as families struggled with tightening energy, food and housing prices. The statistic was revealed as One Family, Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families, launched its Annual Report for 2022.
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Karen Kiernan One Family CEO said, “The surge in queries to our helpline is more evidence of the pressure one-parent families are experiencing. Parents sought advice on housing, finance and social welfare as they strained to keep their heads above water. This is a direct result of Government policy and will only get worse; queries to the helpline in Q1 2023 are already 30% ahead of 2022. The budget, last year, had next to nothing for one-parent families despite all the evidence that showed these families are amongst the poorest in the state and needed targeted support. In 2022, One Family issued almost €4,000 worth of food vouchers to struggling families and over 500 Christmas gifts to children. These donations were sourced through the generosity of companies and the public and without them many families would have gone hungry, or children would have had nothing for Christmas.”
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Carly Baily, One Family Policy Officer, said, “If Government are serious about ending child poverty, there needs to be meaningful targeted supports for one-parent families in Budget 2024. One-parent families are not looking for hand-outs but for supports to help them escape poverty. A stand-alone child maintenance system is urgently required to pull families out of poverty. Child maintenance and child benefit shouldn’t be assessed as means for access to public supports and schemes. These are all achievable; all Government needs to do is target resources on families who need it the most instead of national giveaways.”

Karen Kiernan One Family CEO said, “Last year, One Family marked its 50th anniversary. What was striking was the same issues of poverty, childcare and housing insecurity are still plaguing parents today. It doesn’t have to be this way, and this is not the Ireland most of us want to live in.”
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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.

Link to One Family Annual Review:

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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Organisations call for wording on upcoming referendum to be published

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A coalition of organisations has written an open letter to the Taoiseach saying time is needed for a national conversation on the Family, Care, and Gender Equality referendum

If the family, care and gender equality referendum is to go ahead in November, then the wording that people will be asked to vote on must be published as soon as possible to allow time for a national conversation. That is according to a coalition of organisations who sent an open letter to the Taoiseach this week.
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The government announced a referendum last March on foot of recommendations from the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality. They recommended a referendum to remove the Constitutional limits on women; to value and recognise care in the home and the wider community; and to protect all families equally.

Director of the National Women’s Council, Orla O’Connor, said:

“Our Constitution, our foundational document, contains restrictive language on women’s role in society. It is outdated and carries a legacy of the mistreatment of women up to today. It’s important this is amended so that it reflects the value of care and everyone’s role in care right across our society. NWC is looking forward to a national conversation on these issues but unless wording is published soon, we’re concerned about the proposed timeline.”
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SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley said:

“As the union of paid care workers – numbering up to 100,000 people in Ireland – we want to ensure the work of carers on the front line in the home and in the community is recognised and valued. A national conversation on issues as significant as women’s role in society, the value and recognition of care both inside the home and in the wider community, and the definition of family, deserves time.”
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Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family said:

“This referendum is an opportunity to offer recognition to families who have been mistreated over the years. There are families living in Ireland now who are not recognised as such in our Constitution, who have been waiting years for recognition. Government owes it to them to publish wording as soon as possible before the referendum.”

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, said:

“We believe this referendum, and in particular, the replacement of Article 41.2 with wording that recognises the societal value of care in the home and wider community and obliges the State to take measures to support family carers, is a milestone moment in our history and therefore are calling for the urgent publication of the wording.”
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The letter is signed by five organisations: Treoir, Family Carers Ireland, One Family, the National Women’s Council (NWC) and SIPTU. There are a large number of other organisations who are keen to support the referendum but cannot do so until the wording is published.

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Read the letter here:
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Lone parents at breaking point ahead of Budget Forum Meeting

Urgent targeted action is needed as many one-parent families struggle to put food on the table.

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Press release,

Tuesday 18 July,

Lone parent families are at breaking point and require urgent targeted supports in Budget 2024 according to One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families. The call comes ahead of the Department of Social Protection’s Pre-Budget Forum tomorrow, Wednesday 19^th July and as the organisation launches its Pre-Budget Submission.
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Karen Kiernan CEO of One Family said, “What we are hearing from our services and through our helpline is that parents are struggling. They’re straining to keep their heads above water but an unequal social welfare system is pulling them down. Lone parent families are not looking for hand-outs but for supports to help them escape poverty. A stand-alone child maintenance system is urgently needed to pull families out of poverty, child maintenance and child benefit shouldn’t be accessed as means for access to public supports and schemes. Lone parents should be eligible for all parts of an enhanced SUSI grant, irrespective of which housing support they are in receipt of, or whether the course is full, part-time or blended. These are all achievable; all Government need to do is focus resources and the result is thousands of children are pulled out of poverty.”
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Carly Bailey Policy Officer with One Family said, “One-parent families are consistently overrepresented in poverty, homelessness and deprivation figures. Yet despite all the evidence, targeted interventions to reduce poverty in one-parent households were shamefully absent from last year’s Budget. It is no surprise that income inadequacy has deepened for one parent families again this year as a result. Budget 2024 must include specific targeted measures such as a significant Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) payment in order to provide a meaningful reduction in poverty in one-parent families.”
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Our key budget asks:

Increase the Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) payment by €15 for children over 12 years and €10 for children under 12 years.
Provide free (or almost free) access to childcare to all families in receipt of the Medical Card.
Expand eligibility for the Living Alone Allowance, Telephone Allowance and Household Benefits Package.
Ensure lone parents are eligible for all parts of an enhanced SUSI grant, irrespective of which housing support they are in receipt of, or whether the course is full, part-time or blended.
Increase the housing disregard for One Parent Family and Job Seekers Transitional payment in line with market rents. This has not been increased since 1997.
Establish an independent child maintenance agency.

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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

To read our Pre-Budget Submission

Available for Interview

Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family | t: 086-8509191

Further Information/Scheduling

Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 085 7241294
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Press release – National One Parent Family Alliance

One Parent Families Must Be Prioritised in Budget 2024

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Wednesday 12^th July 2023

The National One Parent Family Alliance (NOPFA) an alliance of civil society organisations concerned about the high levels of poverty experienced by lone parents and their children is calling on Government to urgently prioritise one parent families in Budget 2024. The alliance will hold a pre-Budget briefing with media and political representatives to highlight their concerns and ‘asks’ for lone parent families on Wednesday 12^th July between 10am – 1 pm in Buswells Hotel.
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The alliance which includes Barnardos, Children’s Rights Alliance, One Family, Family Resource Centre National Forum, FLAC, Focus Ireland, National Women’s Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, SPARK, and Treoir have prepared a Pre-Budget Submission stressing the need to prioritise supports for one parent families in Budget 2024.

The key asks are:

An increase of €10 per week for children under 12 and €15 per week for children over 12 is needed to retain the purchasing power of the Qualified Child Payment and make real progress on tackling child poverty.
In recognition of the income cliff when the youngest child reaches 14, extend Jobseekers Transition Payment to parents in work, education or training until their youngest child finishes second level education.
Make the Fuel Allowance payable to families in receipt of the Working Family Payment as a targeted measure to reach more families experiencing energy poverty. Estimated cost: €40.6 million
Extend entitlement of the Living Alone Allowance and Household Benefits package to one parent families in recognition that they rely on a single long term social welfare payment and are at a much greater risk of poverty and income inadequacy than two adult households.
The Housing Income Disregard was introduced in 1997 at a rate of £75 (€95.23) and it has not increased since then and it does not reflect current housing costs. Families are at increased risk of homelessness at the time of relationship breakdown, and an increase in the Housing Income Disregard in line with actual market costs would support families to remain in the family home.

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NOPFA says these measures are well targeted and will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of children. Importantly, it will help achieve the Taoiseach’s ambition of making a sustained impact on the number of children growing up in poverty – the majority of whom are living in one parent families – during his term.

Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council said “Lone parents, the vast majority of whom are women, are one of the groups most at risk of poverty in Ireland today. In Budget 2024, government must support one-parent families by raising social welfare rates so that they provide a Minimum Essential Standard of Living, and by investing in vital public services. This includes a further 25% reduction in childcare costs in 2024, in tandem with the development of a public childcare model to enhance accessible, affordable, quality childcare for families. Government cannot outrun the cost-of-living with tax cuts for higher earners – these will reinforce inequalities for women and will not help one-parent families”.

Louise Bayliss, Campaign Coordinator with Focus Ireland said “We are concerned with the disproportionate increase of family homelessness among lone parent households. Focus Ireland have previously called for a taskforce to examine the causes and solutions for homelessness among lone parent households. The monthly homelessness figures now evidence the urgent need for this task-force.”

Damien Peelo, CEO of Treoir said “From the calls to our information service, we hear of the real daily struggle many one parent families have to cope with due to inadequate financial support and we are calling on targeted financial supports for one parent families to ensure their children have a realistic chance to break the cycle of poverty.”

Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family said, “We know from our frontline services and helpline that parents are struggling to keep their heads above water this summer. The theme of the summer for many is stress, stress to keep food on the table, stress to keep a roof over children’s heads. Short-term measures keep the waters out for a week or two but then parents are back trying to plug gaps. One-parent families need targeted supports in this Budget. Short-term and universal measures leave the poorest children in the state even poorer in the long-term.”

Suzanne Connolly, Chief Executive at Barnardos said, “almost 40% of the children Barnardos supports are living in one parent families. As a society, it is unfair and unjust that children in these families are often at the greatest risk of being pulled into deprivation. We know from our services that the cost of living crisis has disproportionately increased financial pressures on lone parents. The Government needs to act in Budget 2024 to better protect children living in these families, introducing targeted supports that will help their immediate health and wellbeing as well as their future development and opportunities.”
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The lack of permanent, adequate, and targeted measures in Budget 2023 has left families vulnerable to hardship and Budget 2024 needs to ensure lone parent families are supported.

Analysis from the Vincentian MESL Research Centre shows one parent household cases continue to demonstrate the greatest depth of income adequacy compared to equivalent two parent household cases. The MESL analysis has consistently identified older children as having additional and different needs distinct from younger children. The core MESL cost is highest for older children, aged 12 and over, at €149.05 per week. Only 61.5% of this need is met by social welfare payments, leaving a weekly shortfall of €57.42 per week. Budget 2024 must address this income inadequacy to reduce chid poverty and deprivation.

Since the ending of the eviction ban, family homelessness has increased by 131 homeless families, but more shockingly, lone parents make up 72% of the increase. In the last year, family homelessness increased by 30%. However, lone parents experienced a much higher increase of 38%, compared to a 20% increase for other families. It is clear lone parent households should be identified as an at risk group and a task force should be immediately set up to support families at risk of homelessness.

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Members of NOPFA will be available for comment on the day.

Notes to editors:

The National One Parent Family Alliance comprises ten national organisations including Barnardos, Children’s Rights Alliance, One Family, Family Resource Centre National Forum, FLAC, Focus Ireland, National Women’s Council, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, SPARK, and Treoir. This Alliance was established in 2020 around a shared concern about the high levels of poverty experienced by lone parents and their children.
Children in one parent families are four times more likely to experience poverty than children in two parent families. Prior to cost of living increases, 17% of one parent families lived in consistent poverty, 45% were experiencing enforced deprivation and almost 80% were unable to afford an unexpected expense. Despite making up only 20% of families in Ireland, one parent families account for 56% of homeless families. (EU SILC, 2022)

To read the NOPFA Pre-Budget Submission click here:

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Always the Two of Us – new documentary theatre on growing up in a one-parent family in Ireland

Press Release,

Wednesday 7^th June,
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The Ark Children’s Cultural Centre and One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families, are delighted to announce the free, rehearsed reading of Always the Two of Us, by Kate Heffernan taking place tomorrow Thursday 8^th June at 6pm at The Ark in Temple Bar. The new piece of documentary theatre looks behind the curtains of Irish family life at the real life experiences of adults who grew up in one-parent families during the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s; a time when these families often faced shame and scorn.
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One Family CEO, Karen Kiernan said, “This is such an important piece of theatre, to be able to tell the often-hidden stories of children (now adults) who grew up on one-parent families in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. We’ve heard the harrowing stories of the mother and baby homes and the laundries, but Kate has managed to capture the complex range of experiences of children in these homes, the love, the laughter, the shade and the light that comes through. The piece was commissioned to celebrate our 50th anniversary and we want to say a huge thanks to Kate and The Ark for the tremendous amount of work that went into this piece.”
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Aideen Howard, Director of the Ark said, “The Ark makes art for by, about and with children. While most of our programme is created for children we also commission work for a grown up audience about the experience of children and childhood. We were delighted to commission playwright Kate Heffernan to create The Ark’s first work of documentary theatre which will be presented as a reading directed by Maisie Lee and read by an outstanding cast. It was a privilege to work together with One Family whose championing of the rights of children. parents and diverse families is an inspiration to us.”
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Always the Two of Us was commissioned by The Ark and One Family, this new documentary theatre script has emerged from conversations with men and women, of varying ages, and from both urban and rural backgrounds. In this rehearsed reading directed by Maisie Lee, actors Catherine Byrne, Lewis Harris, Genevieve Hulme Beaman, Lauren Larkin and John Olohan will read multiple roles to share their stories and experiences.

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For Editors:

The Ark is a dedicated cultural centre for children. We create opportunities for children, along with their families and friends or with their school, to discover and love art. Through our work with leading Irish and international artists children can enjoy performances in our unique child-sized theatre, view engaging exhibitions or participate in creative workshops.

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.

For further information on Always the Two of Us click here

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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Higher rate of homelessness in one-parent families requires urgent Government action.

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Press Release

Friday, 26^th May 2023

Figures published by the Department of Housing today, show the devastating impact the eviction ban is starting to have on one-parent family households. Homeless figures show there was 962 one-parent families living in emergency this month, up 64 or 7%, since March. One-parent families continue to make up over half of all families in homelessness, a trend that has persisted since the start of the housing crisis. One Family are deeply concerned at the rate of increase this month, with homelessness in one-parent families increasing more than three times the rate in the general population.
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One Family CEO Karen Kiernan said, “What we are witnessing is a large-scale failure of Government policy. We see from our services the stark reality behind these figures. Families are under incredible mental stress; whether they have already been forced into homelessness or are facing the looming threat of eviction. Parents are at breaking point trying to maintain normal lives for their children. Childhoods are being blighted as children struggle to cope with parental stress and the reality of not having a safe, secure or appropriate home. The worrying thing is these figures probably don’t reflect the true impact of the eviction ban as these evictions normally take a few months after notices are served to take affect. We urgently need a family homelessness strategy with targeted measures for one-parent families.”
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Niamh Kelly, One Family Policy Manager said “There were 962 one-parent families living in homeless accommodation in April, 7% more than when the eviction ban was in effect in March. It must be remembered that these figures, while devastating, do not tell the full story and only capture those who are presenting to state funded emergency services. We are seeing from our services a whole cohort of people who are not captured in these numbers, who are couch surfing and staying with relatives in less than ideal circumstances. These families have been cut adrift and face increasing dangerous seas.”

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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.

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

For housing figures click here

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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Researchers from University College Cork and Trinity College Dublin will today launch a research report documenting the lived experiences of Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment (JST) recipients. The research, conducted in association with One Family, will explore how JST is working ‘on the ground’. As JST is a relatively new payment in the Irish social welfare system, little is known about how it is experienced by recipients. Furthermore, because people living in single parent households are consistently over-represented in poverty statistics across all metrics (at risk of poverty, enforced deprivation and consistent poverty), how caregivers in one-parent households experience a policy that is designed with such households in mind represents important work.

To read the report:

In Transit Research Report

To read the briefing paper:

In Transit Policy Briefing

Read the information leaflet:

JST – Information leaflet

To view a recording of the event:

Recording of the Research Launch
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[av_heading heading=’The Ark and One Family warmly invite you to this rehearsed reading of Always the Two of Us, a new play for grown-ups by Kate Heffernan that shares real life stories from adults who grew up in one parent families.’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote classic-quote classic-quote-left’ subheading_active=” show_icon=” icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ size=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” subheading_size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” icon_size=” av-medium-font-size-1=” av-small-font-size-1=” av-mini-font-size-1=” color=” custom_font=” subheading_color=” seperator_color=” icon_color=” margin=” margin_sync=’true’ padding=’10’ icon_padding=’10’ headline_padding=” headline_padding_sync=’true’ link=” link_target=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-lhszr4rb’ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”][/av_heading]

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What was it like to grow up in a single parent household in the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s? At a time when such families were still something of a rarity, and often regarded by society with a degree of disapproval or even shame? What challenges did they face? And what joys did they find?

Moving house, starting school, making friends, facing fears, and finding our place in the world—the play explores how our childhood shapes the adults we become. Provoking laughter and tears, Always the Two of Us brings a diversity of stories to the stage, exploring love, loss, family and friendship.

Commissioned by The Ark and One Family, this new documentary theatre script has emerged from conversations with men and women, of varying ages, and from both urban and rural backgrounds. In this rehearsed reading, a diverse group of five actors will read multiple roles to share their stories and experiences.
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On mark UN International Day of the Family, One Family is calling for a change to article 41.3 of the Constitution on the definition of the Family. We are calling for definition in the Constitution to be expanded to give rights and protection to all family forms; currently, the Constitution only recognises the married family. We are now hopefully on the verge of achieving a vote on this change with the referendum on Family, Care and Equality due to take place in November. The final wording of the referendum questions have not been finalised, but we know there is a commitment from Government to ensure that all families receive Constitutional protection. We need your support the ensure Government keep to their commitments and to help us in any campaign in the referendum.

For more information on article 41.3 click here: To join the campaign click here
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At a wonderful event at the National Library of Ireland (NLI) head office in Dublin, One Family/Cherish, today, donated their archives to the National Library of Ireland for safe keeping. CEO of One Family, Karen Kiernan said: “These archives give voice to the stories of women and children who were shunned by the State and by parts of society. When Cherish was established in 1972, there was no lone parents allowance and single pregnant women had an uncertain future – they were often thrown out of their homes, lost their jobs and were rejected by their communities. In these archives the words of these women endure, their voices are included in our national story and are now protected in the national archive.” To read the press release click here

The Cherish administrative and organisational records will be catalogued and available to researchers by the end of 2023. The Client Case Files and correspondence that contains personal information has been designated “Not for Consultation” (NFC) and will not be available to researchers. In collecting material relating to living persons, and in line with our statutory obligations under GDPR, the NLI applies a strict approach to the protection of privacy.
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National Library of Ireland marks acquisition of Cherish archive

Collection provides insight into life for lone-parent families from 1970s onwards

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The National Library of Ireland (NLI) has today (24.04.23) announced the acquisition of the archive of Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families One Family, formerly known as Cherish. Dating from the organisation’s establishment in the early 1970s to the early 2000s, the archive provides an insight into the experiences and challenges of one-parent families at that time.

Cherish was set up in 1972 by Maura O’Dea Richards after she placed an advert in The Evening Herald seeking to reach other women in Ireland who were unmarried and had children. A small number answered the advert and Cherish was born. It took its name from the 1916 Proclamation, which declared that Ireland would “cherish all of the children of the nation equally”. Cherish changed its name to One Family in 2004, in recognition of a changing Ireland in which one-parent families existed in many forms.
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The archive comprises two parts: the first contains case files that record the circumstances of individual women who came to Cherish for advice and support, and includes correspondence dating from 1974 to 1987. The second part of the archive contains the administrative records of the organisation, and includes AGM minutes, submissions, correspondence and publications lobbying for legislative reform.

Speaking at an event to mark the acquisition, Director of the NLI, Dr Audrey Whitty said: “The NLI is Ireland’s memory keeper and as such we are committed to collecting Ireland’s many voices and their diverse experience. We are increasingly adding the stories of women and under-represented groups to our collections. We are proud to receive these papers from Cherish, which provide a fascinating insight into the lives of one-parent families from the early 1970s, societal attitudes towards them, and how they have changed over the years.”
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CEO of One Family, Karen Kiernan said: “The archival material we have donated to the National Library provides insights into the lives of one-parent families in Ireland in the very recent past. It gives voice to the stories of women and children who were shunned by the State and by parts of society. When Cherish was established in 1972, there was no lone parents allowance and single pregnant women had an uncertain future – they were often thrown out of their homes, lost their jobs and were rejected by their communities. This comes through in some of the letters from service users that are included in the archive – some are heartbreaking, others are full of positivity where family and community support is clear.”

Mary Kerrigan ran the Clare/Limerick branch of Cherish for many years. She said: “Despite being an unmarried mother in the 1970s and the stigma I felt from some people, they may now think I am a very important person because the Cherish records are in the archives of the National Library of Ireland. What the women in Cherish did made a massive difference to society in Ireland, working hard for social, financial and legal rights for unmarried mothers and their children which is something One Family continues to this day. We did this with the help of people such as Mary Robinson, who was our President until she became President of Ireland.”

ENDS
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Notes to Editors:

In collecting material relating to living persons, and in line with our statutory obligations under GDPR, the NLI applies a strict approach to the protection of privacy. The Client Case Files and correspondence that contains personal information has been designated “Not for Consultation” (NFC) and will not be available to researchers. The Cherish administrative and organisational records will be catalogued and available to researchers by the end of 2023.

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One Family’s New Futures Employability Programme has done it again and won the Special Recognition Award at the Aontas Star Awards. This is the second time the employability programme, which boasts a 85% progression rate, has won this prestigious honour, having scooped the same award in 2019. The award was presented at a ceremony in Croke Park, Dublin this morning.

Karen Kiernan CEO of One Family said, “We’re just so proud of Valerie Maher, Niamh Wynne and all the New Futures team. This is a huge achievement and it is recognition of the team’s hard work but also recognition for all of the parents who have gone through the programme. Huge thank you to ESF Ireland for funding the programme and our current partners the Department of Social Protection who are working with us to deliver the programme through the EaSI programme.”

New Future’s sister course, the New Steps Personal Development programme will start on May 10th delivered via Zoom each Wednesday morning from 10am to 12.30pm. The programme is open to lone parents receiving the One-Parent Family Payment (OPF) or Job Seekers Transitional Payment (JST) and who are living in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth or Meath.

To register and for more information please email programmes@onefamily.ie or call Niamh at 01 662 9212. For more information about One Family please click here https://onefamily.ie/education-development/employability-programmes/new-steps/

One Family’s employability and education programmes are part supported by funding received under the Gender Equality Activity of the European Social Fund (ESF) Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020 (‘PEIL’) and the Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) programme 2014-2020.

The ESF PEIL Gender Equality Activity aims to promote social inclusion and combat discrimination in the labour market. The EaSI programme aims to promote a high level of quality and sustainable employment, guaranteeing adequate and decent social protection, combating social exclusion, poverty, and improving working conditions.
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Referendum on Who is Family – symbolic reparation for wrongs of the past

One Family welcomes announcement of commitment for referendum on who is family and care in the Constitution.

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Press release:

Wednesday, 8 March 2022

One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families has welcomed today’s announcement that a referendum on Family, Care and Gender Equality is to be held in November 2023 saying that an inclusive view to family can act as an ‘act of symbolic reparation’ for the wrongs of the past. The planned referendum announced by the Taoiseach this morning comes following the report of the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality, the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality and following years of campaigning by one-parent families groups seeking equality for non-marital families.
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One Family CEO Karen Kiernan said, “We welcome today’s announcement of a date for a referendum on Gender Equality and the Definition of the Family. The current Article 41.3 of the Constitution on the definition of the family denies one-parent families the same constitutional protection as married families and we will be campaigning for this to change in the forthcoming referendum. Given Ireland’s grim treatment of unmarried parents and their children in previous decades, a vote to change this Article could be seen as an act of a symbolic reparation for the sins of the past. We need this combined with a new inclusive financial reparation for survivors of the Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries to help to heal the wounds of the past.”
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One Family/Cherish founder Maura O’Dea Richards said, “As a so-called ‘unmarried mother’ in 1970s Ireland. 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. While Article 41.3 of the Constitution has little practical impact on the lives of families today – 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. All families are entitled to respect and protection. Discrimination against families who are not married must end and a vote to change Article 41.3 is a hugely symbolic step to achieve this .”

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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.

For further information visit:

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 release:

Wednesday, 22 February 2022

One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families has warned the rise in poverty rates in lone parent families show Government policies designed to tackle poverty are failing. The warning comes as the latest Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) published by the CSO confirms consistent poverty in one-parent families rose to 14.1% in 2022, almost three times the rate of the general population (5%). Deprivation in one-parent families remains unacceptably high with almost half (43.5%) of households with one adult with children under 18 years of age living in deprivation, this compares to 17.7% of people in two-parent households. The charity is calling on Government to urgently introduce targeted support for struggling one-parent families.
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Karen Kiernan, CEO with One Family said, “It’s just not right in a country as wealthy as Ireland that almost half (43.5%) of one-parent families are living in deprivation, while a quarter (23.8%) are at risk of poverty and 14.1% of lone parents are living in consistent poverty. Behind these statistics are real children and families who are struggling to feed and house themselves. There is no let up for these families and while short-term measures keep the wolf from the door for a month or two, that wolf is lurking; these families need targeted long-term support to help them escape poverty.”
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Niamh Kelly, Policy Manager with One Family said, “We have seen how a lack of effective policymaking and failure to target one-parent families by Government has resulted in the high levels of poverty and deprivation experienced by one-parent families. In both Budget 2023 and yesterday’s cost-of-living package the Government chose populist, once-off payments over much needed targeted, sustainable measures. As chair of the National One Parent Family Alliance (NOPFA), a group of ten organisations working together to reduce the high levels of poverty experienced by lone parents and their children, we have put forward evidenced based solutions and targeted measures which will reduce the high rates of poverty and deprivation to Government. We are deeply concerned about children in one parent families living in deprivation and we believe this needs to be recognised with cost-of-living measures that are targeted, not populist.”

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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.

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

Link to CSO Survey on Income and Living Conditions statistics
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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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Video and Resources are now available from our Building a Family Law System for Separating Families Webinar. Click here for more…
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Almost half of one-parent family households are living in enforced deprivation.

Government must act to stop one-parent families being pushed further into poverty

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Press release:

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

One Family warns the rise in deprivation rate in one-parent families signals that Government policies designed to tackle poverty in one-parent families are failing. The warning comes as the latest Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) published by the CSO shows that higher rates of deprivation are seen amongst those living in single-adult households with children, where 45.4% are living in enforced deprivation, this compares to 18.2% of people in two-parent households. The charity is calling on Government to develop and publish a new National Child Poverty Plan and set up a dedicated unit to lead an integrated and cross governmental approach to address the high levels of deprivation and poverty in households headed by one parent.

Karen Kiernan, CEO with One Family said, “It is outrageous to think that just because of the type of family a child belongs to they are much more likely to go without basic necessities. CSO SILC stats show that 21.5% of those living in single-adult households with children were unable to afford to keep their home adequately warm; and 18.7% unable to afford to buy presents for family or friends at least once a year. High rates of deprivation in one-parent families is not new or caused by inflation, but the current cost-of-living increases are having a dramatic impact on these families many of whom are struggling to stay afloat and many who already feel like they are drowning. We are calling on the Government to take immediate, decisive action and throw these families the lifeline they so desperately need.”

Niamh Kelly, Policy Manager with One Family said, “We have seen how a lack of effective policymaking and apathy from Government has resulted in the high levels of poverty and deprivation experienced by one-parent families; the most recent example of this was in Budget 2023 which failed to deliver any specific, targeted measures for lone parent households. As chair of the National One Parent Family Alliance (NOPFA), a group of ten organisations working together to reduce the high levels of poverty experienced by lone parents and their children. We are deeply concerned about children in one parent families living in deprivation and we believe this needs to be recognised with cost-of-living measures using targeted resources.”

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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.

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

CSO SILC Results Published Wednesday 23 November

CSO SILC Deprivation Items

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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Lone parent and separating families cautiously optimistic following publication of the new Family Justice Strategy and child maintenance reforms

Putting the needs and voice of children first in family law proceedings will require a root and branch reform of how we manage separation in this country

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Press release:

Wednesday, 16^th November 2022

Lone parent and separating families are “cautiously optimistic” following the publication, this afternoon, of the Department of Justice’s new Family Law Strategy and reforms of Child Maintenance according to One Family – Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating. One Family was a member of the advisory group on the Family Justice Strategy advocating for the needs of separating families and those sharing parenting of their children.
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Karen Kiernan CEO of One Family said, “We welcome the publication of the new strategy, which is a ‘step in the right direction’. We particularly welcome the strong commitment to centre the needs and voice of children in family law proceedings which affect them. This will require a root and branch rethink of how we currently manage separation in this country and needs to be adequately funded. We also welcome the publication of the Child Maintenance Review Group Report and the measures to be introduced by the Department of Social Protection. It is good the Department has listened to the major problems and poverty parents have experienced due to their draconian rules. Unfortunately, the Government and review group have not fully understood the need to remove Child Maintenance from an adversarial court system and that will sadly continue.”
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Karen Kiernan continued, “What families really require is a well-trained and resourced judiciary who are supported by out of court family supports including specialist services such as assessments for court; child contact centres; therapeutic and parenting services. It is disappointing that there is no plan or resources in this strategy for these necessary family support services. These supports ultimately empower families to make their own decisions and save the state money as well as decreasing family conflict and harm to children. If we know that separating in conflict and being thrown into an adversarial court processes harms parents and causes adverse effects on children – why do we continue to support such a harmful system with state funding?
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“One Family has been working on the frontline of helping parents separate well for their children with piecemeal funding for innovative services and critical research. A much more strategic approach is required to ensure all families can benefit from services that are outside the court process as is routinely available in neighbouring countries.”

“This strategy is to be welcomed but we need to see the resources that will be available to support all the various agencies to deliver this strategy. Funding will need to be provided including financial support for some families, to ensure children’s voices are heard.”

Note: One Family will be holding their third webinar on Family Law Reform on 5 December 4-6pm with a range of academics, practitioners and the Dept of Justice to reflect on this strategy, the new Family Courts Bill and emerging research and practice to support separating families. Register here:

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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.

Relevant One Family Submissions:

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice Submission on the General Scheme of the Family Court Bill. Link here.
Family Justice Oversight Group Consultation. Link here.

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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Government offers armbands when a lifeboat is needed.

Long-term targeted supports are needed to stop families being pulled into poverty.

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Press release:

Monday, 14^th November 2022,

One Family, Ireland’s national organisation for one-parent families, has said universal and short-term social welfare increases are akin to offering struggling families ‘armbands when a lifeboat is needed’. Extensive research has shown that one-parent families require targeted long-term supports to address soaring poverty rates, yet Government failed to act in Budget 2023 despite all the evidence. The call comes as the charity launched its Annual Review 2021 which sees a 13% increase in calls to the askonefamily helpline.
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One Family CEO, Karen Kiernan said, “This week’s once-off social welfare payments are to be welcomed and will help families in the short-term but many struggling one-parent families are ineligible for these payments and will face a bleak new year. We are seeing through our services families struggling to keep their heads above water and we are deeply concerned about the new year and what the bleak days of early 2023 have in store. Let’s be under no illusions, in the last Budget, this Government prioritised its own electoral success over the needs of the poorest children in the state. These short-term and universal measures will leave the poorest children in the state even poorer in the long-term.”
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Karen Kiernan continued, “Last year due to the incredible generosity of the public we were able to issue over €16,000 worth of food, back to school vouchers, and family tickets directly to children and families in need. Our worry is, as we start our Christmas Toy Appeal, is this year’s demand will exceed what we are able to deliver. In real terms, this means children and families will go hungry and cold as they run out of options. This just isn’t right in a country as wealthy as Ireland. The families we support desperately need targeted long-term supports. Government have all the facts and information but are not moving – we must ask why they seem blind to the needs on one-parent families.”

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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.

Link to One Family Annual Review:
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For further information visit: https://onefamily.ie/

Stats from the One Family Annual Review:

Service user numbers:

2021 – 3,159 families

Helpline figures:

2021 – 4265 queries

Helpline queries by category:

Query Type	2021
Family Law	32%
Social welfare and Finances	34%
Family and parenting	14%
Adult ed/employment	4%
Support	16%
Total no. of queries	4265

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