... mothers have smaller families with an average of 1.56 children. Figures published recently estimate that almost 2.9million (26%) of children under 19 live in a one-parent family6 Controversy surrounds the issue of how children are affected by breakdowns of their parents' relationships. Poorer education, health, behavioural problems, including criminal behaviour, and teenage marriage have all been highlighted by sociologists. However, in general, only a minority of children in separated families have poorer outcomes. Factors such as conflict, low income and poor school results often exist prior to separation and continue afterwards. Divorcees are more likely to be poor, unemployed and on benefits7. Lone parents on benefit who have lived in poverty for some time cannot afford to eat healthily. Many experience severe hardship, poor housing, health problems, lack of access to financial services, and debt. Exposure to severe hardship has an adverse effect on employment. In one study, one-parent families in ...

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