The Senate’s delegation on women’s rights has proposed the creation of a “single-parent family” card that would provide benefits such as more flexible work hours and preferential rates for services like school lunches and transportation. The goal is to better identify and support single parents. A report published on March 28 outlines ten recommendations based on feedback from institutions, associations, and parents of single-parent families who shared their challenges. In France, one in four families is headed by a single parent, with women leading 82% of these households, and 45% of children in such families live in poverty.
One of the suggestions by the Senate delegation is to pilot the “single-parent family” card, which would offer advantages and preferential rates for services like school lunches, public transport, leisure activities, and more. Unlike the “large families” card, this new card would be optional and renewable annually, allowing single parents to identify themselves to authorities or employers. Some employers expressed interest in providing more flexible arrangements for employees who are single parents, but were unsure how to identify them. A business owner shared a situation where an employee needed to leave early due to childcare issues and struggled to manage last-minute emergencies, highlighting the need for such a card.
Minister for Gender Equality Aurore Bergé also supports the idea of a specific card for single-parent families to recognize and support their unique challenges. The Senate delegation, however, rejected the creation of a separate legal status for single parents due to lack of comprehensive evaluation of its feasibility and cost, opting instead for the practical approach of the “single-parent family” card. The delegation also addresses the issue of unpaid child support, with nearly a third not being paid. They propose more ambitious goals to reduce non-payment rates and suggest resorting to direct deductions if these objectives are not met.
The proposal also aims to address the lack of support for single-parent families in public policies, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach. The delegation highlights the importance of acknowledging the specific challenges faced by single parents and providing tailored solutions to support them. By recognizing the struggles faced by single-parent families and implementing targeted measures such as the “single-parent family” card, there is potential to improve their overall well-being and quality of life.
Overall, the Senate’s delegation on women’s rights has put forward a comprehensive set of recommendations to better support single-parent families in France. By focusing on practical solutions like the “single-parent family” card and addressing issues related to childcare, work flexibility, and financial support, the delegation aims to ensure that single parents receive the recognition and assistance they need. With the support of government officials, employers, and the wider community, these proposals have the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of single-parent families across the country.
