Joint Registration and Flexible Working Bill recognises that both parents matter

 FNF Press Release

  - Families Need Fathers (FNF) applauds promotion of joint parental responsibility 

 

 

 The Welfare Reform Bill, announced today in the Queen’s Speech, has at last proposed new requirements for the birth registration of children. After years of campaigning by FNF, the new legislation would require that both the mother and father of a newborn would be obliged to be entered on the birth certificate unless the registrar deemed it impossible, impractical or unreasonable.

 

Each year 45,000 children are registered with only one parent’s name on the birth certificate. A father who is not named on a birth certificate does not have Parental Responsibility in law, and thus is not party to crucial decisions about a child’s upbringing, including schooling, medical treatment and religion.

 

FNF therefore applauds proposals to promote the close involvement of both parents, and strongly agree with ‘Recording Responsibility’¹ (the June 2008 White Paper outlining the changes) that ‘engaging fathers around the time of their child's birth, including through being registered as father, is important in establishing that close involvement.’

 

Charles Kenyon, chair of Families Need Fathers, said “We are extremely pleased that the Government have proposed tangible steps to promote the involvement of both parents from birth. By ensuring positive action towards joint birth registration and flexible working, we will strengthen family life and promote shared parenting. Both mothers and fathers will be better enabled to carry out their parental responsibilities and children given a stronger sense of security and identity.”

 

-  Further welcome for parent's right to flexible working. 

 

FNF also welcomes the government's determination in the same Bill to press ahead with the right of parents to flexible working arrangements. Such arrangements are especially vital when families separate and the organisation of childcare becomes more complicated. 

 

Jon Davies, FNF Chief Executive said “We believe such agreements will create better support for children and happier employees.”

 

¹ The White Paper Joint birth registration: Recording responsibility - http://www.dfes.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2008_0105

 

 

-  ENDS -

Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status. Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents. Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.

 

For comment or information please contact:

Nick Barnard, Director of Communications 07979 206 384

Jon Davies, FNF CEO 07976 935 986

Becky Sibert, Policy & Information Officer 020 7613 5060

John Baker, FNF Trustee 07881 644 917