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THE ONE-PARENT FAMILY IN EDMONTON
Report of a study looking at the conditions and needs of one-parent families and the services available
vorSt°° e\cor;1114 1 .3,41
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PREPARED BY: Social Planning Section Edmonton Social Services City of Edmonton
1112.4a .E3 E337 1975
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS *******************************
We extend our thanks and appreciation to the single parents and representatives of community organizations and agencies who made this report possible. Special mention must also be made of Alberta Bureau of Statistics who assisted us in obtaining demographic information from Statistics Canada.
Erica Bell, Social Planner, December, 1975.
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS PAGE
Chapter I
Introduction
Chapter II
Factors Leading to Creation of One-Parent Family
Chapter III
Demographic Information
Chapter IV
Community Services Available to One-Parent Families
26
Social and Recreational Activities for Single Parents
62
Chapter VI
Information Services
72
Chapter VII
Planning and Coordination
75
Chapter VIII
Identification of Problem Areas and Need
77
Chapter IX
Meeting Needs and Prevention
90
Chapter X
Recommendations
98
Chapter V
Bibliography
1
9
103 APPENDICES
A.
Questionnaire Guide for Services and Programs
B.
Questionnaire for One-Parent Organizations and Groups
C.
Questionnaire for Heads of One-Parent Families
D.
City of Edmonton, One-Parent Families with Children at Home by Census Tract. (Male and Female Heads)
E.
City of Edmonton, One-Parent Families with Children at Home by Census Tract. (Female Heads)
F.
City of Edmonton, One-Parent Families with Children at Home by Census Tract. (Male Heads)
G.
One-Parent Families with Children at Home (Male and Female Heads). Map showing distribution as percent of city total by census tract.
Table #1. Factors Contributing to Marital Breakdown as seen by Three Target Groups 2.
Single Parent Families with Children at Home - Edmonton Metropolitan Area - By Marital Status
3. Divorce Rates in Canada, 1973-74 4. Number of Babies of Unwed Mothers Being Surrendered for Adoption Between 1962 - 1974 5. Incidence of Single Parent Families with Children at Home Headed by Females Under Age 25 (1961 - 71) for Metropolitan Edmonton 6. Distribution of One-Parent Families with Children at Home According to 7 Areas of Edmonton Social Services 7. Number of Children at Home under 6 Years of Age in Female Headed One-Parent Families in Edmonton Metro between 1961 and 1971, As Compared With Totals for all Family Heads 8. Number of One-Parent Families in Edmonton Whose Youngest Child is Under 6 Years of Age in 1971 9. Annual Income Distribution of Heads of One-Parent Families by Sex of Head as Compared to Income Distribution for All Family Heads in Edmonton 10. One-Parent Family Heads showing Sex by Occupation, By Income (Occupation Categories are those of Statistics Canada) 11,
Annual Income Distribution for Heads of One-Parent Families who Worked During 1970 as Compared to Income Distribution. for all Heads of Households who Worked in 1970 in Edmonton Metro area
12. Number of One-Parent Families Headed by Working Women by Age of Children, Total Number of Female Headed Families, and Participation Rates*, Canada, 1971 Census 13. Comparison of Total Annual Income of Reads of One-Parent Families in 1970 with Total Annual Income of Heads of One-Parent Families who Worked During 1970, by Sex of Head 14. Percentage Camposition of Caseload by Reasons for Assistance, Annual Averages 1970/71-1974/75 for the Province of Alberta 15. Social and Recreational Activities Undertaken by Single Parents 16. Knowledge of Single Parent Associations by Single Parents
Table #17. Barriers to Participation in Social or Recreational Activities 18. Recommendations by Single Parents for Recreational or Social Activities 19. Activities Designed for Men and Women to Meet 20. Are Present Information Services Adequate? 21. Improvements Recommended for Information Services 22. Do you Know who is responsible for overall planning and coordination of services for one-parent families? 23. Is there adequate planning and coordination of services? 24. Possible Improvements Suggested for Planning and Coordination 25. Identification of Problem Areas and Needs (Parent) 26. Identification of Problem Areas and Needs (Children) 27. Do Single Parents have a Choice of Working or Not Working 28. Does Being a Single Parent Affect Ability to Obtain Employment 29. Distribution by Reasons for Not Working - Others Preferring to Work But Not in Labor Force 30. Percentage Distribution of Families and Unattached Individuals by Income Groups, Age, and Sex, 1974 31. Resources Most Important In Alleviating Problems of Parents of One-Parent Families 32. Resources Most Important in Alleviating Problems of Children of One-Parent Families 33. Programs and Services Needed to Help Prevent Marital Breakdown and Preserve and Enhance the Family as a Unit - as seen by the 3 Target Groups
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
For the purpose of this study the following definition developed by Statistics Canada is used: "A one-parent family is a parent with one or more unmarried children, living in the same dwelling, or man or woman living with a guardianship child or ward under 21 for whom no pay is received". The objectives of the report are the following: 1.
To provide an inventory of services and programs available to one-parent families in Edmonton.
2.
To provide a socio-demographic profile on one-parent families in Edmonton.
3.
To identify gaps in services and needs of one-parent families as perceived by representatives of service agencies, single parent organizations, and a sample of single parents themselves, and through the analysis of available demographic data.
4.
To make recommendations concerning the improvement of conditions for single parent families in Edmonton.
To accomplish the first objective, a list was prepared of eight major areas of service which appeared to be relevant for one-parent families. Twenty-seven agencies and organizations were identified as offering a service particular to each yf these service areas. Interviews were then held during the summer of 1974. In addition, a list was compiled of organizations which offer social and recreational activities for single parents. These organizations are composed of single adults and have as their main purpose to enable people to meet one another and to provide support and friendship. Much difficulty was encountered during the summer of 1974 in identifying these organizations as many of them appear to be transient in nature, forming around people's needs and dissolving when those people's needs are met. At that time, rpresentatives of five organizations were contacted and interviewed. Before the report was printed an attempt was made to contact other major social clubs for single adults in the city and a description of the activities of these groups is included in Chapter V, although formal interviews were not held using the interview guide. The perceptions of representatives of these organizations as to the needs of one-parent families are therefore not included in the results outlined in Chapters VI, VII, VIII and IX. The five clubs who were interviewed or completed a questionnaire are the Singles Bowling Club, the West 10 Single Again Society, the Plus One Club, the Single Parent Club of Edmonton and Club 30-30.
1
The second objective was met through utilizing available census data from the 1971 Census and through a special computer-run of 1971 census data which provided information on one-parent families by sex of head, by income, by occupation and by age of youngest child. The data was broken down according to the seven areas of Edmonton Social Services. To attempt to meet the third objective of identifying gaps in services and needs of one-parent families, single parents themselves were included. As these people are not readily identifiable, a decision was made to interview a sample of one-parent families living in public housing. This group is not totally representative of the total population of one-parent families, but enough similarities exist to warrant their inclusion. If time had permitted othsr methods, such as general solicitation of responses, might have been used. One obvious need this group might not experience is the need for housing. In July 1974 a 10% random sample of the 710 one-parent families living in public housing was selected, giving a total of 71 families. 47 of these families completed interviews as some were away on holiday, refused to be interviewed or were never available. The breakdown of these respondents is as follows: Sex:
Male Female
1 46
Age:
21 26 31 36 41 46 51 61
25 30 35 40 45 50 60 65
9 13 12 4 2 3 3 1
Marital Status;
Never married Separated Deoerted Divorced Widow(er)
5 14 2 21 5
Job Status:
Full-time homemaker Work full-time Work part-time Student
18 25 2 2
-
The three target groups of agencies, single parent organizations and single parents were asked their perception4pf problem areas and needs as well as the adequacy of existins services. The responses are outlined in Chapters V, VI, VII and VIII.
To achieve the fourth and most important objective concerning recommendations for change, the three target groups were asked for their suggestions as to how to meet the needs they had identified and preventive measures. Using these recommendations and other information obtained Chapter X outlines a number of improvements that could be made.
Footnotes: 1. See Appendix A for copy of interview guide. 2. See Appendix B for interview guide. In four of the organizations, chairmen completed the questionnaire whereas ten members responded in the other. 3. This technique was used in obtaining a sample of father-led one-parent families in Toronto, "Motherless Families", Rubin Todres, Canadian Welfare, Vol. 51, July - August/75. 4. See Appendices A, B and C for copies of interview guides.
CHAPTER II
FACTORS LEADING TO CREATION OF ONE-PARENT FAMILY
In studying the needs of one-parent families, an assessment of the reasons for family breakdown was felt to be important. The three target groups were therefore asked, "There are a growing number of marital breakdowns in our society, what do you feel are the reasons for this occurrence?" The numbers in each category indicate the number of respondents in each of the groups who felt that this particular factor was a cause of marital breakdown, while the percentages reflect the percentage of respondents in each of the target groups who identified this factor. The responses have been grouped under common headings.
TABLE 1 Factors Contributing to Marital Breakdown as seen by Three Target Groups Agencies
Organizations
Single-Parent Families
(N=27) No. %
(N=5) No. %
(N=47) No. %
1. Alcohol & Drug Abuse - Alcohol - Drug abuse
10 3
37 11
12 3
26 6
2. Financial Stress
9
33
10
21
2
4
14
30
1
2
1
2
6
13
- Lack of money and easy credit put people into debt 3. Problems in Communication - Lack of communication, people don't work out their problems together - One person grows faster than the other - Couples don't try to understand each other
3
11
2
40
4. Change in Values (a)- Dependence - Independence - Women and men go separate ways and are too individualistic -4-
3
11
Table I (Continued) Agencies
Organizations
Single-Parent Families
(N=27) No. %
(N=5) No. %
(N=47) No. %
4(a)- Women today are striving for their own identity and want more independence - Changing society gives men and women more independence and they want more freedom than when married - Husband doesn't understand woman's need to be an individual and be independent - Women take over and become too independent. They shouldn't work unless they have to - Changing attitudes towards marriage with regard to individual 1 freedom and self fulfillment - Women not prepared to put up with 1 bitterness these days (b)- Changing role euectations - Changing of roles - Outmoded role expeetations on the part of young people about each other in marriage - Changing role of women with changing attitude of men dragging behind - Women need to understand men's egos better, don't take men's pride away - Decay of family unit as two parents working, decay of family tradition, women are career oriented
2
4
7
1
4
1
4
1
4
(c)- Different expectations of marriage and relationship - Higher standard of living allow people freedom to seek higher needs and greater stress for women and men - Changing concept of what is a satisfying relationship 1 - Unrealistic expectations 1
5
4
4 4
1
20
1
20
2
4
1
2
1
2
1
2
Table I (Continued) Agencies Organi- Single-Parent zat ions Families (N=27) (N=5) (N=47) No. % No. % No. % 4(d)- People not forced to stay together - Change in values, won't stay if don't want to - Easier to separate today because of values - Greater opportunity for women to leave marriage (e)- Chaue in society - People not able to cope with rapidly changing society - Fast pace of life and social transition - Social upheaval - Stress from society - Urban stress - Changes in society are too fast
1
4
2
7
1
4
2
7
2 1 1 1
7 4 4 4
3
11
2
4
3
6
7
15
1 2
2 4
2 1 2
4 2 4
1
2
1
2
1
2
(f)- Freedom of sex Freedom in sex because of pill Boredom with one's partner due to availability of opposite sex (g)-Mobility - Move around too much (h)-More leisure - More leisure time causing boredom 5.
1
2
7
1
4
3
11
3 1
11 4
20
Not Ready for Marriage - Marry too young, too immature and too much responsibility - Marry too young - Marry if woman pregnant and not ready - People marry to avoid loneliness - Kids too soon - Too much responsibility too soon - People go into marriage without any idea of what it involves and cannot accept responsibility - People marry for wrong reasons - Young people don't objectively evaluate marriage partner - Some men unable to cope with responsibility 6
1
1
20
20
Table 1 (Continued) Agencies Organi- Single-Parent zations Families (N=27) (N=5) (N=47) No. % No. % No. % 6. Lack of Support Services From the Community - Lack of marriage enrichment programs - Lack of prenatal courses and family planning - Lack of support to young families to enable them to enhance personal satisfaction and provide care and support for children - More awareness of family planning
1
4
1
4
1
4
1
4
7. Services Too Generous - Always a service to lean on as services too generous - Easy for women with children to get social assistance - Divorce laws too liberal as incentive to reconcile is decreasing
1 20
1
4
2
7
- Couples not seeking counselling 1 when needed - Not enough counselling for 1 everyone
4
8 Lack of Counselling
4
9. Infidelity - Infidelity - Men run around with other women
2
7
1 1
2 2
3
11
3 1
6 2
1
2
1
2
10. Incompatibility - Incompatibility - People don't care enough for each other - People tired of each other 11. Lack of Adequate Family Background - Youth given minimal responsibility - Lack of leadership from parents - No knowledge of real family life 1
1 4
20
Table 1 (Continued) Agencies Organi- Single-Parent zations Families (N=27) No. %
(N=5) No. %
(N=47) No. %
12. Different Goals - Different Goals - Inability to establish set of values prior to marriage - Lack of common interests
1
4
1
4
1
2
1 1
2 2
1 1
2 2
1
2
1 1
2 2
1
2
13. Miscellaneous - Lack of responsibility - Possessiveness 2 - Influence of friends - Husband goes out too much with friends - Lack of counselling before marriage - Father away a lot - Media presents distorted picture, wealth and easy-problem solving 1 - Acceptance of hedonistic way of life with continua/ media exposure to beautiful unrealistic 1 way of life - People are so competitive, one's accomplishments appear 1 small - Lose touch with each other while raising family - People take advantage of each other - Not mature enough to cope 1 - Maladjustment 1 - Lack of effective involvement 1 - Not prepared to make marriage 1 work - In-laws 1 - Mental illness 1
3
3 60 7
4
4
4
4 4 4 4 4 4
CHAPTER III
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Chapter III attempts to pull together the various pieces of information available relative to the socio-economic situation of single parent families in Edmonton. The following Tables will be presente,1 in this section. Table 2 Trend in the num7,er and marital status of single parent families Table 3 Divorce rates in Canada, 1973 and 1974 Table 4 Trend in the number of babies of unwed mothers being surrendered for adoption between 1962 and 1964 Table 5 Trend in the number of single parent families in Edmonton Metropolitan area, whose female head is under 25 years of age, between 1961 and 1971 Table 6 Distribution of one-parent families according to 7 areas of Figure I Edmonton Social Services. Table 7 Trend in the number of children at home under 6 years of age in female headed one-parent families, between 1961 and 1971 Table 8 Number of one-parent families in Edmonton whose youngest child is under 6 years of age Table 9 Annual income distribution of the one-parent family population Fig. II by sex of head as compared to income distribution for all families in Edmonton. Table 10 One-parent family heads showing sex, by occupation, by income Table 11 Annual income distribution for heads of one-parent families who worked during 1970 as compared to income distribution for total population Table 12 Number of one-parent families headed by working women by age of children, total number of female headed families and participation rates, Canada, 1971 Census Table 13 Comparison of total annual income of heads of one-parent families in 1970 with total annual income of heads of one-parent families who worked in 1970 Table 14 Percentage composition of people receiving Social Allowance by reasons for assistance, annual averages, 1970/71 - 1974/75
TABLE 2 Single rarent Families with Children at Home Edmonton Metropolitan Area By Marital Status (1951-66-71)
Description of Family Head
1971
2 All female family heads
8,7653
53
5,729
41
4,051
335
24
310
14
272
2,310
16
1,991
22
1,630
405
144
166
47
113
2,725
150
1,087
93
563
Never married male head
205
185
72
167
27
Never married female head
830
249
238
41
169
Widowed male head Widowed female head Divorced male head Divorced female head
1966-71 % Change
1966
1961-66 % Change
1961
The population foF the Edmonton Metropolitan Area increased by 46.84% between 1961 and 1971,4 female heads cf one-parent families increased by 116.4Z during that same period. The actual rate of female heads of one-parent families ,7re increased from 1,200 per 100,001 population in 1961 to 2,009 per 100,000 population in 1971, a 67% net inerease.
It appears from the data that the largest percentage increases are taking place within the "never married" group. This fact is supported by figures in Table 4 which show that an increasingly greater number of unwed mothers are choosing to retain their babies, 82.8% in 1974 as opposed to 57% in 1962. The number of divorced and never married men choosing to look after their children is also showing a steady increase. Although no figures are available for the total number of male headed, one-parent farAlies between 1961 and 1971, we do know that a rising number of widowed, divorced and never married men are having custody of their children. The doubling of the number of divorced men and women family heads between 1966 and 1971 is consistent with recent figures from Statistics Canada which show the divorce rate has jumped ly 9.3% Letween 1973 and 1974 for Alberta, giving this Province the highest per capita divorce rate in Canada.
TABLE 3 Divorce Rates in Canada, 1973-745
NUMBER
RATES (Per 100,000 pop.) 1974 1973
1974
1973
% CHANGE
CANADA
45,019
365 794
200.3
166.1
20.6
Newfoundland Prince Edward Island Nova Scotia New Brunswick Quebec Ontario Manitoba Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Yukon N.W. Territories
301 96 1,591 755 12,272 15,277 1,796 1,039 4,947 6,840 46 59
224 54 1,249 574 8,091 13,781 1,620 387 4,435 5,637 60 42
55.4 82.1 195.5 113.9 199.8 133.5 177.5 114.4 288.1 284.8 242.1 155.3
41.4 47.0 155.2 38.0 133.1 173.6 162.3 97.7 263.5 245.7 300.0 110.5
33.3 74.7 26.0 29.4 50.1 3.6 9.4 17.1 9.3 15.9 -19.3 40.5
TABLE 4 Number of Babies of Unwed Mothers Being6Surrendered for Adoption Between 1962 - 1974
7
YEAR
'62
Total Number of Babies Surrendered
376 1009 1048 1214 1185 1316 1379 1380 1284
Total Number of Illegitimate Births
'63
'64
55
2
66
2
67
'68
2036
2681
3007
Percentage of Illegitimate Births Surrendered for Adoption 43.0
37.6
34.9 37.3 31.2 37.0 37.9
3252 3790 3551
'69
'70
3632 3943 4146
34.9
30.9
Continued
Table 4 (Continued)
YEAR
'71
'72
'73
'74
Total Number of Babies Surrendered
895
717
589
528
Total Number of Illegitimate Births
3766
3050
Percentage of Illegitimate Births Surrendered for Adoption
23.7
23.5 18./. 17.2
3188 .All -
The 1973 Canada Year Book reports that 45.7% of the unwed mothers in 1971 were under 20 years of age as compared to a total of 8.2% of married mothers who were under 20 years when they gave birth to a child in 1971. Social Service personnel in Edmonton hospitals have reported that the tendency is increasing for the younger, less mature woman to keep her child while the older woman, who appears to have more concrete goals for herself, surrenders her baby. This trend for younger women to keep their children was substantiated by Eon Alexander, Director of Adoptions for the Province, who reported that in a sample of 28 women taken from caseloads across the province, 80% of the 15 women who kept their babies were under 20 years of age, while only7 46% of the 13 women who surrendered their babies were under 20 years of age. Table 5 shows that there has been a steady decline in the age of female heads of one-parent families.
TABLE 5 Incidence of Single Parent Families with Children at Home 8 Headed By Females Under Age 25 (1961 - 71) for Metropolitan Edmonton
1971
1966
1961
8765
5799
4051
Female Heads Under 25 Years of Age
905
302
134
Female Heads Under 25 as % of Total
10%
5%
3%
Total N9ber of Female Heads of One-parent Families
Table 6 outlines the distribution of one-parent families with children in Edmonton broki5 down according to the seven service areas of Edmonton Figure I has the seven areas outlined on a map of Social Services. Edmonton showing census tracts. The distribution of one-parent families by census tracts is shown in Appendix I.
TABLE 6
Distribution of One-Parent Families with Children at Home 11 According to 7 Areas of Edmonton Social Services
ONE-PARENT FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME
1
13380
1320
2
11630
1435
12.34
14.29
3
13005
1480
11.33
14.74
4
12065
1370
11.36
13.65
5
7455
1140
15.2?
11.35
6
7000
1705
24.36
16.98
7
9550
1590
16.65
15.84
TOTAL POP. 74085
ONE-PARENT FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT
% DISTRIBUTION OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME (AS % OF CITY TOTAL OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES
AREAS TOTAL FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME
HOE AS % OF ALL FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME
13.15
Male heads 150(15.84%) Female heads 3450 (34.15%) 10040 = total number of one-parent families with me
- Tables 7 and 8 examine the number of children under 6 years of age in one-parent families. This was an important area to explore in determining the need for child care services for working parents. Table 7 points out that although the number of children under 6 is growing, the rate of growth decreased from 62% between 1951 and 1956 to 42% between 1966lzand 1971. This although the is probably due to a slowing down of the general birth-rate, incidence of single parent families increased during this time.
TABLE 7 Number of Children at Home under Years of Age in Female Headed OneParent Families in Edmonton l!etro . between 1961 and 1971, As Compared Uith Totals for All Family Heads
1971
% Change n66-71
1966
% Change 1961-66
1961
No. of children at home under 6 years of age for all family heads
55,405 - 4.2%
57,864 + 3.5%
55,870
As percent of total no, of children at home for all family heads
27.3%
33.7%
40.1%
No. of children at home under 6 years of age for female headed one-parent families As percent of total no. of .children at home for female headed one-parent families
-13.9%
4,025 +41.2%
21.2%
- 4.9%
-15.9%
2,849 +61.3%
22.3%
0
1,760
22.3%
TABLE 3 Number of One-Parent Families in Edmonton Whon Youngest Child is Under 6 Years of Age in 1971 Sex of Head
Number of Families
Male headed Female headed
490 2,355
Table 9 and Figure II show the income distribution for heads of oneparent families and heads of all families in Edmonton. It is indeed disturbing to note that 76% of all female headed one-parent families had an income of less than $5,000.00 per year in 1970 whereas only 16% of all family heads had an income of less than $5,000.00 per year. It appears that the female head of a one-parent family fares much worse than the two-parent family households. This seems consistent with the overall situation of women in the labour force and the high percentage of women with dependent children receiving public assistance. Table 10 gives a breakdown of one-parent family heads by sex, occupation and income of family head. 46% of all female farilyAeads were working during 1970 as compared to 39.4% of all females in Alberta. In every occupational category except one, women had an average income less than men, even in the area of clerical and related occupations where women occupied the largest percentage of the jobs, 20%. - 14 -
Table 11 outlines the income distribution of heads of one-parent families who worked during 1970, as compared to the income distribution for all heads of households in Edmonton Itetropolitan area. As the women receiving social assistance are not included, a slight difference is shown, with 64% of the female heads of families earning less than $5,000.00 ner year. However, female wages appear to be substantially less than for men. This is probably due to two main factors, one is that women generally occupy jobs that are . the lowest paid in the labour force and secondly, 'ygmen tend to be the lowest The Edmonton Social paid individuals within a particular job category. Planning Council Task Force on Women in the Albertan Labour 7orce, after Salary and wage rate survey, .Alberta examining the Sixteenth Annual 1R.eport Bureau of Statistics, 1972, "concluded that in only about 13% of the occupational categories did men and women earn 'equal.7pay'. These categories employ roughly 12% of the Alberta Work Force.' The Task Force also found that 'women form 97% of the labour force of those jobs which pay less than $5,000.00 per annum, but in those occupatio98 where people are paid more than $10,000 only 1% of the workers are female. A comparison of Tables 11 and 12 shows that the percentage of female heads of one-parent families working, 46%, is slightly below the national rata of 43.6%. The Table also points out that the participation rate is as high as 47.6% for female headed families with children under 6 only. roes this perhaps point to a trend for the younger woman to remain in the labour force? The economic situation of female heads of one-parent families is not only a function of the low economic position of women in the labour force. As shown in Table 13 almost 54% of all female heads of families are not working and receiving some form of financial assistance. In most cases this is Provincial public assistance which maintains the family on a very minimal income. This, therefore, accounts for the greater percentage in "all female heads" whose incomes are less than $3,000.00 par year as compared to those who are working. Table 14 shows that mothers with dependent children, receiving public assistance, have increased between 1970 and 1975 more than any other group (23%), accounting for definitional changes, whereas the total caseload over this period increased by only 6.2%. The 2.34% decrease between 1974 and 1975 in the category "Mothers with Dependent Children' possibly reflects the improving unemployment rate for females in Alberta during the past few years. This rate declined from 4.1% in 1971 to 2.4% in April, 1975. Through the aid and encouragement of Provincial public assistance worke59, mothers with dependents appear to he getting back into the labour force. '
FIGURE II
00 0 td)a Ln0tn 0 ON••••J .4••• Lntit t.n0Ui0VI0Ln 0VI
47% 44% ,
32%
Lo 0ln HH 0ln0VI
families in each income category
Percentage of Heads of One-parent families and of.allheads of
Income Distribution of One-Parent Family Population by Sex of Head2gs Compared to Income Distribution for all Family Heads in Edmonton City
25% 25% 14
23%
,,
lk 17% t
14%
14% 7% \
\ \
1
Less than $3,000
Between $3000&4SA
Agt
Over $10,000 Between Between $7000&9999 $5000&6999
Income categories for total income of family head for 1970 KEY;
Female headed one-parent families Male headed one-parent families Total Families 040MOMMW
i
TABLE 9 Annual Income Distribution of Heads of One-Parent Families by Sex of Head2fs Compared to Income Distribution for All Family Heads in Edmonton
Income Categories
Female Headed One-parent Families
Less than $1000
1,375
$1000-$2999
2,800
% in each Male headed % in each Male & Female! % in each All Family % in Each Heads of one- Income 1 Heads in Category Income . One-parent Income Category I Category Edmonton Category families parent ' (Both) (Male) Families i i Under 13% Under 5.3% 1,465 90 14.5% $3000 $3,000 29.7%
200
11.8%
2,995
27%
' 7955
1
7.59%
, $3000-$4999
2,990
31.7%
235
113.9%
3,220
29%
9330
$5000-$6999
1,315
13.9%
360
21.3%
1,670
15%
12380
' 11.73%
$7000-$9999
620
6.5%
415
24.5%
1,030
9%
26760
25.36%
$10,000-$14,999
240
2.5%
255
15.0%
495
4%
31030
29.41%
85
.9%
140
8.2%
220
2%
1 18070
17.12%
$15,000 & Over
, Total Number of Families Average Total IncoriA of Family 'dead'
9,425
1,695
$3,722.00
$8,187.00
4
1
11,095
$4,400.00
4105,525 i
$8,418.00
3.34%
TABLE 10 24
One Parent Family Heads showing Sex by Occupation, By Income (Occupation Categories are those of Statistics Canada) MALE Av. Income % of Total Each Category ao. Jobs Jobs
FEMALE Av. Income % of Total Each Jobs Jobs Category
Managerial, Administrative & Related
65
4.05
21245
90
1.06
7818
Teaching & Related
10
.62
12829
130
2.12
3337
Medicine
30
1.87
16385
320
3.77
6460
Artistic, Literary, Recreational & Related
10
.62
4074
25
.2)
5307
Clerical and Related
105
6.54
6594
1720
20.26
4763
Sales
120
7.48
8899
435
5.12
4821
Service
130
8.10
7911
915
10.78
3673
20
1.25
. 5795
5
.06
2047
Other PRIMARY
10
.62
11802
5
.06
6216
Processing
45
2.80
6117
65
.77
4651
Machine Prod. Fab. Assembling Repairing
125
7.79
8271
80
.94
3483
Construction Trades
175
10.90
7444
5
.06
2985
Transport Equip. Operating
150
9.35
58.8
70
.82
4049
5
.31
10828
15
.18
6184
15
.93
4919
10
.12
2452
115
7.17
8909
420
4.95
3613
1130
66.66
3382
4360
46.26
4813
565
33.33
5065
53.74
1695
100.00
9425
100.00
Other Farming, Horticultural F., Animal Husbandry Farmers
Other Crafts & Equipment Operating All Others Occupation Not Stated Working Mot Working 25 TOTAL Heads of one-parent families working and not working
$8187
$3722
TABLE 11 27 Annual Income Distribution for Heads of One Parent Families who Worked During 1970 as Cnpared to Income Distribution for all Heads of Households who Worked in 1970 in Edmonton letro area
Income Categories
% in each Female Heads of One-parent families category who worked in 1970
Male Heads of one-parent families who worked in 1970
% in each category
All Heads of households in Edmonton Metro who worked in 1970
% in each category
10
.22%
5
.44%
19185
.81%
Less than $1000
265
6.08%
35
3.08%
59165
3.57%
$1000 - $2999
865
19.86%
90
7.92%
209605
14.23%
$3000 - $4999
1640
37.65%
170
14.97%
209173
13.93%
$5000 - $6999
1045
23.99%
325
28.63
25,665
17.73%
$7000 - $9999
480
11.02%
390
34.36% ,
38,180
26.37%
23,400
16.16%
10.13%
109395
7.18%
No income reported
$10,000 - $149999 $15,003 & Over TOTAL Families Who Worked
-
-
50
1.14%
4355
Average total income for heads of families who worked in 1970 $4,813
115
1130
144,765
$89882
4-1 ,—ricl
r-4
TABLE 12 Number of One-parent Families Headed by Working Women by Age of Children, Total Number of Female Headed Families, and Participation Rates*, Canada, 1971 Census
Age of Children
Female headed one-parent families with head in labour force
Female headed one-parent families
Participation Rate %
Under 6 only Under 6 & 6-14
/9,615
41,215
47.6
9,160
29,960
34.0
Under 6 & 15-24
1,225
3,030
40.4
Under 6, 6-14 & 15-24
2,385
3,720
27.4
Total Under 6
32,335
79,925
40.5
6-14 Only
369850
629690
58.8
9,160
26,960
34.0
25,665
51,810
49.5
2,335
3,720
27.4
Total 6-14
74,060
150,130
49.3
15-24 Only
48,970
85,655
57.2
115-24 & Under 15
28,050
50,530
46.3
Total 15-24
77,020
146,135
52.7
161,740
370,325
43.6
6-14 & Under 6 6-14 & 15-24 6-14, 0-5 & 15-24
Total one-parent female headed families
* Female headed families with the head in the labour force as a percentage of all female headed famlies, for each category of age of children. SOURCE: Unpublished data from the 1971 Census of Canada, Statistics Canada, Census Field.
TABLE 13 Comparison of Total Annual Income of Heads of One-parent Families in 1970 with Total nual Income of Heads of One-Parent Families who Worked during 1970, by Sex oE Head Percentage in each category. _ Less than $3,000
Between $3,000 - $4999
Betweea $5,000 - $699
Between $7,000 - $9999
Over $10,000
Income of Female heads of one parent families
44.
31.7%
13.9%
6.5%
3.4%
Income of female heads of onaparent families who worked
26.16%
37.65%
23.99%
11.027,
1,147
Income of male heads of one parent families
17.1%
13.9%
21.3%
24.5%
23.27,
Income of male heads of one parent families who vorked
11,44%
14.977,
28.63%
34.36%
10.13%
31
32
r-4
TABLE 14 -------Fercentage Composition of Caseload by Reasons for Assistance, Annual Averages 1970/71-1974/7533 for the Province of Alberta
1 1972-73 % Change 1970/71-71/72 ! # %
% Change 1971/72-72/73
Reason for Assistance
1970-71 % #
1971-72
Age Physical Ill Health Mental al Health Mental Retardation Unsuited for Employment Total Unemployable Mother with Dependent Children Father with Dependent Children Person with Dependent Children Employed, insufficient income* Employable*
5212 18.76 7209 25.94 1787 6.43
4286 15.07 7272 25.58 2134 7.51
-17.77 0.87 19.42
4210 14.44 7434 25.49 23)1 8.20
12.04
14208 51.13
13692 48.16
-2.31
14035 48.13
2.51
8199 29.50
9066 31.89
10.57
95)8 32.91
5.87
116 . 0.42
115' 0.40
-0.86
123i 0.42
6.96
8315 29.92
9181 32.29
10.41
9721 33.33
5.88
1420 5.11 3846 13.84
1646
15.27 1.74
1480
-1.77 2.23
CNI
5.79 3913 13.76
2.31
5.07 3929 13.47
-10.09 0.41
2.57 (Continued on --- next page) * There were changes in definition of "reasons for assistance" in April 1973 and March 1974, affecting the comparability of statistics across these two time periods TOTAL
27789 100.00
28432100.00
29163,130.00
CN1
Table 14 (Continued)
Reason for Assistance
1973/74 # %
6095 20.33 Age Physical In Health 5634 18.79 Mental ill Health 2408 8.03 Mental Retardation Unsuited for Employment Total Unemployable 14137 47.15 Mother with Dependent Children 11524 38.44 Father with Dependent Children 217 0.72 Person with Dependent Children 11741 '29.16 Employed, insufficient income* 762 2.54 Employable* 3336 11.13 TOTAL
29981
% Change 1972/73-73/74 44.77 -24.21 0.71
1974/75 # % 6349 21.51 5515 18.69 2117 7.17 355 1.20
. % Change 1973/74-1974/75 , 4.17 -2.11 2.66
0,73
272 0.92 14608 49.50
3.33
20.07
11254 38.13
-2.34
0.56
-24.42
20.78
11418 38.69
-2.75
-48.51 -15.09
3488 11.82
-14.89
76.42
164
29514
-1.56
Footnotes: 1.
Figures taken are from: 1971 Census of Canada, Families, Catalogue 93-713, Oct. 11- Part: 2 (Bulletin 2.2-6) July 1975, Statistics Canada. 1966 Census of Canada, Households & Families, Catalogue #93-613, Vol. II (2-12), Statistics Canada. 1961 Census of Canada, Households & Families, Catalogue #93-516 (Vol. II-Part 1), October 1969, Statistics Canada.
2.
Figures for all male heads of one-parent families are not available for 1966 and 1961. In 1971, there were 1,590 male heads of one-parent families for Edmonton City.
3.
Includes figures for separated women which are not available in separate categories from Statistics Canada publications.
4.
Census Publication, Catalogue #95-727 (C.T.-27A), Statistics Canada, March 1975.
5.
Statistics Canada Daily, Catalogue #11-001E, page 1.
6,
Alberta Social Services and Community Health, Child Welfare Statistics, July 1974,
7.
Telephone conversation with Don Alexander, Director of Adoptions, Alberta Social Services and Community Health, September 1975.
8.
Op. Cit. Statistics Canada
9.
Figures are taken from Table 2
10, See Chapter IV for description of boundaries of the service areas. 11. Special run by Statisticc Canada, 7307B, April 1975. See Appendix D for complete breakdown by Census tract. 12. The birth rate for Edmonton City was 30.4 per 1,000 population in 1961, 22.0 per 1,000 population in 1966, and 13.9 per 1,000 population in 1971, Report of Local Board of Haalth. 13. Op. Cit., Figures for male-headed one-parent families are not available. 14. Special run, On. Cit. Figures were not available for all children under 6 years of age. 15. Women in the Labour Force (Alberta), Research Division, Dept. of Manpower and Labour, 1972. 16. Women in the Xlbartan Labour Force, Edmonton Social Planning Council, 1974, page 9, 17. Ibid 13. Ibid, p. 11
- 24 -
19. Reported by staff of Research and Planning Division, Alberta Social Services and Community Health, August 1975. The descriptions of categories had recently changed which would affect the statistics. 20. Alberta Statistical Review, Alberta Bureau of Statistics Treasury Department, June 1975. 21. Special Run, Op. Cit. Figures are for total family income for 1970. All figures in tabulation are subjected to random rounding of "0" or Figures are for all heads of one-parent families with children at home and not at home, i.e. living with someone else. 22. Statistics Canada, 1971 Census, Heads of Households Incomes. Table 68-1. 23. Average total income per family of all families in Edmonton for 1970 was $10,699.00. 24. Special Run, Statistics Canada, 1971 Census, 7307A December 1974. 25. These totals are different than the totals shown in Table 6 as figures are for all heads of one-parent families ;,7ith children at home and not at home. 26. Figures are shown in Table 9. Percentages in graph are rounded. 27. Special Run, Statistics Canada, 1971 Census, 7307A, December, 1974. 28. Statistics Canada, 1971 Census, Households Income of Household Heads, 93-710. 29. Women in the Labour For,-;e, Facts and Figures (1974 Edition), Labour Canada, 30. Percentages are based on figures given in Tables 9 and 11. 31. The larger incidence of woman in this category than for those who are working is possibly due to these women receiving alimony or some form of financial assistance from their previous husbands. 32. Again the difference is perhaps due to other sources of income not related to occupation. 33. Research and Planning Division, Alberta Social Services and Community Health, 1975.
CHAPTER IV
COMMUNITY SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ONE-PARENT FAMILIES
Chapter IV provides a brief description of programs and benefits in 8 major program areas: income maintenance, employment training and education, housing, family court and legal aid, counselling services, family support services, programs for children of single parent, and miscellaneous. Although most programs are not exclusively available to single parent families, the programs chosen are those that appeared relevant to the particular types of problems one-parent families might experience. As programs are constantly changing in ther nature in response to changing needs, the reader must be aware that the data presented was accurate in January 1975, although some attempt has been made to update it. The previous chapter indicated that 54% of all female heads of one-parent families and 33% of all male heads of one-parent families were NOT working and thus probably were reliant on some form of an income maintenance program or unemployment insurance. The Income Maintenance Programs are categorized according to the level of government which has responsibility for them. In May 1975, the City of Edmonton relinquished responsibility to the Province for providing financial assistance to those persons over 18 years of age who had been living in the city for over one year and were considered to be employable. Therefore no data has been included. It is interesting to note that in October 1974, 245 single parent families were receiving financial assistance from the City, 15 were male headed and 230 were female headed. This represented 30.6% of the total caseload receiving financial assistance.
A. INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS Federal Programs 1. Dept. of National Health & Welfare Canada Pension Plan: Seven benefits are payable under the Canada Pension Plan - a retirement pension, a disability pension and benefits for the children of a disabled contributor, widows ° and disabled widowers' pensions, orphans' benefits, and a lump sum death benefit. Disability Pension; Under the Canada Pension Plan, disability pensions are available to persons who have contributed a maximum of 5 years to the plan and who are medically certified unable to work.
-26-
Survivors Benefits: The Canada Pension Plan provides for survivors benefits, these include (a) a lump sum death benefit payable to the estate of the deceased contributor. (b) a monthly pension to his widow. (c) monthly benefits for the dependent children of a deceased contributor. (d) a monthly pension to a disabled widower of a female contributor, provided the widower is disabled, having been disabled at the time of the death of his wife and provided that he was wholly or substantially maintained by his wife prior to her death. For a survivor to qualify for benefits, a deceased contributor must have made contributions for one-third of the calendar years for which he or she could have contributed to the plan or for 10 years, whichever is less. Rates for the Canada Pension Plan are subject to change as the maximum contributable earnings change. Where to apply:
Dept. of National Health & Welfare, Canada Pension Plan, 7th floor, Manulife Building, 10055 - 105 Street, Edmonton. Telephone #425-7150.
Improvements: It was suggested that pensions should be tied to the cost of living index as inflation is fast eroding the purchasing power of our pensions. 2. Dept. of Indian Affairs & Northern Development The Dept. of Indian Affairs provides financial assistance to Treaty Indians in the city who do not qualify for assistance through the Province. The rates are the same as those paid out under the Social Allowance Program of Alberta Social Services & Community Health. Eligibility: Treaty Indians who are considered unemployable because of responsibilities for dependent children, health problems or age. No. of Single Parent Families Receiving Assistance: There were 300 Treaty Indian individuals or families in the City of Edmonton receiving financial assistance and approximately 90% of these (270 families) were single parent, mother-led families. Where to apply:
Edmonton-Hobbema District Office, Dept. of Indian Affairs, 10455 - 80 Avenue, Edmonton. Telephone #425-6230. - 27-
Improvements: There are only 3 full-time counsellors providing financial assistance and counselling. This wns considered very inadequate. A need was expressed to undertake more outreach work in the community to enable counsellors to work with families in their own homes. The financial assistance rates were not considered adequate because inflation had greatly eroded their purchasing power.
Provincial Programs Social Allowance: Alberta Social Services & Community Health, through its Social Allowance Program, renders assistance to persons in need. Food, clothing, shelter, medical, and sundry personal incidentals are provided in this program. Need is calculated on a family or individual basis and approved benefits represent the difference between approved allowance rates and income from employment above the allowance earnings. Rates - The rates for food, clothing and personal and household allowance are calculated according to a schedule. As an example, a one-parent family of three - 1 adult and 2 children between the ages of 0 - 6 years of age would receive $105.00 for short-term assistance and $149.00 per month for 1 long-term assistance. Long-term assistance is intended to cover food, clothing, personal and household allowance while short-term assistance includes only food and personal allowance and clothing for children. Actual rents and actual utilities are also paid under the Social Allowance scheme. In addition, all medical, dental, optical and pharmaceutical costs are covered. The Department also pays for special items such as: school supplies, homemaker costs, household furnishings and repairs, moving expenses, and house repairs if definite need is indicated. With regard to single parents who are working, the Province allows for the actual cost of day care ($10 per family in a subsidi9d centre, $60 - $100 per child in private centres), $10 for transportation, and a percentage of earnings are exempt based on a schedule. The total value of assistance to a single parent3family with two children between o - 6 years of age might look like this: (Working) Food, Clothing, Personal & Household Rent Utilities ($39 house, $12 apt.) Day Care (private centre) Transportation Exemption
(Not Working)
$149.00 (scale amt.) 150.00 39.00 100.00 10.00 114.00 $562.00
(estimate) (estimate) (estimate) (scale amt.) 4 (scale allowance)
$149.00 150.00 39.00
$338.00
Therefore, if the woman in this example was making $400.00 per month, she would receive a subsidy for the difference between $562.00 and $400.00 which is $162.00.
-23-
Eligibility (a) Persons who are unemployable because of age, illness, disability or responsible for dependent children. (b) Persons who are considered to be available for employment but are unemployed. (c) Families may have up to $2000 in assets. In case of unemployed employable persons, only $500 of this may be in the form of cash. (d) Persons who are not able to earn sufficient money to meet the basic requirements of themselves and their families. Basic needs are calculated on an individual basis and may include such items as day care and transportation. (e) Treaty Indians who are considered to be employable, are trying to be self-supporting and are living off the reserve. (0 Immigrants who are not being sponsored by relatives and subject to approval from Canada Manpower & Immigration. (g) Persons who have enrolled in an employment retraining program and are deemed eligible for social allowance to meet their basic needs. Where there is conflict regarding responsibility or no clear-cut departmental policy for financial support, cases are referred to the Inter-departmental Student Aid Committee for a decision as to whether Alberta Social Services, Canada Manpower or the Department of Advanced Education should be involved. Where to apply: Applizations are made through a regional office of Alberta ?ocial Services & Community Health. West Edmonton Regional Office, Centennial Mall, 170 Street & Stony Plain Road. Phone: 487-3440. West 10 Regional OfZice, 11016 - 127 Street, Phone: 452-6193. North Edmonton Regional Office, 1I713 - 82 Street, Phone: 474-6424. South Edmonton Regional Office, 10455 - 80 Avenue, Phone: The West and South Regional Offices all cover areas outside of Edmonton. However, plans are being made to decentralize the Edmonton offices into 7 area offices, whose boundaries would be co-terminue, with those of Edmonton Social Services' seven area of -2
EXISTING BOUNDARIES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT •
EXISTING FACILITIES
REG ONAL OFFICES
No. of Single Parents Presently Receiving Assistance7 October 1974
No. Single Parent Total No. of Cases Families with DepenReceiving Financial dent Children Receiving Assistance Financial Assistance
Alberta Social Services for Edmonton Metro Area
4773
109 687
% Total Caseload (Single Parent Families with Dependent Children
44.66%
In June 1973, there were 5027 families with dependent children. This represented 44.3% of the total caseload for Edmonton Metro area. 4967 of these families were mother-led and only 60 families had male heads. It is interesting to note that families with dependent children comprised 38.5% of all families and individuals receiving social allowance in Alberta. Also from the Table below we can see that the category, families with dependent children, has more than twice as many recipients than any other grouping for 8 the Edmonton area. For more information on the breakdown of provincial caseloads by reason for assistance see Table 14, Chapter III, Reason for Assistance * Aged Disabled - physically Disabled - mentally Mothers with dependents Fathers with dependents Insufficient income Guardian allowance Unemployed - employable TOTAL
JUNE, 1973 Edmonton Area
Total Province
1,993 1,947 977 4,967 60 223 161 1,007
69151 5,490 2,344 11,352 222 750 725 3,013
11,335
30,047
% Total Cases (Province) 20.5 18.3 7.8 37.8 .7 2.5 2.4 10.0 100%
*Aged persons are supplemented by social allowance if the Old Age Security Pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement provided by federal funds are insufficient to meet needs.
Improvements: Some of the suggestions included the separation of staff functions of providing financial assistance and counselling, with people in the counselling area being therefore able to develop more specialized skills in this role.
The second service area outlines vocational training and educational programs available, as well as financial support programs for those who wish to attend. The programs are broken down according to government and non-government.
B. EMPLOYMENT TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Federal Programs 1. Canada Manpower The following description was provided by Canada Manpower. (a)Job Placement & Counselling: All job vacancies available in the Edmonton Canada Manpower Centre are displayed in the Job Information Centre, thus allowing job seekers to browse for the positions they feel are best suited for them. Counselling and assessment for job placement or retraining programs are available for those who are not job-ready or are otherwise unable to utilize the self-service offered in the Job Information Centre. Eligibility - Available to any resident of Canada, but note that in Alberta persons under 15 may not be employed in any employment without the written consent of the parent or guardian and the approval of the Board of Industrial Relations. (b)Occupational Training: This program provides financial support to individuals to undertake academic upgrading and/or skill training courses of not more than 52 weeks each, that is, it is possible to take an upgrading course followed by a skill course each up to 52 weeks in length. Courses designed for university credit are excluded. Canada Manpower does not operate training schools but purchases training places in courses conducted at the Alberta Vocational Centres, N.A.I.T., Grant MacEwan Community College, approved private schools, etc. Financial assistance provides for tuition, most books and instruments and a living allowance that varies from $43.00 to $95.00 per week (usually adjusted annually in July), according to the number of dependents, to cover such costs as rent, medicare, food, babysitting, transportation, etc., and which is subject to income tax. When a person placed in training is entitled to unemployment insurance benefits and the living allowance is less than the amount of benefits, the Unemployment Insurance Commission may pay the difference; similarly, the living allowance may be supplemented to meet basic needs by the Social Allowance Program of Alberta Social Services & Community Health. Eligibility - Available to those who need training to increase their earning capacity and job opportunities who have been out of school for any 12-month period and are at least 17 years of age. - 32 -
Cc) Basic Job Readiness Training: A program to prepare persons with low education or who are otherwise unable to obtain and hold employment through the normal channels for entry into the labor market directly or through other Manpower programs. Financial assistance and eligibility are the same as for occupational training. (d)Industrial Training: Under this program, employers agree (under contract) to hire persons with special needs and other unemployed persons, or persons whose employment is threatened and to provide them with classroom and on-the-job training that will increase their employability and earning capacity. Financial assistance is in the form of wages, the amount depending on the person's degree of need and the training being undertaken. Eligibility - Be at least 17 years of age and acceptable for hire or employed by the employer concerned. (e)Apprentice Training: Apprentices are not placed in training by Manpower counsellors but during the 4 to 8 weeks they must spend in school each year, Canada Manpower does pay them the same rate of living allowance that is provided for occupational training. Eligibility - Must be registered with the Provincial Department of Manpower & Labor in a trade designated under the Apprenticeship & Tradesmen's Qualifications Act and be at least 17 years of age. For further information, contact: Apprenticeship & Tradesmen's Qualifications Branch, 10339 - 124 Street, Edmonton. Telephone: 482-5631. (f)Creative Job Search Technique: The purpose of Creative Job Search Technique is to teach, study, and discuss a creative method for finding a job. Leader counsellors from the Canada Manpower Centre conduct free sessions each Monday evening, holidays excepted, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Alberta Vocational Centre, 10215 - 108 Street, EDMONTON. Appointments or pre-registration are not necessary. Eligibility - Anyone may attend. For further information on programs contact: Canada Manpower Centre, 2nd floor, Centennial Building, 10015 - 103 Avenue, Edmonton. Telephone: 425-7720. Arrangements are being made to open a branch office to serve the northeast sector of the city.
2. Department of Indian Affairs & Northern Development (a)Employment Program: This program provides assistance to Treaty Indians moving into the city in finding a job and provides financial support until the first pay cheque is received. There is also up to $1000.00 available to purchase furniture. Eligibility - A Treaty Indian who is able to locate a job - male or female. (b)Continuing Education Program: The Department will subsidize Treaty Indians to obtain vocational training or academic upgrading if they are not eligible for financial assistance under Canada Manpower, Alberta Social Services, or the Department of Advanced Education. Grants are available to cover tuition, books and a living allowance for Treaty Indians who wish to attend the University of Alberta as at present, assistance is generally only provided in the form of loans from the Student Finance Board. The living allowance is presently calculated at the same rate as that provided by Canada Manpower, which has a maximum of $95.00 per week for a family. Eligibility - Any Treaty Indian, male or female, who is living on the reserve and who can meet the entrance requirements of the educational institution, is eligible for assistance. Also, any Treaty Indian living in the city, who is not able to obtain assistance from other government agencies, may qualify for assistance from the Department. Where to apply:
Edmonton Department 10455 - 80 Telephone:
Hobbema District Office, of Indian Affairs, Avenue, Edmonton. 433-9471.
Provincial Programs The Province has developed an agreement for co-ordination of services with regard to educational support for adult students. The agreement establishes a co-ordinating committee known as the Inter-departmental Student Aide Committee with membership representing Alberta Social Services, the Student Finance Board and the Technical and Vocational (T/V) Services Branch of the Department of Advanced Education The programs outlined are administered by Alberta Social Services and the Department of Advanced Education. 1. Alberta Social Services & Community Health Under the Social Allowance Program, recipients of social allowance, who are not eligible for assistance through Canada Manpower or Advanced Education, or who need additional assistance, may obtain - 34-
support for a technical or vocation program if it is deemed necessary to prepare a person for employment. The support may take the form of: supplementary assistance to the training allowance available through Canada Manpower or the T/V Services Branch to meet basic needs under social allowance standards; or, where the training required is not available through the support of Canada Manpower or the T/V Services Branch, full support, covering tuition, books, transportation, babysitting and a living allowance, for applicants or recipients of social allowance in technical or training programs to a maximum of two years diploma or certificate programs. Recipients of social allowance, such as mothers with dependent children, who are assisted as unemployable persons, but assessed as potentially capable of employment and referred to the T/V Services Branch, will remain eligible for full support under the Social Allowance Program if accepted into training. Supplementary to the benefits normally provided, consideration may also be given to the support of day care or babysitting services if established as a requirement. The T/V Services Branch may provide for: - tuition books, supplies and materials required for training transportation expenses The T/V Services Branch may also provide a partial training allowance for the student's incidental needs while in training. Persons who would like to enrol in a post-secondary program of studies exceeding two years must apply to the Student Finance Board for assistance. Such persons will not be eligible for assistance under the Social Allowance Program during periods of enrolment. Persons otherwise eligible for social allowance benefits as an unemployable person, such as mothers with dependent children, may receive social allowance for basic needs during periods of nonenrolment. Eligibility - Persons in need who would qualify for social allowance and require training to achieve maximum independency through employment. Where to apply: Applications are made through a regional office of Alberta Social Services & Community Health. West Edmonton Regional Office, 170 Street & Stony Plain Road. Telephone: 487-3440. WEST-10 Regional Office, 11016 - 127 Street. Telephone 452-6193.
North Edmonton Regional Office, 11713 - 82 Street. Telephone: 474-6424, South Edmonton Regional Office, 10455 - 80 Avenue. Telephone: 427-2763.
2. Department of Advanced Education (a)Central Alberta Re5ional Service Unit: There are a variety of services offered from this unit. Information on available vocational training and educational programs, and financial support available from the Department of Advanced Education and other agencies/departments. A free vocational counselling and testing service is available. Alberta Vocational Training Program: This program provides financial assistance to persons in academic upgrading, no time limit, or occupational skill training courses for up to 52 weeks. Trainees may be placed in a variety of public and private postsecondary educational institutions. The types of skill training courses offered include clerical and stenographic, food services and hospitality, custodial maintenance, barbering and beauty culture, family aide, nursing orderly, etc. Eligibility - Applicants must be 17 years of age or over and have been out of school for a minimum of one year. They must also not be eligible for support under Canada Manpower or Alberta Social Services. Where to apply:
Central Alberta Regional Service Unit, Department of Advanced Education, Room 406, The Boardwalk, 103 Street & 102 Avenue. Telephone: 427-5659.
(b)Student Finance Board: Financial assistance in the form of loans or grants may be given to persons who are attending an approved educational institution for two or more years. The assistance may cover living expenses as well as tuition, books, babysitting, etc. Eligibility - A resident of Alberta. Where to apply:
Students Finance Board, #700, Devonian Building, Jasper Avenue & 112 Street. Telephone 427-2740. - 36 -
Non-Government Programs 1.
Canadian Mental Health Association: Sponsored by the Canada Manpower Outreach Program, the Canadian Mental Health Association offers an employment counselling and placement service for individuals who have difficulty finding and retaining jobs. Services include assessment of abilities, assistance in job finding or in enrolling in educational training programs and follow-up with the person on the job. A pre-employment training program is also available. Eligibility - Persons who feel this service would be of assistance to them.
Where to apply:
Canadian Mental Health Association, #205, 10711 - 107 Avenue, Edmonton. Telephone: 426-7020,
2. Terra Society This organization provides a service for single women who are pregnant or single women with children. The service includes an information resource centre, an educational program, and a nursery. The educational program, run by the Public and Separate School Boards, provides free correspondence courses up to and including Grade 12, five days per week. There are three teachers available to help women with the courses and teach lessons, if there are 3 or 4 women taking the same course. Included in this program are two special courses, one a pre-natal class with Public Health nurses run every Tuesday between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m., and an accredited course entitled Modern Living, which is designed to assist the women in understanding themselves and their families, in developing effective communication skills and problem solving skills and in choosing a career for themselves. There is a nursery available for mothers attending the school.
At present (December 1975) there are 61 women attend.i—g ce school. Future plans include developing small self-help groups for pregnant women or single women with children throughout the city and counselling services at the Centre. There are presently two staff persons from Alberta Social Services & Community Health placed at the Centre, a secretary and a professional social worker. Eligibility - Anyone pregnant needing help or single women with children. Fees - Tuition and books are free and transportation is covered by a $10/month bus pass for people receiving social allowance. Where to apply:
Terra, 9735 - 74 Avenue (old Ritchie School), Telephone: 439-0515 or 433-6163.
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C. HOUSING SUBSIDY PROGRAMS The program outlined in this section will be restricted to the Public Housing Program which is housing developed and owned by the three levels of government and operated by the Edmonton Housing Authority. It is felt that the home-ownership programs available through the Federal Crown Corporation, Central Mortgage & Housing Corporation, or the Provincial Crown Corporation, Alberta Housing Corporation, would not be applicable to most single families because of their low incomes. Edmonton Housing Authority - Public Housing Program; A program aimed at providing families of low to moderate income with decent accommodation at a fair rent. Rent is geared to the family's income and to the number of dependent children. If a person is receiving social assistance, the rent is fixed in an agreement between Alberta Social Services and the Housing Authority. Rates - Rents are calculated on the basis of the family's gross monthly income. Single parent families may subtract $75/month from their monthly gross before applying it to the rent scale. Also for each child $2/month is deducted from the basic rent. Therefore, for a one-parent family with 5 children, earning a gross income of $84 per week, the monthly rent would be calculated as follows: Monthly Gross:
$84 x 4 1/3 = $364/month.
Deduction for One-Parent Family
$364 - $75 = $289/month.
Basic Rent from Scale
$ 62/month.
Deduction for 5 children
$62/month $10/month = $52/month.
PUBLIC HOUSING RENT SCALE* (July '74) Monthly Income
Rent
Monthly Income
Rent
Monthly Income
Rent
0-199.99 200-204.99 205-214.99 215-226.99 227-239.99 240-249.99 250-261.99 262-274.99 275-284.99 285-297.99 298-309.99 310-319.99
$32 34 36 39 43 47 51 54 59 62 66 70
320-332.99 333-345.99 346-357.99 358-367.99 368-380.99 381-391.99 392-402,99 403-415.99 416-426.99 427-437.99 438-440.99 441-460.99
$73 78 82 86 89 93 97 100 105 108 112 116
461-471.99 472-482.99 483-495.99 496-499.99 500-508.99 509-519.99 520-529.99 530-537.99 538-544.99 545-559.99 560-527.99 573-588.99
$119 122 125 128 129 131 134 136 138 140 144 147
*Over $588.99 income per month rent is calculated as fo1lows7 25% of gross less $2.00 per child. -33-
The rents stated above are for serviced accommodation. In units where tenants pay their own utilities, a pre-determined amount for heat and water is taken off the monthly rent. All units come equipped with fridge and stove. Row housing units have dryers. Apartments have common washers and dryers. Eligibility L The family must be a resident of Edmonton for at least 6 months prior to moving into public housing. 2. The family is unable to obtain decent accommodation at a rent it can afford. Where to apply;
Edmonton Housing Authority, 10046 - 106 Street. Telephone; 424-3137.
NO. SINGLE PARENTS LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING (Dec '75) No. Units Available For Rent 1444
No. Occ,Ipied By Single Parent
% Public Housing Occupied By Single Parent
895
62%
No. Families On Waiting List
% Who Are Single Parent
501 (July '74)
50%
896 (Dec '75)
65%
The public housing projects ranges in size from 6 units to 134 units of row housing with an average size of 60 units. Improvements: The improvements suggested were - to make available more units of public housing accommodation, to develop more programs with public housing tenants such as day care, social clubs, etc., and to increasingly involve tenants in the management of public housing.
D. FAMILY COURT and LEGAL AID Introduction: Marriage is a legal agreement and when it dissolves a number of legal problems occur such as division of property, custody of children, support of children and dependent spouse, etc. Other legal issues may also arise from common-law unions and children of unmarried mothers. Below we have briefly described some of the legal arrangements and problems that may be found: Maintenance Order (See Non-Support Section 27, Domestic Relations Act, Edmonton Family Court) In the case of separation or divorce proceedings, a woman may file for a Maintenance Order through the Family Court to secure money from her husband. If a woman applies for social allowance, she is
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expected by Alberta Social Services to file for a Maintenance Order from the Family Court if there is no hope for reconciliation. The Court is responsible for collection of payments and pays the Department directly while the family is receiving social allowance. If a woman refuses to take action against her husband, under the Social Development Act, the Director of Public Assistance is not obliged to give social allowance to this woman. However, the policy of the Department is rather to file an affidavit for maintenance payments on behalf of the woman under the authority of the Family Court Act. If a woman obtains a Decree Nisi from the Supreme Court, this may specify that the husband must pay maintenance costs while the woman and children are awaiting divorce. If there is not specification, the woman may apply to the Family Court to take action against her husband for support for her children only. If the husband defaults his payments, the woman may file an Enforcement Order with the Family Court. If a divorced woman who is receiving social allowance refuses to take action against her ex-husband for alimony payments, a worker from Alberta Social Services may file an affidavit on her behalf for maintenance payments for the children only. Problems 1.
The law discriminates as only the husband is liable for maintenance payments in the case of separations. If the husband keeps the children and the wife earns more, she is not liable for maintenance payments. However, if the couple become divorced, either the man or woman may be liable.
2.
It is the responsibility of the Family Court to enforce the Maintenance Order and this is often difficult because the husband refuses to pay or moves to an unknown address. The Court may fine the husband up to 6 months in jail. The Family Court does have reciprocal agreements with all Provinces and Territories, the State of California and most Commonwealth Countries and may apprehend the husband in one of these provinces or countries. Paternity Suit This is an attzmpt by an unwed mother to obtain support from the child's father if paternity can be proved. The father of the child (putative father) is liable for the woman's maintenance during the last three months of pregnancy, the hospital costs and maintenance of the child until the child is 16 or 18 years of age if he/she is in school or disabled. No action can be taken until the pregnant woman signs an affidavit naming the father. The woman has only 24 months within which to take action, The woman may be eligible for social allowance when she is 6 months pregnant or earlier if she is sick. If the woman names the putative father, Alberta Social Services will attempt to obtain a paternity -40-
agreement from the putative father for maintenance based on his ability to pay. If the man refuses to pay, the Department may obtain a court order from the District Court of Alberta. The payments are made directly to the Director of Maintenance & Recovery, Alberta Social Services, if the woman is receiving social allowance and directly to her if she is working. If the man defaults his payment, Alberta Social Services may instigate action against the map by filing an affidavit with the District Court. Problems 1.
If the putative father moves to another province before he signs the paternity agreement, legal action cannot be taken to establish paternity.
2.
The law is discriminatory in that the putative father has no rights of custody or access as the woman is recognized as the sole guardian of the child. This is also the case for common-law unions where the father has no legal rights for the children under the legal statutes. Matrimonial Property Law
At present property is divided on the basis of whoever is able to establish financial contributions towards the pureease of the property (house, furniture, etc.). However, this law is presently being reviewed by the Law Reform Commission of Alberta. ,v 9 Legal Definition of 'Separation'
Simple Separation - merely living separate and apart, action in Family Court under Section 27 Domestic Relations Act for maintenance and/or under Section 10 Family Court Act for custody/ access. Separation Agreement - Two people enter into a contract usually in a lawyer's office, never in Court. May provide for maintenance, custody, access, restraining, disposition of property, and this agreement may be written into future Supreme Court Orders. Enforceable only by Civil Action for breach of contract. Judicial Separation - Granted in Supreme Court, can provide for maintenance, custody, access, restraining, disposition of property, however, only in that couple will live separate and apart. Divorce Law The person must provide grounds for divorce as cited in the Divorce Act. The Supreme Court of Alberta has the jurisdiction to entertain a petition for divorce and to grant relief.
1. EDMONTON FAMILY COURT Description of Programs and Responsibilities - The following is a description provided by the Family Court in a hand-out; The Family Court was created to deal specifically with social-legal problems that arise within a family unit. Its aim is to preserve the original family unit whenever possible and failing that, to create as wholesome a family atmosphere as possible, in what remains of the original family unit. The Court provides counselling services to families in difficulty and a Court of law to rule in situations where no voluntary mutually acceptable arrangements can be arrived at between husband and wife. The Family Court is a casework agency. It has the duty of appropriating to its aid every resource of the community. In each of the Alberta Family Courts, counselling services are provided by the Provincial staff. "There is no cost for services through the Family Court unless either the husband or wife choose to retain a private solicitor at their own expense. The only other expense is if the accused is found guilty or pleads guilty and costs for service or execution of Court processes are assessed by the Court. When a client comes to Family Court on a referral for assistance, the entire marital situation is reviewed as thoroughly as the first interview permits. The focus is to preserve as much as possible ths positive influences remaining in the original family unit. Thic should be done by the referring agency who should explore any and all possibilities of reconciliation and failing this, an attempt must be made at a voluntary agreement. If further counselling is indicated and the parties are agreeable to using such a service, the case is referred for such further counselling. It should loe explained that frequently a charge is either pending or being heard from time to time when counselling services or voluntary negotiations are also in process. Frequently the court action at such a time can be used as a very constructive step in arriving at some more permanent arrangement that is acceptable to all parties. "Family Court Jurisdiction Is Limited To The Following Acts: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Section Section Section Section Section Section
197 Criminal Code (non-support). 27 Domestic Relations Act (non-support). 245(1) Criminal Code (family assault). 745 Criminal Code (threats or fear of personal injury). 100(1) Liquor Control Act (interdiction). 6 Family Court Act (filing of Supreme Court Orders for maintenance for enforcement only). 7. Section 10 Family Court Act (custody/access). 3. Charges against adults under Part XIV of the School Act. 9. Charges against adults under the Child Welfare Act. 10. Maintenance Orders under the Reciprocal Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act. 11, Mental Health Act - committal of a family member. - 42 --
"Non-Support - Under Criminal Code, Section 197 Who
-
Couple are living together and plan to continue living together. Common-law unions where couple are living together and plan to continue living together would be viewed by the Court as a family also.
- Children must be under the age of 16 years. - Before action can be considered one full month of insufficient support by husband must have lapsed. Result - If convicted under this section, husband usually placed on suspended sentence - condition being that he provide sufficiently. N.B,
Court cannot order a specific amount of support. - A fine can be ordered in place of this. - A failure of husband to comply with condition of suspended sentence could result in gaol term as a penalty.
"Non-Support Who:
-
Section 272 Domestic Relations Act
- Legally married couple only. - Must be living separate and apart for at least 10 days. - Children must be his - born of the marriage or adopted.
Husband's Liability - Application for wife and children - husband deserted. - wife left because of matrimonial cruelties. - Wife only - wife should return to point of separation. - Application for children only - children must be born of marriage or legally adopted. Before Court Action Can Be Commenced: If wife left; wife or social worker on her behalf must make some effort at contacting husband for voluntary agreement before Court Action can be considered. Family Court cannot pursue matter if there is absolutely no knowledge or leads as to husband's whereabouts. - Family Court has no jurisdiction if the Supreme Court has made an order - except in enforcing the order; however, if the Supreme Court has made no mention of maintenance and has not given the wife leave to apply back to Supreme Court for maintenance, Family Court can make an order. - Family Court has reciprocity with all Provinces and most Commonwealth countries with the exception of Scotland. - 43 -
"Result - On the basis of husband's liability, earning capabilities, and family needs, Family Court will make an order for future payments of a specific periodic sum. - Family Court order nullified if superior Court orders maintenance or couple co-habit after order is made. "Section 69 Family Court Act (Filing of Supreme Court Order of Maintenance For Enforcement Who:
-
Woman who is divorced, judicially separated, or has Interim Order.
- The Supreme Court Order must specify an amount to be paid in the form of alimony (divorce) or maintenance (separation). Before Court Action Can Be Taken: - The second payment must have come due. The woman must have some knowledge of the total amount paid to her by her former husband since the granting of the order; or at least be able to establish a point to start from. - Woman must be willing to sign affidavit filing the order before action can be taken. Woman must have some knowledge of her former husband's whereabouts. Result - If found to be in arrears under this section, a specific amount is ordered by the Court to be paid on the arrears; there may or may not be a term of imprisonment in default. The Court has no jurisdiction to enforce present or future payments under the Supreme Court Order, nor has the Pamily Court the power to vary the order. - Once the Family Court Order on the arrears has been completely satisfied, the woman must reapply for any arrears that have accrued during that period ci time. - Failure of the former husband to con result in a gaol term as a penalty.
wSth the order could
Other - If the woman is judicially separated and she co-habits with her husband after tha Supreme Court Order has been granted, this Supreme Court Order is nullified. "Custody/Access - Section 10, l'amily Court Act Who:
Couple who are legally married (access snly in a common-law union may be taken). - In fact living apart from one another.
-
- The party with the child or the children must be living in Alberta. (There is no reciprocity under this section.) - Application may be made by either parent or by the child, who may apply with or without any person interested on his behalf. - Child or children must be in Alberta. - 44 -
"Conditions: There must be a dispute as to custody or access. Applicant must apply in person and by Affidavit. - Court shall issue notices for all interested parties and, after personal service, if person fails to attend an order may be made in their absence. - If there is previous Supreme Court action or pending Supreme Court action in which custody or access has been mentioned in any way, Family Court has no jurisdiction. Result - Order of custody and/or access which is valid until over-ruled by a superior court. - Order may be reviewed upon application and confirmed, varied or discharged as the Judge sees fit. - Any person who contravenes any provision as to custody or access, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $100 or four months imprisonment or both. "Assault - Section 245(1), Criminal Code Who;
- In Family Court, only family assaults are taken, husband against wife, wife against husband, parents against child. - If the marriage is common-law and the family are living together and plan to live together, the Court would probably view this as a family.
Result - If the accused is found guilty, a fine can be ordered. - A suspended sentence can be ordered, a condition of which is that he keep the peace and be of good behavior - including not entering premises for purpose of interferring or molesting. - A prison term could be ordered. PLEASE NOTE FAMILY COURT CANNOT ISSUE A RESTRAINING ORDER - that is ordering him not to enter their premises as this is within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
"Threats - Section 745, Criminal Code Who:
- If one feels he (she) has reasonable grounds to believe that a member of the family will cause personal harm to her or him, she (he) may lay a 745 information at Family Court.
Result - May be placed on a bond to keep the peace and be of good behavior. - Breach of this bond may result in gaol term or fine. This is not a conviction for a criminal offence."
Most Frequent Legal Problems of One-Parent Families The problems cited were for non-support, custody of children and threats and fear of personal injury. Where to apply;
Edmonton Family Court, 5th floor Century Place, 9803 - 102 A Avenue. Telephone: 427-2743.
Improvements - It was felt that the Family Court Conciliation Project should be continued under the Province and that the number of counsellors working for the Court should be increased.
2. EDMONTON COURT CONCILIATION SERVICE This was a three-year pilot project financed by the Department of National Health & Welfare between November 1972 and August 1975, and administered by the Edmonton Family Court Conciliation Society. At its termination it was continued under the Department of the Attorney General as an experimental project to assess the feasibility of implementing it in the province. The program is a marriage counselling service within the court system for couples seeking remedies through the law as a solution to their marriage problems. The counselling offered under this project is to help ensure that, whether people become divorced or continue married, they and their families will suffer as little as possible. There are two types of counselling offered: one is reconciliation, counsel to resume marriage and the other is conciliation, assistance in divorce proceedings where couples are helped to resolve emotional problems and make plans for visitation and custody of the children in a way that is the least destructive to their children. The project has 2 full-time counsellors and 1 part-time counsellor, all of whom have some expertise in family counselling. The service is free. How to apply: All persons must be referred through a lawyer or through the Court. For further information call Family Court Conciliation Service, 500 Century Place, 9803 - 102 A Avenue, Edmonton. Telephone: 427-8329.
STATISTICAL SUMMARY - Nov/72 - Aug 31/75 - 1030 Referrals 769 Cases accepted in project - resolved in following ways: - 118 couples who were separated at intake decided to attempt to restore their marriage. - 214 couples who were together at intake decided to remain together - 181 with demonstrable benefit and 33 without demonstrable benefit. - 414 couples who were separated at intake decided to proceed with divorce - 347 with demonstrable benefit and 67 without demonstrable benefit. 28 cases were still active (August 31, 1975). - 11 intake incomplete. Improvements - The respondent felt the project should be continued by the Provincial Government when the federal grant terminates in August 1975. This has been done on a trial basis for one year.
3. LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF ALBERTA The Legal Aid Society is the body responsible for administering the Legal Aid Plan of Alberta. The objective of this plan is to ensure that all persons may have legal representatives if they need to enforce or defend a legal right but lack sufficient funds to retain a lawyer. Legal aid may cover matrimonial problems, and divorces under extenuating circumstances because of limited funds. If the divorce action is refused, the applicant may be referred to Student Legal Services who will accept the case if it meets the following criteria: 1. Legal grounds must exist pursuant to the provisions of the Divorce Act. 2. Applicant or spouse must have resided in Alberta for at least ten months of the preceding year. 3. It will be an uncontested divorce as to: - Grounds - Custody - Maintenance Eligibility - Those without money for a lawyer, and who cannot expect in the near future to have money for a lawyer are eligible. Those usually eligible are people on social allowance, government pensions or any limited allowance, the unemployed, the part-time worker, and low-income families and individuals. Cost of service - Clients who are able to, are expected to contribute in whole or in part to the cost of the Legal Aid Service supplied to them. -47-
Where to apply: It is best to apply in person at the Legal Aid Office at: 502 McLeod Euilding, 10136 - 100 Street, Edmonton. Telephone: 423-3311.
4. STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES Student Legal Services functions as a store-front referral agency and neighborhood law office where persons with problems find easy access to discuss their problems with persons who have legal training. A neighborhood law office enables law students to dispose of many minor matters without further reference. Hore important issues and more difficult questions are referred by the Student Advisor to the Legal Aid Society. There is a Divorce Program for the less urgent and uncontested cases which are referred from the Legal Aid Society. (See Section D3, Legal Aid Society for criteria.) The process for the Divorce Program is as follows: 1. Person calls and states case. 2. Person must fill out an application at the office of the Legal Aid Society (McLeod Building). 3. If the case is not of immediate emergency then the case is rejected. 4. Person then approaches the Student Legal Aid WITH REJECTION SLIP. 5. Student Legal Aid set-up an interview to find out the grounds for divorce. Student Legal Aid will take only uncontested cases (both sides agreed). 6. Law students fill out the petition for divorce and other legal forms which cuts the costs. 7. Student Legal Aid have several lawyers in the city who work with them and who come in and take the case to court. These lawyers have a set fee with $50.00 variance. So, on the average a divorce lawyer's fee is approximately $150.00 to $200.00. The length of time it takes to go through this procedure depends on the co-operation of the person, the availability of the court and of the lawyer, and also of the Student Legal Aid Society. Eligibility - Eligibility is determined by the person's income and disbursements and ability to pay. Cost of Service - Student Legal Aid is sponsored by the Law Foundation of Alberta and the Legal Aid Plan. Fees are dependent on the person's ability to pay. Where to apply:
Student Legal Services, Law Centre, University of Alberta. Telephone: 432-1226. - 48 -
E. COUNSELLING SERVICES Provincial Programs 1. Alberta Social Services & Community Health; In addition to the social allowance and employment opportunities programs, the North Edmonton Regional Office, Alberta Social Services, provides specialized supportive and family counselling to those people on assistance. They will also refer persons to Life Skills programs (C.M.H.A.) if necessary. All offices provide counselling for unwed mothers, both during and after pregnancy. Eligibility - For those people receiving social allowance and living within the North Edmonton Regional Office boundaries and for unwed mothers. Where to apply;
West Edmonton Regional Office, Centennial Mall, 170 Street & Stony Plain Road. Telephone 487-3440. WEST 10 Regional Office, 11016 - 127 Street. Telephone: 452-6193. North Edmonton Regional Office. 11713 - 82 Street, Telephone: 474-6424. South Edmonton Regional Office, 10455 - 80 Avenue, Telephone; 427-2763.
Improvements - Some of the suggested included the separation of staff functions of providing financial assistance and counselling, therefore enabling people in the counselling area to develop more specialized skills in this role.
Municipal Programs 1. Edmonton Social Services: Through its 7 area offices, this City department offers a variety of free human development services funded by the Preventive Social Service Program. These services include individual, marital and family counselling, educational and support groups regarding parent-child relationships, family interaction, etc., and, of particular interest to single parents, educational and support groups for separated women. These latter groups usually deal with issues which concern women in this particular status (i.e. legal rights, employment opportunities, self-awareness, etc). Workers are available to respond to needs as they arise and if people are interested in forming a group they should contact an area office.
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Eligibility - Any interested person. Where to apply: Area 1 - Glengarry Centre, 13315 - 89 Street. Telephone: 476-7602,
Area 5 - Beverly Cdntre, 5005 - 112 Avenue. Telephone: 474-8221,
Area 2 - Jasper Place Centre, 15626 - 100 A Avenue. Telephone; 489-7794.
Area 6 - Downtown Centre, 6th floor C.N. Tower, Telephone: 425-5962.
Area 3 - Duggan Centre, 5035 - 108 A Street. Telephone: 435-4891.
Area 7 - Westmount Centre, 11009 - 127 Street. Telephone; 452-6193.
Area 4 - Idylwylde Centre, 8314 - 88 Avenue. Telephone: 465-7839. Improvements - Suggestions made included more outreach work in the community, more publicizing of services, more staff for counselling and more community participation in the services of the department.
NUMBER SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES PRESENTLY RECEIVING PREVENTIVE COUNSELLING SERVICES In the 7 area offices there were 160 single parent families with dependent children receiving assessment referral and counselling services during the month of October 1975. 144 of these were mother-led families and 16 were father-led. This represents 37% of the total number of people receiving preventive counselling services. In addition to receiving these services, one-parent families were active in group programs offered by the department. Between the months of January 1974 and October 1975, the number of single parent families receiving preventive counselling services was as follows:
Month January 1974 February March April May June July August September October November December
Total No. Single Parent Families Receiving Preventive Counsellin,D Services
% of Total Preventive Counselling Caseload
Total No. Cases Receiving Preventive Counselling Services
222 215 236 232 220 217 235 198 245 247 229 234
34.0 34.2 35.6 36.6 37.2 37.5 43.4 3m 42.8 41.9 30.6 33.4
652 628 662 634 592 578 542 521 573 539 593 609
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Month
Total No. Single Parent Families Receiving Preventive Counselling Services
% of Total Preventive Counselling Caseload
Total No. Cases Receiving Preventive Counselling Services
222 215 232 229 216 206 207 168 160 160
35.5 39.4 39.3 34.5 35.4 36.1 35.8 37.5 38.0 37.0
626 545 591 664 611 570 578 448 421 433
January 1975 February March April May* June July August September October
* Provincial Take-over of Public Assistance.
Non-Governmental Programs 1. Family Service Association of Edmonton: This agency provides counselling service to all individuals and families upon request. It also develops groups around common concerns, a number of which have been offered for single mothers to assist in coping with children, employment, social, assistance and managing life on their own. Babysitting services are offered on an arrangement basis to care for children. Eligibility - All individuals are eligible. Where to apply:
Family Service Association of Edmonton, 9919 - 106 Street. Telephone: 424-4161.
Improvements - More funds are required as the demand for all services is much heavier than can be supplied. Number of Single Parents Receiving Counselling - During 1974, approximately 2000 families received direct counselling services and another 4000 were counselled via the telephone. Of these, 25 - 30% were single parent families. For a counselling appointment, the period of time in waiting is approximately 2 - 3 weeks. 2. Catholic Family Services: Counselling services are provided to individuals and families in order to promote healthy individual functioning and family living. There is a special counselling service for unwed mothers which includes: referrals for pre-natal care; counselling before and after the child is born to examine such issues as living with the father of the child and retention or placement of the child, and information regarding medical care, social assistance, day care, employment, education, housing, etc. Fees for service are based on the individual's ability to pay. Individuals on social assistance or social allowance will not be charged.
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Eligibility - Services are not restricted to Catholics and any person in need may get help. Where to apply:
Catholic Family Services, 11125 - 107 Avenue. Telephone: 426-5515.
Improvements - The need was expressed for more funding to provide more counsellors and to enable a more extensive program on preventive measures. 3. Jewish Family Services: This agency provides a counselling service for individuals and families in regard to marital problems, parent-child problems, individual personality disorders, and unmarried mothers. Of special interest for single parents is a social and recreational group for single parents - "25 and Unattached Adult Group". Eligibility - The service is specifically oriented towards people of the Jewish faith but no person is refused service. Where to apply:
Jewish Family Services, 606 McLeod Building, 10136 - 100 Street, Edmonton. Telephone: 424-6346, 424-9554.
Number of Single Parents Served - As of December 1974, there were 6 single parent families receiving service which represented 10% of the total caseload. 4. Canadian Mental Health Association: The Canadian Mental Health Association provides a variety of programs for individuals experiencing emotional difficulties. These programs run by staff and volunteers, include the following: (a)Community Lifeline: Individuals are helped through staff and volunteers on a one-to-one basis to achieve healthy, independent functioning in vocational, social and personal activities. There is a waiting list between several days and several months dependent upon the number of volunteers available. (b)Life Skills: Trained coaches run a four-month program designed to teach problem-solving behaviors necessary to manage one's life responsibly in 5 areas: (1) Self (2) Family (3) Jobs (4) Community and (5) Leisure Time. (c)Parents Anonymous: A self-help group designed for parents who physically or emotionally abuse their children. Objectives are to promote self-awareness, self-control in family situations and group support. (d)Discussion Groups: These groups, providing support for emotionally troubled people, are designed to promote self-awareness, awareness of others, to improve communication skills, and to teach problemsolving skills in every day life situations. - 52 -
Programs are free except for the Life Skills program which is $65/month. Eligibility - Persons who feel one of these programs would be of help to them. Where to apply:
Canadian Mental Health Association, North Central Region, #205, 10711 - 107 Avenue. Telephone: 426-7020.
Improvements - A need was mentioned for more volunteers and it was noted that single parents often offer their services as volunteers. More are needed.
F. FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES 1. Edmonton Home Care Program: This program, administered by Edmonton Social Services and jointly funded by the Preventive Social Service Program and the Local Board of Health, aims to provide health and supportive services appropriate to meet the needs of persons who are ill, incapacitated or recuperating at home. The Program provides for individual assessment of needs, arrangement of services, and coordination and on-going supervision of the plan of care. Qualifying or basic services provided are visiting nursing, orderly, physiotherapy, homemaker (responsible for the complete operation of the household) and some help (housekeeping) services. Once qualifying for the program other services may include Meals-On-Wheels, supplies and equipment, nutrition consultation, transportation, laboratory services, friendly visiting and library services for the homebound. Eligibility - Be able to be treated adequately in their home with the services provided through the program. - Require one basic or qualifying service (i.e. nursing, orderly, physiotherapy, homemaker, home help) where it would prevent or reduce institutionalization. - Where a health service is required, a physician's authorization is necessary. In cases where provision of Home Care Services would replace hospital days through early discharge, up to 4 weeks free service may be granted. In all other cases, payment for services will be assessed on an individual basis according to one's ability to pay. Where to apply:
Edmonton Home Care Program, 6th floor C.N. Tower. Telephone: 425-5971.
Improvements - The improvements suggested were the increase in the number of staff for better supervision and control of persons in the program and the placement of staff in key referral sources (e.g. hospitals) to act as liaison with the program. - 53 -
2. Homemaker Service; This program, administered by the Family Service Association of Edmonton and funded by the Preventive Social Service Program and United Way, provides mature responsible women to care for children in their own homes at a time of family crisis (e.g. temporary care of children in single parent families because of illness or absence of the parent). Approximately 20 - 30% of the people receiving this service are single parent families. Fees are charged on a sliding scale according to one's ability to pay. Eligibility - Any person or family in need of this service. Where to apply:
Family Service Association, 9919 - 106 Street, Edmonton. Telephone: 424-4161.
Improvements - The demand is much higher than can be met because of the shortage of qualified homemakers and sufficient funds. Number of Single Parent Families Served - During 1974, approximately 125 single parent families with 500 children received Homemaker Services. 25 of the families had male heads and 100 had female heads. This figure represents between 25% and 30% of the approximately 500 families who received Homemaker Service. 3. Family Aide Service: Administered by Edmonton Social Services and funded by Prev2ntive Social Services, this program provides a warm, responsible woman for families in time of need. The Family Aide may do the following things: help the family improve standards of nutrition; assist with budgeting and household management; help improve family health; aid families find better housing; encourage the mother to develop creative interests such as sewing, knitting and other home crafts; provide help with household tasks for the over-burdened mother or the emotionally ill mother; suggest and help prepare play materials for the children; care for the children part of the day and encourage the mother to get out of the home for a much needed change; and work with mothers and preschool children in group programs. Eligibility - Individuals who feel they would benefit from the services of a Family Aide. Where to apply: Area
1
Area 2
Edmonton Social Services
- Glengarry Centre 13315 - 89 Street. Telephone: 476-7602.
Area 5
- Beverly Centre, 5005 - 112 Avenue. Telephone: 474-8221.
- Jasper Place Centre, 15626 - 100 A Avenue. Telephone: 489-7794.
Area 6
- Downtown Centre, 6th floor C.N. Tower. Telephone: 425-5962.
Area 7
- Westmount Centre, 11009 - 127 Street. Telephone: 452-6193.
Area 3 - Duggan Centre, 5035 - 108 A Street. Telephone: 435-4891, Area 4 - Idylwylde Centre, 3314 - 88 Avenue. Telephone: 465-7339.
- 54 -
Number of Single Parent Families Receiving Service - During 1975, 57% (93) of the families seen were one-parent families, 6 of these were father-led.
4. Family Life Education: Family life education is provided by a number of organizations in Edmonton - churches, schools, the Family Service Association, the Family Life Education Council and many more. As the Council appears to be the major provider of this service in the city, the agency description will be restricted to this one organization. The Family Life Education Council of Edmonton, funded by the Preventive Social Service Program, provides trained volunteers to develop educational programs in the area of inter-personal relationships. Some of the programs include Better Parenting, Mother's Day Out (learn communication skills, skills in relating to family), Single Parent (parenting concerns), After Marriage Ends (personal and relationship concerns of divorced, separated, widowed and any others who have had a marriage type relationship terminated), and Sexuality and Communication (how do we communicate as males or females). Trained staff are available to groups and organizations to assist in the development of family life programs for their members or community. Leadership training programs are also offered for members of groups to enable them to become resource people to their own groups or volunteers for the Family Life Education Council. Eligibility - Any interested person. Where to apply:
Family Life Education Council of Edmonton, 3rd floor, 10022 - 103 Street. Telephone2 429-5828.
Improvements - One improvement suggested was to train single parents to become group leaders for programs. 5. Local Board of Health: Although the Local Board of Health performs a variety of services for the citizens of Edmonton, the discussion here will be limited to their services for unwed mothers. Prenatal classes involving six weekly sessions are held throughout the City Clinics and are open to anyone. In addition, special classes for unwed mothers are held weekly at Terra School and at the C.N. Tower every Tuesday from LOO p.m. to 3200 p.m. The course covers the following areas and includes a hospital visit and exercises: 1. Human reproduction . . . fetal development . . emotional aspect of pregnancy. 2. Nutrition . . . body changes during pregnancy. 3. Labor and delivery. 4. Post partum . . . family planning . . . veneral disease. 5. Decision making . . . surrendering/keeping . . alternatives. 6. Baby care and child development.
- 55 -
The classes, given by a Public Health Nurse and a Social Worker, are flexible and attempt to respond to the needs of the women in attendance. The follow-up visits to every unwed mother who has attended the prenatal classes are made by the nurse who gave the course. The new mother is then referred to the Well Baby Clinic and the District Nurse is notified for further follow-up of the family. Where to apply:
Local Board of Health, 7th floor C.N. Tower, Edmonton. Telephone: 425-6086.
Improvements - More staff, more services, more group work - mothers gathering for discussion on child care. Needs of unwed mothers are: prenatal education, education - child growth and development, parenting, preparation for independence, emotional support, socialization, understanding and accepting of self. Number of Single Parent Families Served - Between April 1974 and March 1975, 131 unwed mothers were involved in the prenatal program at the C.N. Tower and 291 unwed mothers attended the prenatal classes at Terra School between October 1974 and May 1975.
G. PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN OF SINGLE PARENTS 1. Day Care and After School Care: In the City of Edmonton there are (September 1975) approximately 58 Provincially-approved and licensed Day Care programs, providing full day care for 2103 children. The City of Edmonton, through its Preventive Social Service Program, subsidizes 11 additional centres to provide spaces for 557 children of low-income families. Priority is given to single parents who are working or attending school and over 75% of families receiving subsidized day care are single parent families. For the purpose of this study the description shall be restricted to the Day Care programs (Day Care Centres, Family Day Care and After School Care) provided or sponsored by Edmonton Social Services. If people require further information about other Day Care or After School Care programs, they should call AID Service of Edmonton (426-3242). Edmonton Social Services, Day Care Branch - As previously mentioned, the City subsidizes 11 Day Care Centres, 7 After School Care programs, and a Family Day Care Service. Ten of the Day Care Centres and 6 After School Care programs are run by community boards. Day Care Centres provide a child-oriented, developmental program for children from 21/2 years to school age. One qualified staff person and an assistant work with each group of 20 children in a program and facility that must meet standards set-out by the Day Care Branch. As of September 1975 there were 557 children receiving subsidized care in the 11 Day Care Centres. Fees are based on a sliding scale according to the family's income.
The 7 After School Care programs provide care for school children up to 12 years of age during noon hours and after school until 6:00 p.m. Fees again are based on a sliding scale according to the family's income. There is a total of 217 spaces available in the After School Care program. The Family Day Care program provides high quality care to children from infancy to school age whose parents must be away during the day. As of September 1975 there were 220 children cared for by Day Care Mothers in their own homes. Supervision of these homes is provided by social workers from the Day Care Branch. Fees are based on a sliding scale according to the family's income. Eligibility - Lo. - 7 income, single parent families receive first priority in receiving one of the above services, two-parent families where one is a student and one working are next and, the last priority goes to two parents, both working. Waiting List and Demand - Special mention must be made here of the long waiting lists for both the Day Care Centres and the Family Day Care program. Waiting lists for the After School Care programs vary with each Centre. Reasons for the tremendous growth in demand for Day Care can be attributed to several factors; (1) inflation, which creates the need for both parents to work in order to support the family (2) women becoming more skilled and educated and choosing to work full or part-time in careero outside the home; (3) the lack of individuals and extended family to provide babysitting services ° and (4) the inc-zzase in the number of single parent, families. How to apply: Groups interested in developing Day Care Centres for their areas, women interested in becoming Day Care Mothers, or parents interested in placing their children in Family Day Care homes should contact: Day Care Branch, Edmonton Social Services, 6th floor C.N. Tower. Telephone: 425-5929. Parents wanting to place their children in Day Care Centres should contact one of the following Centres; Beverly Day Care Centre, 233 Greenwood Acres, 34 Street & 116 Avenue. Telephone: 477-1151.
Student's Union & Community Day Care Centre, 8917 - 112 Street. Telephone: 432-1245.
Downtown Day Care Centre, 10031 - 109 Street. Telephone: 424-1793.
Centre d'Experience Prescolaire, 9904 - 110 Street. Telephone: 488-3644.
Glengarry Day Care Centre, 13315 - 89 Street. Telephone: 475-2151.
Community Day Nursery, 9641 - 102 A Avenue. Telephone: 424-3730.
Primrose Place Day Care Centre, 8451 - 101 Avenue. Telephone: 469-0663.
Fulton Place Child Care Centre, 5910 - 103 Avenue. Telephone: 465-4383.
Jasper Place Day Care Centre, 15608 - 104 Avenue. Telephone: 489-2243
West End Day Care Centre, 9915 - 148 Street. Telephone: 452-4145.
South Edmonton Child Care Centre, 11103 - 76 Avenue. Telephone: 434-4132. Parents wanting to place their children in After School Care programs should contact one of the following Centres Fulton Place Child Care Centre, 5910 - 103 Avenue. Telephone: 465-4333. Primrose Place Day Care Centre, 8451 - 101 Avenue. Telephone: 469-0663. Glengarry Day Care Centre, 13315 - 89 Street. Telephone: 475-2151. Duck-Inn, c/o Fundamental Baptist Church, 10727 - 114 Street. Telephone: 425-9375.
Edmonton After School Care, c/o St. Lukes Lutheran Church, 9009 - 163 Street. Telephone: 484-7622. Garneau After School Care Program, c/o Garneau United Church, 84 Avenue & 112 Street. Telephone: 439-0235. Oliver After School Care, 10326 - 118 Street. Telephone: 488-2506.
Improvements - The service needs to be greatly expanded in all areas.
2. Temporary Child Care Programs: There are approximately 12 Mothers Day Out programs offered in the city for mothers who are not working but who need temporary care for their children. Programs are often run cooperatively, for small fees, or on L.I.P. grants. For the purpose of this study we shall describe the Bissell Child Care Service as it provides free drop-in babysitting for parents on low incomes and a large percentage of the users are single parent families. For information on other child care programs, please contact AID Service of Edmonton at 426-3242. Bissell Child Care Service - This program, sponsored by the Bissell Centre, is offered between 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday and accepts children from infancy up to 5 years of age. The program accepts children for short periods of time to allow mothers to keep appointments, shop, or have some free time for themselves. There is a maximum capacity of 20 children at one time. There is no fee for service. Eligibility - Anyone who feels they could benefit from this service and would not be able to afford a babysitter. Where to apply:
Bissell Child Care Service, Bissell Centre, 9560 - 103 A Avenue, Edmonton. Telephone; 429-4126.
Improvement - A need for more government financial support was indicated. - 58 -
3. Uncles At Large This program, sponsored by the Canadian Progress Club, provides volunteer men to be companions to fatherless boys. Uncles and boys are interviewed then matched according to their personalities, interests and needs. Follow-up support services are provided to the family of the boy and the Uncle to ensure a successful, continuing relationship. At present (December 1975) approximately 300 Uncles are participating in the program. Eligibility - Single parent families where the mother has custody of her son and the son is between 6 and 16 years of age. Waiting List - There are approximately 300 boys (December 1975) on the waiting list for Uncles and a boy must usually wait up to 18 months to receive an Uncle. Where to apply:
Uncles At Large, #220, 10036 Jasper Avenue. Telephone: 423-1160 or 423-2710.
Improvements - The need for more staff to speed up the screening process for Uncles and the need for more volunteers to become Uncles were mentioned. 4. Edmonton Big Sisters Society: Similar to the Uncles At Large program, the program offered by this organization provides an adult model for young girls between the ages of 8 and 13 years of age. Female volunteers, over 18 years of age, are matched according to personalities, interests and needs with young girls who would benefit from a one-to-one relationship with an older woman. In addition to matching Big Sisters with Little Sisters, this service also provides a group program for the girls and an orientation and training program for the female volunteers. Approximately 95% of the girls are from single parent families. There are approximately 57 girls matched with Big Sisters and 113 girls waiting for Big Sisters (December 1975). Eligibility - Any girl between the ages of 8 and 18 years who would benefit from such a program. Where to apply:
Edmonton Big Sisters Society, 9917 - 116 Street. Telephone: 482-4395 or 482-4354.
Improvements - The improvements identified were for more publicity about the program, the need to involve Big Sisters more in the organization, and the need for many more volunteer Big Sisters. 5. Summer Camps: Family camps are offered by a number of organizations, among which are: the Bissell Centre (free), Humans On Welfare Society ($5/week), the Canadian Mental Health Association ($5/day). Free weekly Day Camps for children from 7 to 12 years of age are also available throughout the city, sponsored by Edmonton Parks & Recreation.
Where to apply: Bissell Centre, 9560 - 103 A Avenue. Telephone: 423-2285.
Canadian Mental Health Association, #205, 10711 - 107 Avenue. Telephone: 426-7020.
Humans On Welfare Society, 9676 Jasper Avenue. Telephone: 424-7924 or 424-8307.
Day Camps, Edmonton Parks E. Recreation, 10th floor C.N. Tower. Telephone: 425-7450.
H. MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMS 1. Humans On Welfare Society (H.O.W.): This is a self-help and social action group for people on welfare. The main objective of this group is to "inform Canadians of the conditions and status of humans on welfare and to stimulate the governments and agencies to review and improve the physical and psychological environment of these people". Services include: an information and referral service, a summer family camp, a free clothing depot, and a Grievance Committee where members of H.O.W. assist welfare recipients who are having problems with Alberta Social Services. There are 743 members of H.O.W. and 600 of them are single parent families. In June 1974, H.O.W. published a report of their research carried out that year under a L.I.P. grant. The research project was an attitudinal survey of 800 welfare recipients to determine the needs and goals of these people. The survey also attempted to provide information on services and community resources to those people interviewed. Of the 800 people interviewed, 583 persons had dependent children with only 156 of these people being married. Therefore, 427 families were single parent families, over 50% of the sample. Some of the results of this survey will be discussed in CHAPTER VIII on Identification of Problem Areas and Needs and CHAPTER X on Conclusions. The information collected appears to be relevant in the analysis of our own findings. Eligibility - Anyone in need. Where to apply:
Humans On Welfare, 3rd floor, 9676 Jasper Avenue. Telephone: 424-7924.
Improvements - It was felt that more personal contact was needed with people on welfare.
Footnotes 1, Maximum Social Allowance Food, clothing, personal and household allowance schedule, Alberta Social Services and Community Health, February 1975. 2.
Letter from Income Security Division, Alberta Social Services and Community Health, December, 1974.
3.
North Edmonton Regional Office, Ed Beakhouse, August 1975.
4.
May, 1975, a new Maximum Earnings Exemption Schedule came into effect. Income exemptions are based on either net income" or the "basic social allowance requirement, whichever is less. The"basic social allowance requirement" is the income required to meet continuous needs calculated on the basis of long-term assistance rates but excluding allowances for employment related expenses such as babysitting and transportation costs"5
5.
Alberta Social Services and Community Health, Maximum Earnings Exemption Schedule, May 1, 1975.
6.
See Figure III, for Map of Regional Office Boundaries.
7.
Statistics were provided by the Research Division of the Alberta Social Services and Community Health.
8.
Poverty Facts, Edmonton Social Services, 1973.
9.
Definitions are taken from a hand-out provided by Edmonton Family Court.
(7:12\PTE'' V
SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR SINGLE PARENTS
A.
INTRODUCTION
Separation from others, 'alienation," and the accompanying feeling of 'aloneness is a social phenomenan often written about in describing today's society and the breakdown of traditional family and relationship patterns. It was felt that these feelings would become overwhelming for single parents who are suddenly left on their own, often without adequate financial and personal resources, and unable or unwilling to reach out for help. How does a single adult with children to look after meet others to share interests and with whom he or she can find companionship? Transportation, financial limitations and babysitting all pose barriers to joining organizations and clubs and engaging in activities where friends might be msde. For these reasons the report contains a special section outlining some of the organizations available to single parents. Most of the organizations have as their primary function that of enabling single adults to meet other single adults Only one group, the West 10 Single Again Society, has as its main objective personal growth through the building of self-esteem and life skills, although providing the opportunity to meet others is certainly an important goal. The second part of the chapter analyzes the responses of Single Parents regarding social and recreational activities - what activities they partic!-pate in, what barriers exist to participation, what kinds of social and recreational activities they would like to become involved in, and whether they felt a need for activities designed to allow them to meet members of the opposite sex. B.
ORGANIZATIONS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
ORGANIZATION: Singles Bowling Club, 3642 - 106 Avenue
Founded 1974 MAIN OBJECTIVES: Provide regular meeting place for unattached adults where they nay find fun, friendship and a sense of belonging. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP: Over 20 years of age. Single, separated, divorced or widowed. No membership fee. Each night bowling costs $1.75. ACTIVITIES% Weekly bowling drop-ins Thursdays at B;' ,,B Bowling Lanes, 10165 102 Street at 3 p.m. Occasional get-togethers at picnics, dances, cabarets, suppers, arranged by volunteer members. BENEFITS: Provides opportunity to meet new friends and a secure, respectable and fun way of meeting the opposite sex. NUMBER OF MENBERS; No real membership. Evenings open to anyone. Approximately 40-50 people participate each week, with about 225 who have joined from time to time. - 62 -
METHODS OF RECRUITING: New members recruited by recommendation and sponsorship of existing members. Advertising in Personal Column of the Journal and use of no-charge media services. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: No problems reported as respondents felt members always willing to volunteer to help out, and new comers easily and warmly accepted by members.
ORGANIZATION: West 10 Single Again Society, 13916 - 117 Avenue - Telephone 424-0263 Founded 1974 MAIN OBJECTIVES: To assist in integration of single individuals and families into community; provide resources for development of skills required for meaningful living; provide social outlet for exchange and enhancement of interpersonal relationship and to provide access to group activities for enriching family living. CRITERIA FOR MEMBEPSHIP: Individuals who wish to support the objectives of
Society and make application for membership to Executive Council. Fee $5.00 per year. ACTIVITIES: Bi-weekly educational programs regarding development of communiciation skills, self-esteem, and personal growth. BENEFITS: Get to know other single parents in area; obtain information
regarding activities for single parents: gain knowledge from trained group leaders in parenting, communication skills, etc. NUMBER OF MEMBERS: 30-60 active members, as of December, 1975.
METHODS OF RECRUITING: Word of mouth, advertising. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: No problems reported.
ORGANIZATION; Plus One Club, Highlands Baptist Church, 5351 - 112 Avenue Founded 1972. MAIN OBJECTIVES: Provide enjoyable social relaxation and supportive encouragement to singles. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP: Unattached adults of any age. ACTIVITIES: Social and recreational evening the first Tuesday of the month, which may include games, films, speakers, outing, supper, etc. BENEFITS: Opportunity for single parents to get away from responsibilities of home and children and have a chance to relax and enjoy and let someone else do the work. NUMBER OF MEMBERS: 20-25 active members, mostly over 35 years of age.
- 63 -
IIETHODS OF RECRUITING: Word of mouth, free advertising. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: Lack of male participants and lack of appeal to other segments of single adults.
ORGANIZATION: Singles Associated, 8703 - 136 Avenue, Telephone 476-9947 Founded 1975 MAIN OBJECTIVES Develop a drop-in social centre where members can meet with others of similar circumstances and participate in self-help program, recreational activities and socialization; and to act as information gathering and coordinating body for presently existing singles clubs and groups. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERS7,1IP: Single adults interested in quiet type of activities. ACTIVITIES Social evenings held regularly consisting of cards, chess, and other quiet games as well as conversation and coffee. BENEFITS: Social contact with others in similar circumstances. NUMBER OF MEM:BE:RS: 21 paid members. 100 associated members. METHODS OF RECRUITING: Word of mouth, ads in newspapers. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: Obtaining sufficient funds to rent a permanent place to become a drop-in for singles several nights per week.
ORGANIZATION: Single Parent Club of Edmonton, 1/219 - 90 Street Founded 1367 MAIN OBJECTIVES Furthering of the common welfare of its members and the well being of their children through working together, through exchange of ideas, and through mutual help, understanding and companionship which members find with one another. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP: Single parents. ACTIVITIES: 2 dances per month, 2 wine and cheese parties per year, and 2 socials per year; weekly educational discussion groups; and every 2nd Sunday family activities take place such as bowling, skating, tours, etc. BENEFITS: Provide single parents with companionship of others in similar circumstances. NUMBER OF 11E1,D3ERS
111 (August, 1974).
METHODS OF RECRUITING: Referrals from A.I.D. Service and other social agencies, ads in newspapers. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: No problems mentioned. - 64 -
ORGANIZATION; Club 30-30, 13003 - 123 Street. Founded 1955. MAIN OBJECTIVES: Help single people meet other single people. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP: Must be 30 years of age or over and single, and after attending several dances, they may be sponsored by other members. ACTIVITIES; Dances - first, third and fifth Saturday of each month, and open to outsiders if they phone the number in newspaper to advise they will be coming. BENEFITS: Reduced admission rates to dances and to several hotels and cabarets in City. NUMBER OF MEMBERS! 150 active (July, 1974), approximately 3574 were single parents. METHODS OF RECRUITING; No need to recruit new members as club was a good size and they wanted to maintain balance of sexes. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION! No problems mentioned.
ORGANIZATION: Club Capri, 10223 - 70 Street, Telephone 466-8251 Founded 1966. MAIN OBJECTIVES: Provides meeting place to get to know other people. CRITERIA FOR "MMERSHIP: Single adults, 30 years and over who have come to dances at least three times, must be sponsored by another member. ACTIVITIES: Dances second and forth Saturday of month at cost of $2.00 per member and $4.00 per guest, banquets, Bar-B-O's and family activities. BENEFITS; Opportunity to meet other people. NUMBER OF MEMBERS! Over 200 - cost is $6.00 per year. METHODS OF RECRUITING: Word of mouth. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: Obtaining large enough hall for dances and activities, some attempt made by 6 of dance and recreation clubs to obtain funds from Province to build new building, however, unsuccessful to date.
ORGANIZATION: Minus One, Box 7751, Postal Stn. v Founded 1965.
Telephone 469-6187
MAIN OBJECTIVES: Make available programs of recreational and educational nature for people with single marital status; to give assistance to members; and to help members overcome difficulties when they suddenly find themselves without their spouses. -65-
CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP: Divorced, separated, or widowed persons over 25
years of age who attended 3 dances may complete membership forms which must than be accepted by the Executive. ACTIVITIES: Bi-weekly dances held at Masonic Temple on first, third and fifth Friday of month at cost of $2.00 per member and $2.00 per guest. Club also trying to develop activities for children such as dance classes and skating parties. Newsletter published monthly. BENEFITS: Meet other people, cost kept to minimal. NU
ER OF 9EMBERS; 138 members. Cost $5.00 per year.
METHODS OF RECRUITING; Word of mouth, ads in newspapers. PROBLEMS IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: Difficulty in obtaining a large enough hall easily accessible by public transport. The need to keep cost low was mentioned as many members have low incomes and were paying alimony.
ORGANIZATION: Club 38, 7956 - 73 Avenue, Telephone 466-5751
Founded 1961, MAIN OBJECTIVES: Provide social activities for single adults. CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP: Widowed, separated, or divorced adults over 25 years of age. ACTIVITIES: Bi-weekly dances, $2.00 per member and $3.00 per guest. Bar-B-Q's in the summer and banquets. BENEFITS: Opportunity to meet other people in a good environment at minimal cost. NUMBER OF MEMBERS: 225 members. Cost $6.00 per year. METHODS OF RECRUITING: Have had to put limit on membership. PROBLEM IN MAINTAINING ORGANIZATION: Respondent felt organization did not have a problem maintaining itself as it was able to attract large crowds at its functions.
C. RESPONSES FROM SINGLE PARENTS REGARDING SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES Table 15 below outlines the responses of the 47 single parents interviewed to the question: "What do you do for social or recreational activity?"
TABLE 15 Social and Recreational Activities Undertaken by Single Parents
1.
Activity
Number
Nothing
19
3.
Reasons given °
2,
Number
Activity Sports Camping & Parks
6
No reason
5
Bowling
3
No money
4
Tennis
2
No time
4
Swimming
2
Health
2
Curling
2
Poor Transportation
1
Skating
1
Responsibility to children
2
volleyball
Social Activities Visiting (outside home) 12 Dancing Parties
2
Bars
6
Visiting (own home)
2
Business sponsored functions
1
4.
1
Golf
1
Walks
1
Skiiing
1
Clubs Single Parents Associations Ladies Aid
Activity 5.
Fastball
Number
Miscellaneous Shows
12
Bingo
6
Church
4
Community Work
3
Watch T.V.
3
Read
2
Singing
1
Driving Around
1
A.A.
1
Listen to Music - 67 -
1
1 1
NOTE: 5 single parents included their children in recreational activities.
Table 15 indicates that 40% of the respondents said they did nothing in terms of social or recreational activity while others participated in a variety of activities. Table 16 below outlines responses of the single parents to the questions: (a) "Do you know of associations for single parents in Edmonton? What are they?"; (b) "Which (if any) are you presently involved with?"; and (c) "What specific benefits do you get from this involvement?.
TABLE 15 Knowledge of Single Parent Associations by Single Parents Knowledge
Yes - 22 No - 25
Involved
Yes - 5 No -42
The Clubs mentioned were; Single Parents Club of Edmonton, 'anus One, Club 38, Guys and Dolls, 30-30 Club, Over 30, Club Caoris, Move, and the Monica Society. Any involvement in the clubs by the respondents was irregular. People felt that the dance clubs offered a place where one could discuss problems and for socialization. Two women who had attended the Monica Society in the past felt that it had given them confidence in their ability to succeed alone. Other comments regarding the dance clubs were that they were over- crowded, with more women than men. One adverse comment made by one who had no recent association said that she was not interested because the people involved became pity objects for each other. D.
BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION AND RECREATION OR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
The single parent organizations and the single parents interviewed were asked as to the problems that they or their members had in participating in recreation or social activity within the community. The responses to this question are outlined below.
TABLE 17 Barriers to Participation in Social or Recreation Activities Barriers to Participation
Single Parent Organizations
No problems in participating Financial Couple oriented society Lack of competent babysitters Inhibition to going out alone Working parents - lack of time Lack of acceptance Transportation Reluctance to join clubs Lack of self confidence Non-interest by other people Lack of advertising
Single Parents
16 14 12 10 10 8 2 9 2 1 1 1
3 3 2 1 3 1 1 1
RECONMENDATIONS BY SINGLE PARENTS FOR RECREATION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Table 18 outlines the suggestions made by the single parents as to the kinds of social and recreational activities they would like to become involved in.
TABLE 18 Recommendations by Single Parents for Recreational or Social Activities Activities Recommended
Sports - outdoor Sports - indoor More single parent - child activities Educational upgrading Dances Young adult clubs Associations for single parents Crafts Political involvements - women's rights Attend associations Concerts Bingo Theatre Anything just to get a lot more No additional activities required
Number of Responses from single parents Percent Number 13 7 8 5 5 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
28% 15% 17% 11% 11% 6% 4% 4% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%
4 7
8% 15%
Two ideas expressed frequently relating to improved social activities for single parents were adequate child care facilities and improved transportation. To be more specific, a question was also asked as to whether the single parents interviewed felt there was a need for activities designed to bring together both men and women.
TABLE 19 Activities Designed for Men and Women to Meet Activities for Men and Women: Number of Responses from Single Parents Percent Number
Responses
26
Activities are necessary Activities not essential Presently have boyfriends Would like activities in the future Can meet man on my own
1
55% 19% 6% 4% 2%
F. ANALYSIS From the previous responses, it appears that none of the single parents interviewed had any regular contact with single parent organizations and only one person mentioned it as a source of recreational or social activity. Lack of knowledge of what organizations exists seems to be one factor governing participation. The transient nature of many of the clubs also inhibits involvement as two of the clubs mentioned, Parents without Partners and the Monica Society were not in fact functioning when interviews were conducted in July, 1974. In the process of contacting the single parent organizations in Edmonton, much difficulty was experienced by the interviewers as there is no central point or clearing house for information and the information obtained was often outdated. It is recommended that A.I.D. Service of Edmonton in co-operation with single parent clubs and organizations attempt to keep an up-to-date list of those clubs presently operating in the City. The main barriers to participation in social and recreational activities seem to be: financial, attitudes to going out without a partner and the lack of competent babysitters. .5.5 of the respondents felt there was a need for activities which would provide an opportunity to meet people of the opposite sex. Sports, both indoor and outdoor, was mentioned by nearly half of the respondents as an activity they would like to become involved in. It, therefore, seems appropriate that perhaps the Department of Parks and Recreation 70 -
could explore the possibility of organizing activities such as mixed volleyball, baseball, soccer, etc. where men and women could meet each other. It should be mentioned that ski clubs such as the Polar Ski Club and Tate Jaune in the City often provide this meeting place through ski trips and dances. These ski clubs service mostly single adults and have several hundred members. One other area to mention is the need for activities that include single parents and their children. Perhaps Parks and Recreation could also explore programming for families.
CHAPTER VI
INFORMATION SERVICES
A.I.D. Service of Edmonton Room 203, 10711 -107 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta Telephone 426-3242 A.I.D. Servic,?. of Edmonton is a central telephone information and referral service providing a free service from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, seven days a week. A.I.D. also publishes a directory of community services for Edmonton and district as well as other directories regarding specific programs such as Day Care and youth services. Between January 1, 1975 and December 31, 1975, A.I.D. received 89 calls regarding social and recreational activities for single parents and 134 calls regarding supportive services available to single parents (e.g. Terra, counselling services). It should be noted that the caller is not identified and the statistics represent requests for a specific type of information. As well as a centralized information service, two smaller neighbourhood information services operate in the city. These include West 10 (452-6193) and Open Door (466-1144), covering the south-east section of the city. Other information services operate for special groups such as the senior citizens and the handicapped or regarding specific topics such as family planning. The three target groups were asked as to whether they felt the present information services were adequate. The responses are tabulated in Table 20.
TABLE 20 Are Present Information Services Adequate?
Agencies Single Parent Organizations Heads of one-parent families
Yes
No
12 2 19
11 2 25
N/A
No Replies 4
1 3
Reasons for Adequate Information not being Provided were Listed by the Agencies and Heads of One-Parent Families as Follows: Single Parent Responses Lack of advertising, people not aware of service People do not care enough to try to locate information Lack of aid from social workers Enough advertising but not specific enough - 72 -
10
Agency Responses 3 3
6 4
Table 20 (Continued) Agency
Single Parent
1 1
No central information *ource People afraid to ask Services too 'spread out'; takes persistence to locate People do not want to be labelled Agencies too bureaucratic
1 1
1
The three target groups were asked as to what improvements they felt should be made in order to improve the effectiveness of present information services.
TABLE 21 Improvements Recommended for Information Services Agencies N=27 More publicity, utilizing public mediums - T.V., radio, etc. Counsellors should be more knowledgeable, more consistent
Heads of OneOrganizations Parent Families 1N=47) (N-5)
12
15
4
11
Encouragement toward self-help rather than assistance
1
Co-ordination of agencies and organizations
2
1
Set up 'Information Bank' for single parents
2
2
Advertising: education
1
7
For people with little
More by mail
1
1
More specific
1
Relocation of services for availability to larger segment of population Change public attitude toward this type of help
1
2
Cut down on red tape
2
Specific information on community league events
2
More sheltered 'coming-out' projects
1
No improvements noted
1
N/A
2
- 73 -
2
12 10
SUMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Forty-eight percent of the agencies, 53% of the single parents and 30% of the single parent organizations felt that the present information distribution is inadequate. The major deficiency seemed to be a lack of publicity as to what services exist. Another concern seems to be related to the counsellor or social worker whom it was felt should have more information. As A.I.D. Service of Edmonton operates as a central information and referral service perhaps more use could be made of the media, etc. to publicize its availability.
CHAPTER VII
PLANNING AND COORDINATION
Agencies and Single Parent Organizations participating in the Study were asked g if they knew who was responsible for the planning and coordination of services, if they felt there was adequate planning and coordination of services for one-parent families and what improvements they would like to see in the area of planning and coordination. The responses are tabulated below.
TABLE 22 Do you now who is responsible for overall planning and coordination of services for one-parent families?
Agencies
Yes
No
4
19
No Answer
4
Single Parent Organizations
1
Gueses Made g No one. Cecil Rioux (Home Care) Executive Director - developed through consultation with other agencies that provide similar services Requesting group or agency - coordinating function in the area of programming for family-related programs -'Single-Again ° Society. A.I.D.
TABLE 23 Is there adequate planning and coordination of services? No Yes No Answer N/A Agencies
3
Single Parent Organizations If yes, why?
13
4
3
2
2
If no, why not?
- Planning is done on a regional basis, by area; areas coordinate. - The more coordination, the fewer choices.
- 75 -
In operating groups, there is not enouEa financial aid to prevent waiting lists. There are large gaps in services suppliedE coordination cannot be accomplished unless you have the services to coordinate
(Table 23 continued) If yes, why?
If no, why not? - Unskilled coordinators do not have sufficient knowledge of courses available - more advertising and more aid needed. Single parents are transient, longrange projects fall through. Many, many groups for singles have started and stopped. Planning should include short-term projects and services.
TABLE 24 Possible Improvements Suggested for Planning and Coordination Coordination Suggestions - One representative from each group to form agencyliaison group. - Area counsellors, area clinics, smaller but more numerous offices, trying not to specialize too much by reducing size. - Formation of single parents association, sponsor information centre, formulation of programs ;here needs are identified. - One large building to which all clubs for singles would have access. - One coordinating office with smaller satellite groups in various areas of the city offering educational programs and group seminars for both newly single and older single people. Business phone at centre, crisis phone after hours. Client would call central number, be referred to group nearest him or her, and given information re: individual counselling, legal aid, social groups, financial aid.
SUMMARY From these responses, it appears that there is no awareness of a coordinating mechanism and that some form of planning and coordination is desirable. The form of coordination recommended by the respondents appears to be through inter-agency communication, involvement of single parent associations and decentralization of services.
CHAPTER VIII
IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM AREAS AND NEED
As well as attempting to identify what services presently exist for oneparent families, it is essential to gain a perspective on what the problems and needs are in order to define the gaps in service delivery. The three target groups were, therefore, asked what they felt were the most serious problems facing the heads and children of one-parent families. The responses to this question are categorized according to common characteristics. For heads of one-parent families, there are three main headings g parent-child relationship, problems relating to self image, and financial problems. For children of one-parent families, the responses are categorized under: lack of experience with other parent, parent-child relationship, financial problems, End problems relating to self image.
TABLE 25 Identification of Problem Areas and Needs (Parent) Problem Areas A.
Agencies (N=27)
Single Parent Organizations (N-5)
Single Parents (N-S.P.)
Parent-child relationship
1. No support in child rearing lack of proper discipline
7
1
24
2. Too much responsibility
4
1
5
3. Understanding role as one-parent rather than attemr:ing to be two
4
0
4
4. Lack of time for children B.
2
Problems relating to self-image
1.Loneliness
15
1
2. Lack of social life
10
2
3. Social stigma
5
1
4. No time for oneself
1
5. Lack of hope for improvement
2
6. Low self-esteem
1
7. Fear of being hurt again
2
S. Lack of good information re rights, education, etc.
3 1.~ 2 ^
human 2
9. Organization of home - 77-
3
C.
Financial problems 16
2
25
2. Child care
4
-
4
3. Transportation
-
-
4
4. Housing
-
1. Financial stress
-
2
TABLE 26 Identification of Problem Areas and Needs (Children) Agencies (N-27)
problem Areas A.
17
2
18
Parent-child relationship
1. Coping with emotionally frustrated parent
5
2. Lack of discipline
3
3. Early responsibility
3 1
3
1
4
4. Lack of time with parent
7
5. Overly protected
1
6. Caught in unresolved conflict between parents
1
C.
Single Parents (N=47)
Lack of experience with other parent
1. Lack of two parent image, experiences, and attention B.
Single Parent Organizations (N=5)
1
Financial problems
1.Lack of adequate recreation1
2
2.Financial
4
5 1
3.Low rental dweiling - poor choice of playmates 4.Inadequate day care 5. Lack of equal opportunity (breeding criminal law involvement)
2
1
6.Lack of transportation
- 78-
D.
Problems relating to self image
1. Social stigma
4
2
2. Lack of identity
2
-
3. Guilt about causing separation
-
1
4. Frequent moves
-
-
5. Early teens - nothing to do
-
-
1 1
6. Adjusting to illegitimacy
From the above table for the heads of one-parent families, it appears that there is a high correlation among the sample groups regarding the primary problem area, lack of adequate financial resources. 59% of the agencies, 53% of the single parents and 40% of the single parent organizations identified this factor as a major problem facing heads of one-parent families. This is not surprising when one refers to the statistics outlined in Chapter III on the income distribution of the one-parent family population and the income distribution among heads of single parent families who are working. Table 9 & 11 in Chapter III show that for the City of Edmonton in 1970, 76% of all female headed one-parent families had an income of less than $5,000 per year and 65% of single parent families with a female head of family working earned less than $5,000 per year, whereas, at that time, only 33% of all heads of households who worked in 1970 earned less than $5,000 per year. In addition although 46% of all female heads of one-parent families worked, their average income was only $4,813 as opposed to the average income for all heads of households who worked in 1970 of $8,418 and $10,699, which was the average . total income per family.3 The position of the female wage earner is not unustta as 39.4% of all females in Alberta between 14 and 65 years were employed in 1971 with an average income of only $3,218 per year.4 As a result of single parents having limited financial resources, it was felt that this might impose certain constraints on being able to work: lowpaying jobs, lack of subsidized child care, etc. Although welfare payments are obviously low, a single parent not working, on welfare, with two children between 0 - 6 years of age, would receive approximately $4,056 per year at present rates. Whereas the average income for female heads of single parents working in 1971 was only $4,813. As of January, 1975, the poverty line established by Statistics Canada for a family of three was $5,763.6 Although the figures are not available for comparison of 1975 welfare rates with the 1975 average income level for heads of one-parent families who are working, the position of women in the labour force has not changed significantly. It was, therefore, felt that many women would find it difficult to work when faced with extra costs of child care, drugs, transportation, clothing etc. In fact, when interviewers were being hired for this study, the researche were unable to hire one particular single parent because her son required drugs and a special school and, although the salary would be greater than her welfare payments, many benefits would be lost.
- 79 -
In order to assess whether single parents and especially female single parents felt they were able to undertake full employment as opposed to welfare, the three target groups were asked whether they felt single parents, or themselves in the case of single parents, were able to make choices as to remaining at home or obtaining employment, and, if not, what were the barriers. The results are tabulated in Table 27. The responses of the single parents are further broken down in Table 28 according to whether the head of the families were working or not working in order to show the reasons for being able to work or not being able to work.
TABLE 27 Do Single Parents have a Choice of Working or Not Working Don't Know
Yes
No
N/A
Agencies
9
12
4
2
Single Parent Organizations
2
2
1
-
30
13
3
1
Target Population
Single Parents Barriers Preventing Choice
Agencies
Single Parent Organizations
Single Parents
18
2
13
Lack of education
9
2
4
Number, ages and needs of children
3
2
2
Low wages Employer anxious about time being taken off
5
1
1
-
-
5
Social stigma
3
1
-
Too much responsibility in home
3
1
-
Lack of confidence
2
1
-
Poor transportation
3
-
-
Lack of motivation
1
1
-
Lack of information
2
-
-
Time lapse since last employment
-
-
2
Poverty
1
Age
1
Adequate child care
TABLE 28 A.
DOES BEING A SINGLE PARENT AFFECT ABILITY TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT
SINGLE PARENTS WHO ARE WORKING (25)
No Barriers REASON:
Number of Responses - 18
5 Took upgrading 4 Kids older 3 Because of my education 2 Kids looked after 2 Kept same job 2 Depends on day care Depends on babysitter 1 Choose own work hours How mother feels about leaving children 1 with sitter 1 Mothers hours are school hours Barriers REASON:
Number of Responses - 7
Adequate sitter Employer wary because of time needed off for family Education and training Time since last worked Cannot take shift work Need high paying job B.
3 2 2 1
SINGLE PARENTS WHO ARE NOT WORKING (18)
No Barriers REASON:
Number of Responses - 11
Not working because of health Never tried to find job Children old enough Have a babysitter available Have an occupation Having a baby Barriers REASON:
5 3 2 1 1
Number of Responses - 6
Babysitting Education Employer feels will be spending time with children Don't know
5 2 1 1
- 81 -
ANALYSIS In examining Table 25, there is a remarkably even split among the responses falling into the three main areas: parent-child relationship (31.3%), problems relating to self-image (34.3%), and financial problems (34.3%). It appears that the most serious problem identified by the majority of both the agencies and the single parents themselves was a lack.of adequate financial resources (59% of the agencies and 53% of the single parents). This finding is certainly consistent with our figures for income levels for the single parent population in Edmonton and for female wage earners as a whole. The second most serious concern identified by the agencies was "loneliness".. 53% of the agencies interviewed felt that the lack of a partner to share in life's joys and frustrations created a deep sense of aloneness in a person, 13% of the single parents interviewed shared this concern. However, 51% of the single parent respondents felt that their second most serious concern was the lack of support in child-rearing and the lack of adequate discipline they were able to give their children. Lack of support from a partner does, therefore, appear to be a major problem for the majority of the respondents. The major problem area identified by the respondents as being experienced by children of one-parent families was the lack of involvement with two parents and the subsequent lack of a role model, in most cases, a father. The percentage break-down of the responses according to the four categories are: parent-child relationship (30%), lack of experience with other parent (36%), financial , problems (21%), and problems relating to self-image (33%). In examining the responses to Table 27, we find that the major barriers to having a choice of working or not working are: the provision of proper day care (36%), and the lack of education and low wages (23%). For those single parents who do not feel there was a problem, the major reasons given were due to the availability of child care, the ages of the children, and because of their education or upgrading. Statistics Canada recently published a "Preliminary Report on Working Mothers and Their Child Care Arrangements in 1973". A sample of 30,000 households from across Canada were asked questions regarding their preferences to work or to remain at home. 35% of the women interviewed were working and 12% of the women interviewed were not working but stated a preference to work. This latter group was then asked what were the reasons they were unable to work. 50% of the mothers between 20-24 years of age stated that the reason was "no satisfactory child care".
TABLE 29 Distribution by Reasons for Not Working - Others Preferring to Work But Not in Labor Force Age of Mother 20-24 25-34 35-44 45-54
years years years years
Mother who would prefer to work
No satisfactory child care
No suitable jobs available
Other reasons
100% 100% 100% 100%
50% 47% 31% 22%
25% 20% 23% 36%
25% 33% 46% 40%
- 82-
The availability of adequate child care thus seems a primary requirement to enabling a single parent to become financially independent. The need for subsidized day care seems very important in view of the fact that in 1970, 64% of the female heads of single pargnt families in Edmonton who were working The "poverty line" establishgd in 1970 by earned less than $5,000 per year. the Economic Council of Canada for a family of three was $4,536. The economic position of female-headed families is probably much worse today if the trend documented by the Cadian Council of Social Development has continued. In a the Council reported that female-headed families are recent publication, becoming an increasingly larger percentage of the total low-income family population. In 1961, this group represented 13.2% of all low-income families and 28.7% in 1973. However, femple-headed families, as a pTycentage of all families, only increased from 7.8% in 1961 to 8.6% in 1973. Additional data shows that the likelihood, or the incidence, of a family with a given characteristic having a low income. "We find that a male head of a family has a 9.3% chance of being poor, just by being ma, while a female head of a family has a 40.1% chance, just by being female. "The overall trend shows that the likelihood of poverty fell from 25.3% in 1961 to 12% in 1973, and therefore it is quite ntiural that likelihood statistics for other groups have fallen". Although the incidence of poverty has declined for other groups such as for persons 65 years of age and over, the likelihood of being poor fell for senior citizens from 43.9% in 1961 to about 21.1% in 1973; female-headed families are the only group not to show significant improvement. "If the general improvement registered by all other groups had also been registered by this group, the likelihood of poverty for female-headed families would have fallen from 42.6% in 1961 to about 21% in 1973, but in fact it fell only 14 ' slightly to 40.1%. This lack of improvement should be disturbing to all". Recent figures published by Statistics Canada show that in a sample of 2,236 female heads of families, 45.6% earned less than $5,000 per year as compared to 13.8% of the sample of male heads of families and 22.5% of the sample of all families and unattached individuals. All samples were taken from across Canada.
TABLE 30 Percenta e Distribut on of Families and Unatta d Individuals b Income Grou s Age, and Sex, 1974 ALL AGE 24 AND INCOME GROUP GROUPS UNDER 25-34 All Families and Unattached Individuals $2,000 and under $2,000 - $2,999 3,000 - 3,999 4,000 - 4,999
6.4 6.7 4.3 5.1
5,000 - 5,999 6,000 - 6,999
4.8 4.7
7,000 - 7,999 8,000 - 8,999
4.6 4.7
65 AND OVER
35-44
45-54
55-64
3.6 2.3
8.1 6.2
2.9
4.7
8.2
2.9 2.6
4.6 3.6
11.7 9.9
15.6
3.6
7.0
1.9
6.6
8.3 7.8 8.7
2.8 2.9 3.2 4.4
1.7 1.7 2.1 2.3 3.4 3.0
6.9
5.0
2.7
3.1 3.8
3.5 5.0
6.8 4.8
5.5
5.4
4.1
4.7
4.8
3.8
- 83 -
10.6
23.4
(Table 30 Continued) INCOME GROUP
ALL AGE GROUPS
24 AND UNDER
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 AND OVER
5.7 5.5 3.3 4.0 3.9 3.7 7.6 7.9 9.1 8.9 100.0
2.7 2.4 2.4 1.9 1.6 1.5 2.1 2.1 1.5 2.4 100.0
15,727 12,625
6,639
12,192 14,403 14,147 10,704
4,670
6.2 6.6 6.5 7.2 6.1 6.1 10.1 10.1 7.7 4.2 100.0
4.0 5.4 4.6 6.4 6.2 6.0 12.0 11.9 11.6 10.8 100.0
4.8 5.1 4.5 5.6 3.3 5.0 9.0 10.8 12.3 13.6 100.0
4.8 5.1 4.5 5.1 4.2 4.4 7.9 8.2 7.7 7.0 100.0
5.4 5.5 5.2 3.8 2.2 2.5 4.1 3.3 0.9 0.4 100.0
Average Income
12,169
7,383
12,804 15,602
Median Income
10,789
6,533
Sample Size
11,031
1,070
2,528
1,942
1,833
1,614
2,044
3.3 3.4 2.8 4.3 4.2 3.8 4.3 4.9 5.0 5.6 5.0 5.9 4.9 5.2 9.6 9.9 9.5 8.5 100.0
10.0 5.2 4.6 6.0 5.7 8.4 8.9 6.9 5.7 7.0 7.0 5.4 3.1 3.3 6.1 4.6 1.4 0.7 100.0
2.4 1.1 1.7 2.2 2.5 3.4 4.1 5.2 6.0 6.4 6.6 8.0 6.8 7,0 11.4 11.6 8.8 4.8 100.0
1.4 0.9 0.9 1.5 2.8 2.2 2.5 3.6 3.8 5.5 4.4 6.5 6.5 6.5 13.1 13.1 12.9 12.0 100.0
1.5 1.2 1.4 2.5 1.9 2.0 3.0 4.5 4.7 5.4 4.8 6.0 3.6 5.4 10.0 12.1 14.0 15.9 100.0
4.1 4.3 3.7 3.9 3.2 2.9 4.5 5.2 5.9 5.9 3.3 4.6 4.1 4.2 9.1 9.1 11.3 10.8 100.0
5.3 13.1 7.4 14.5 12.8 7.6 6.1 5.1 3.4 3.2 3.4 2.4 2.4 2.0 2.6 2.8 2.6 3.2 100.0
Average Income
13,841
8,834
13,725
16,541 17,216 14,283
8,028
Median Income
12,588
8,183
13,060 15,164
8,795
730
2,183
1,734
1,572
1,288
17.7 18.8 10.0 8.1 7.1 7.8 5.4
27.3 10.6 10.6 13.3 12.1 9.5 2.8
10.9 6.1 9.3 7.4 7.3 10.5 10.7
4.5 7.8 11.9 8.4 7.6 8.5 4.3
15.9 8.9 11.9 5.0 6.7 9.6 8.0
22.8 13.4 8.5 7.1 4.9 5.8 6.8
$ 9,000-$ 9,999 10,000- 10,999 11,000- 11,999 12,000- 12,999 13,000- 13,999 14,000- 14,999 15,000- 16,999 17,000- 19,999 20,000- 24,999 25,000 and over TOTAL
Male Head $ 2,000 and Under $ 2,000-$ 2,999 3,000- 3,999 4,000- 4,999 5,000- 5,999 6,000- 6,999 7,000- 7,999 8,000- 8,999 9,000- 9,999 10,000- 10,999 11,000- 11,999 12,000- 12,999 13,000- 13,999 14,000- 14,999 15,000- 16,999 17,000- 19,999 20,000- 24,999 25,000 and over TOTAL
Sample Size
15,402 12,681
5,760 1,288
Female Head $ 2,000 and Under $ 2,000-$ 2,999 3,000- 3,999 4,000- 4,999 5,000- 5,999 6,000- 6,999 7,000- 7,999
- 84-
18.7 . 39.0 9.5 7.3 5.5 5.5 2.7
(Table 30 Continued)
INCOME GROUP
ALL AGE GROUPS
24 AND UNDER
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65 AND OVER
$ 8,000- $ 8,999 9,0009,999 10,000- 10,999 11,000- 11,999 12,000- 12,999 13,000- 13,999 14,000- 14,999 15,000- 16,999 17,000- 19,999 20,000- 24,999 25,000 and over TOTAL
4.2 4.2 3.5 2.9 2.2 1.5 1.3 1.9 1.7 0.9 1.0 100.0
4.8 4.8 2.5 1.4 0.6 0.4 0.9 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 100.0
7.2 7.2 7.5 6.0 2.6 2.0 0.7 2.4 0.8 0.9 0.8 100.0
5.3 5.3 4.5 6.4 6.1 4.0 2.3 4.2 2.4 1.7 2.0 100.0
5.1 5.1 3.6 2.6 3.5 1.7 2.8 3.4 2.8 2.2 0.5 100.0
4.7 4.7 4.1 3.4 1.9 3.0 1.7 1.8 3.5 1.3 1.8 100.0
1.5 1.5 1.3 0.9 1.3 0.3 0.7 1.3 1.1 0.5 1.1 100.0
Average Income
5,910
4,392
7,385
8,321
7,022
6,464
4,535
Median Income
4,430
4,107
6,860
7,315
6,156
4,765
2,804
Sample Size
2,236
340
345
208
261
326
756
Female heads of families in Canada had an average income of $5,910 in 1974 as compared to $3,722 for female heads of one-parent families in Edmonton in 1970, a 58.7% increase. owever, the consumer price index increased by 24.78% during that same period. Although no accurate figures are available for 1975 as to the extent of the need for day care among one-parent families, some general indicators of population trends exist. One of the major factors affecting the number of pre-school children requiring day care is the growth in the number of women with pre-school children entering the labour force. Between 1966 and 1974, there wasiln annual growth rate of 5.5% in the number of women entering the labour force. During that same period the number of women with pre-school children entering the labour force increased at an annual rate of 5.6%.18 This is not entirely due to a general population increase as we also note that the participation rate of women in the Alberta labour force increased from 36.5% in 1966 to 41.7% in 1973, a 14% increase in six years.19 A recent report published by Edmonton Social Services20 projected that by the year 1980, there would be 10,123 children between two and six years of age whose mothers would be working full-time and 4,634 children between zero and two years of age whose mothers would be working full-time. These figures are based on population projections for the City of Edmonton and a yearly increase of .73 in the female labour force participation rate. The participation rate of women in the Edmonton labour force in 1971 was 48.6%, an 18% increase since 1961. In analyzing the increase of one-parent families, we note that the number of female family heads living in the Edmonton Metropolitan area increased by 53% between 1966 and 1971 and 41% between 1960 and 1966.21 Although no figures exist for 1975, figures outlined in Chapter II show that the number of single parent, motherled families receiving financial assistance has increased - 85 -
by 23% between 1970 and 1975, far above the percentaH increase in any other Figures for unwed group in receipt of financial aid from the Province. mothers showed that the number of children of unmarried women increased by 67% between 1962 and 1974 and the peHentage surrendered for adoption decreased from 35.9% in 1962 to 17.2% in 1974. It seems reasonable to conclude that with an overall increase in the number of women working combined with a steady increase in the number of one-parent families, the number of female heads of one-parent families working has increased substantially since 1971. In comparing the need for subsidized day care with the resources available, we find that for the City of Edmonton, as of September 1975, there were 557 subsidized spaces available in day care centres, 217 subsidized spaces available in after-school care programs, and 220 subsidized spaces available in private homes. As previousi4 stated, there were 4,025 pre-school children of2 emale-headed We can families in 1971 and the mother worked in 46% of these families. estimate that approximately 1,851 children required day care at that time, if we use an average of one pre-school child per family. It, therefore, appears that, with the rising number of male and female-headed one-parent families and the increasing number of women who are working, combined with thheconomic the 721 subposition of the majority of female family heads who are working, sidized spaces available to all low-income families in Edmonton, in 1975, can in no way meet the demand of this one group of people in need. In addition to the provision of adequate subsidized day care, there is a need to ensure that female wage earners29arn equal pay to men and that the Our own figures for the break-down' opportunity for upgrading is available. of one-parent family heads by sex, occupation and income show that in every occupational category, the male wage earner had an average income substantially higher than the female wage earner in the same category. In fact, in the clerical and related occupations category, which comprise 20% of all jobs women are employed in2gs opposed to 6% for men, women earn on the average It has also been shown that women of the saN education $1,831 less per year. and age as men earn substantially less in every educational bracket. With regard to the single parent receiving some form of public assistance, it was previously shown that welfare rates are far below the poverty lines 30 established by Statistics Canada and do not appear to keep pace with inflation. Money is, therefore, not available to enable families to participate in community activities and to pay for temporary child care expenses. Additional financial assistance to assist single parent families in participating more in community activities would perhaps aid in meeting the second more serious concern identified by the agencies interviewed, that of loneliness, and, as well, could also help to lessen the feelings of the single parent being totally alone in the responsibility of child raising. The need for outside contacts was also recognized by Humans On Welfare in their survey of 800 recipients of financial assistance. One recommendation emanating from this study was that there should be "financial assistance to cover part of the costs of community c1ub3Temberships and participation expenses, both for the parent(s) and children". . - 86 -
Another problem identified by 11.0.W. and supported by our data, regarding barriers preventing choices to work (lack of education and low wages) is the allowable earnings a welfare recipient ray retain when going back to work. Up until May, 1975, this firrure was $25.00. The Province's new "Maximum earnings exemption schedule" allows a person receiving social allowance to retain 100% of the first $50.00 earned, 50% of the next $50.00, 255 of the following $100.00 and 105 of anything after that, until their eligibility for social allowances ceases.32 The amount of social allowance given Is based on the family's needs including employment related expenses, such as babysitting and transportation, plus the exemption allowable, minus the earned income. This provides an incentive for people to undertake employment rather than remain on welfare, even if it is a low paying or part-tine job. One would hope that there is also an incentive for upgrading the person's skills rather than to remain on a subsidized income. The other major problem areas facing heads of one-parent families were: parent-child relationships and problems relating to self-image. Both these areas relate to the need for more emotional and social support systems for single parents which would enable them to understand themselves and their children better and to have a social life apart from their children while knowing their children are being well looked after. More specific suggestions regarding programs and resources to meet these needs are discussed in the next Chapter on Resources Recommended to Peet Needs. Suggested solutions to the identified needs of children of one-parent families are also outlined in this Chapter.
- 87 -
Footnotes: 1. We have categorized a lack of aden,uate recreation as a financial problem as families on low-income are more dependent on publicly sponsored recreational areas and programs and usually live in higher density housing. 2. The sample of single parents was drawn from public housing. 3. Statistics Canada, 1971 Census, Heads of Uousehold Encomes, Table 68-1. 4. Women in the Labour Force (Alberta), Research Division, Department of Manpower and Labour,. 1972. 5. Using the estimate worked out by the Income Security. Division, Alberta Social Services and Community Health, Op. Cit. 6. Canadian Fact Book on Poverty, The Canadian Council on Social Development, 1975, Page 8. 7. Preliminary Report on Working Mothers and their Child Care Arrangements in 1973. May Nickson, Statistics Canada, Labour Division, Manpower Research and Development Section, 1975. 8, Statistics Canada, 1971.Census, Special Run, 7807A, December 1974. 9. Poverty Facts, Edmonton Social Services, 1973. 10. Canada Fact Book on Poverty, Canadian Council on Social Development, 1975. "Low-income" and "poverty" are terms used interchangeably to describe that population defined by Statistics Canada's updated (subsistence) poverty lines. 11. Ibid - p. 14. 12. Ibid - p. 15. 13. Ibid
p. 20.
14. Ibid. 15. Income Distribution by Size in Canada, 1974, Preliminary Estimates, Statistics Canada. 16. Catalogue No. 62-002, Statistics Canada. 17. Statistics Canada, The Labour Force, January 1975 & May 1974. 13. Preliminary Report on Forking Mothers and Their Child Care Arrangement, Nicholson, 1975, Statistics Canada, Labour Division, Manpower Research & Development Section. 19. Statistics Canada, The Labour Force, March 1073 & January 1975. 20. Analysis of the Need for Expanded Day Care Services in the City of Edmonton, appendix A, Edmonton Social Services, Michael G. Day, September, 1975.
-88-
21. bp. Cit. Table 2 (See Chapter III - Page 2).
22.
See Table XII, Chapter III,
23. See Table II, Chapter III, 24. Statistics Canada, 1971, Catalogue 93-718, Op. Cit. 25. Statistics Canada, 1971, Special run. 26. See Table IX, Chapter III. 27. The report, "Women in the Albertan Labour Force" published by the Edmonton Social Planning Council, 1974, found that in only approximately 13% of the occupational categories did men and women earn "equal pay". 28. See Table VII, Chapter III.
29.
Women in the Labour Force, 1971, Facts and Figures, Labour Canada, 1971.
30. Fact Book on Poverty, Op. Cit. 31. Research: Human Resources and Their Potentials, Humans on Welfare, 1974, Page 82. 32. Letter and schedule from Research and Planning, Alberta Social Services and Community Health, June 17, 1975.
CHAPTER IX
MEETING NEEDS AND PREVENTION
A. RESOURCES RECOMMENDED TO MEET NEEDS The respondents in the 3 target groups were asked to outline what they felt were the community resources most important in alleviating the problems of parents and children of one-parent families. The two sample groups of single parents and single parent organizations were additionally asked to state what improvements needed to be made in providing these resources, what areas of unmet needs there were in the services available to single parents, and if they were aware of any areas of excessive duplication of overlap in services for one-parent families. The responses to these questions are tabulated below.
TABLE 31 Resources Most Important In Alleviating Problems of Parents of One-Parent Families Single Single Parent Parents Agencies Organizations N=5 N=47 N=27 % # 8 17 60 3 41 Co-ordinated single parent groups 11 8 17 40 2 6 22 Free or subsidized day care 7 15 2 7 Greater financial support More recreational & social activities 3 6 4 15 in community Readily available, non-stigmatized 4 2 15 4 counselling services 22 6 Family life discussions 1 2 20 1 15 Social service & information centres 4 6 13 Subsidized housing Homemaking help, repair for women, 4 15 domestic for men 1 2 2 7 More availability of upgrading 2 4 4 1 Night care for children Invitations extended from community 2 7 leagues to single parents 2 1 4 1 Lower cost services 1 2 1 4 Improvements in family law 4 1 Family planning 4 1 Public Health Uncles at Large which includes whole 1 4 family Integration with other than welfare 2 1 families in housing
TABLE 32 Resources Most Important In Alleviating Problems of Children of One-Parent Families (N-27) Agencies Uncles at Large Big Sisters Organized, supervised play areas; Services by community leagues Planned Recreational Outings, camps Adequate day care Counselling for non-adjusted Low cost activities, social service assistance with community league fees Organized teen camps Drop-in centres Brownies, cubs, boys clubs Chimo More support from family law Youth helpers as at Duggan Social Services Better, cheaper, transportation Jobs for children in summer
SingiNlrent Organizations
SIT4N Parents
17 10
63 37
-
-
5 4
11 9
3 9 5 4
11 33 19 15
-
-
12 5 5 2
26 11 11 4
1 2 1 2 1
4 7 4 7 4
2 -
40 -
3 3 1 2 -
6 6 2 4 -
1 -
4 ..,
-
-
1 1
2 2
A-1 IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED BY SINGLE PARENTS IN PROVIDING THESE RESOURCES ARE THE FOLLOWING: (in order of priority) MORE: Day care centres
Single parent organizations
- should be funded by city - more qualified people - available for ages under 3 (after-school care for older children) - in public housing units - for discussion of mutual topics - to organize recreation for parents and children to offer support to single parents who feel there is nowhere to go for help except welfare offices.
Financial support, in general (i.e cost of food, cannot feed children adequately) Participation in "Uncles at Large" Program for teenagers Transportation - lower cost Housing - row (play area for children) - integrated with rest of society, stop massive low cost projects Supervision in parks "Mothers Day Out" Programs Community centres providing services in own area Activities for children - free or subsidized, programs for those not interested in sports, drop-in centres.
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A-2 IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED BY SINGLE PARENT ORGANIZATIONS ARE THE FOLLOWING: More financial, assistance Better paying jobs Better financing for education More concern for children's special status in schools Provision of uniforms and equipment for children from' families on low income B-1 AREAS OF UNMET NEED'IDENTIFIED'BY'SINGLETARENTS Subsidized medical, dental and drug costs Service for working mothers when children are ill Recreational allowance by social service, especially for children Some subsidies for working mothers that non-working mothers receive (Money needed for expenses as when good paying job taken, have to move out of subsidized housing) Better enforcement of Family Court decisions - restraining orders Treatment by social workers should be improved Emergency help at night Help in the home Advertising to dispel discrimination B-2 AREAS OF UNMET NEED IN SERVICES AVAILABLE IDENTIFIED BY SINGLE PARENT ORGANIZATIONS: Two organizations felt there were no services for single parent families. C. DUPLICATION: C-1 Single Parent Responses One respondent out of 47 felt there was a duplication of services, that being too much emphasis on youngsters' programs, not enough on teens. C-2 Single Parent Organization Responses Only one organization felt there was any duplication and that was in the number of Singles Dancing Clubs in the city. To analyze the responses, we have classified them according to the major problem areas identified in Chapter VIII. The three major problem areas for parents are: financial problems, problems relating to self-image, and parentchild relationships. With regard to financial problems, the resources identified as most important both existing and suggestions for improvement are the following: EXISTING
IMPROVEMENTS
- financial support - subsidized housing
- greater - integrated with rest of society, stop massive low-cost projects, row-housing preferable as play area for children - needs to be more available and more financial assistance
- upgrading skills
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- free or subsidized day care (this resource was identified by 20% of the respondents and was second most frequently identified) - transportation
should be funded by City, available in public housing, available for children under 3 and school age children, more qualified people lower cost
NON-EXISTING: - night care for children - subsidies for working mothers as expenses greater such as rental accommodation, medical and drug cost than when receiving welfare - subsidized medical, dental and drug costs - recreational allowance for people receiving financial assistance especially important for children - better paying jobs - :-ovision of uniforms and equipment for children from families on low incoi (community leagues) The second area of need centres around problems relating to the parents' low self-image. The resources suggested which would assist in meeting this need are the following: EXISTING:
IMPROVEMENTS:
- coordinated single parent groups - more of them whose goals would be: (this resource was identified opportunity to discuss mutual concerns, offer support to single parents who feel most frequently and received 28% there is nowhere to go for help except of the respondents' choices) welfare offices - counselling services - readily available, non-stigmatized, located in own neighbourhood or area, treatment by social workers should be improved - help with homemaking and repairs - more available for women, domestics for men - Family Life discussions - recreational and social activities- more available, invitations should be extended to single parents from community leagues - Family Court need for improvements in family law, should be better enforcement of Family Court decisions - restraining orders - Mother's Day Out programs more of them - Family Planning service - Public Health Nurses NON-EXISTING: - emergency help available at night - advertising to dispell discrimination The third major problem area for parents of one-parent families revolves around parent-child relationships. Resources identified as being important to assist in this important area of family functioning are the following:1
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EXISTING:
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Family Life discussions - Uncles at Large program - Counselling services
- expand focus to include whole family - more Uncles - readily available, non-stigmatized located in own neighbourhood or area
The four major problem areas identified for children of one-parent families are: lack of experience with the other parent, parent-child relationships, financial problems and problems relating to self image. Again the responses outlining the resources important to alleviating the needs of children of one-parent families and relating to suggestions for improvement are broken down under the four major problem areas. The major problem (47% of the respondents) identified for children of one-parent families focuses on the need for the child to have a person to replace the missing parent. It is also interesting to note that the community resouce identified most frequently as being important is Uncles at Large (28% of the respondents and 65% of the agency responses). Big Sisters was third in importance with 18% of the total number of respondents identifying this service as an important resource for children of oneparent families. The second most important problem identified was in the area of parentchild relationships. Resources suggested which would attempt to meet this need are Family Life Education and the provision of counselling for children who have not adjusted. No improvements were suggested. Under the area of financial problems, needs were included which could evolve from a lack of adequate financial resources for the family. These cover such problems as a lack of adequate recreation, lack of transportation, lack of equal opportunity and inadequate day care. The resources identified as important for meeting some of these needs are the following: EXISTING:
IMPROVEMENTS:
- more programs, more supervision, free or - Organized, supervised play areas and programs provided subsidized programs for those not by community leagues (this was interested in sports, programs for identified second most freqteenagers uently and was chosen by 19% of the respondents) - planned recreational outings, - more should be provided, free or camps subsidized NON-EXISTING:
- Social Service assistance with community league fees - cheaper transportation The fourth area of concern centres around problems relating to self image. The concerns outlined include lack of identity, early teens nothing to do, social stigma, adjusting to illegitimacy, frequent moves and guilt about causing separation. Resources defined as important were organized teen groups, drop-in centres, youth workers, Chimo, Brownies, Cubs, boys clubs, and a suggestions of more concern by teachers for the special status of the children of one-parent families. The recreational programs outlined under financial problems, would perhaps also serve as important resources for the youth in developing self confidence in their -own abilities and developing skills in relating to others.
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B. PREVENTION Chapter II outlined the respondents' feelings regarding the reasons for the growing number of marital breakdowns in our society. In this section, the responses to a more positive question will be analyzed, "what community programs or services should be developed to help prevent marital breakdown and preserve and enhance the family as a unit?" Following the previous format, the solutions are examined in the context of the problems identified in Chapter II. The factors identified as contributing most to marital breakdown are "alcoholism, financial problems, changing values and expectations, problems evolving from a lack of self esteem and self awareness, and an inability to communicate and problem solve effectively. The responses regarding prevention are outlined below in Table 33.
TABLE 33 Programs and Services Needed to Help Prevent Marital Breakdown and Preserve and Enhance the Family as a Unit - as seen by the 3 Target Groups Agencies (N-27) 3 15 Premarital counselling 4 4 More subsidized marriage counselling Family Life education (homes and schools) 14 3 Budgeting and Financial aid 2 Marriage enrichment programs 3 Advertisement of counselling services 1 Family recreational activities Low cost clubs (cards, dances, etc) for couples 1 Education on using leisure time 1 Improved alcohol programs 1 How to communicate programs Mothers Day Out programs 1 More effective family law Family planning and prenatal courses 1 Counselling on retaining individuality Co-operation and co-ordination between agencies T.V. education Services are already available Child care for both working parents Community League participation
56 15 52 11 7 11 4
4
Single Parent Organizations (N=5)
Single Parent Families (N=47)
2 1 -
40 20 -
5 16 3 3 1 1 3
11 34 6 6 2 2 6
-
-
3 2 2 1 2 1
6
1
20
1
1
4 2 4 2
^
^
-
-
1
2
In analyzing the responses they appear to fall into four main categories; counselling, family life education, recreation, and other. Counselling was rated most frequently as being a necessary service for prevention. 56% of the agencies felt that premarital counselling should be provided to all couples and 34% of the single parents interviewed indicated that counselling available on a low cost basis would be useful in preserving the integration of the family. Other recommendations relative to counselling included more advertising of the counselling services available, counselling on retaining ones' individuality, and more counselling focused on budgeting and alcoholism. It is interesting to note that only 4% of the agencies and 4% of the single parents interviewed mentioned a need to improve the existing alcohol rehabilitation programs. Alcoholism was cited most frequently as being one of the main contributing factors to marital breakdown. It appears that most of the respondents felt that alcoholism was a disease caused by a person's emotional and social problems. This analysis may also be applied to the second most frequently identified cause of marital breakdown, financial stress. Although we have found that a large percentage of single parent families do not have an adequate income, it appears that the respondents do not feel that more fina-ncial assistance to low income couples will prevent marital breakdown. Therefore, it seems the respondents believed that counselling would assist couples in dealing with the primary cause of marital conflict: people not ready for marriage and not able to accept responsibilities; couples not being able to meet their individual needs in the relationship and not willing to accept this; couples not being able to communicate effectively and work out problems in a responsible manner; and unrealistic expectations of the other by one or both of the partners in a marriage.5 In addition to counselling, family life education was identified as an important program which would assist in enabling the healthy functioning of a family. It was suggested that such "education for living" programs be available both through the schools and media as well as through existing agencies. Specific suggestions for programs were marriage enrichment and how to communicate. Other important areas seem to be preparation for marriage programs, education on budgeting and family planning and prenatal programs. Recreation was also seen by many of the respondents as being a necessary ingredient in healthy family functioning. Programs and services such as family recreation, low cost clubs for couples, education on using leisure time and community league participation were identified as being important to the maintenance of the family. Recreation and family life education are both important means of enabling the healthy growth of individuals both in their personal development and in their relationships with others. "Other" was the fourth program area which subsumes responses that do not fall under the three previous categories of responses. Here we include such programs as Mothers Day Out programs, child care for working parents and co-operation and co-ordination between agencies. The availability of adequate child care was previously shown to be an important resource for the working parent. Mothers Day Out programs provide an important support to mothers who would otherwise never have an opportunity for time for themselves. Co-operation and co-ordination between agencies hopefully facilitates the effective and optimum functioning of our existing programs and services.
Footnotes: 1.
Some have been mentioned previously as resources for building self esteem and will be mentioned later regarding resources for children.
2.
See footnote page.
3.
Two respondents suggested that this be compulsory.
4.
Marriage counselling offered in the evening was suggested.
5.
These are some of the factors, identified in Chapter II as contributing to marital breakdown.
CHAPTER X
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations concerning the improvement of conditions for single parent families in Edmonton and the prevention of marital breakdown have been mentioned throughout this report. This final chapter will attempt to summarize these suggestions under the major problem areas outlined in Chapter VIII and under the area of "Prevention." I. HEADS OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES Financial Problems. The most serious problem identified by the majority A. of both agencies and single parents is a lack of adequate financial resources. This was shown to be both a factor of inadequate social allowance rates and low wages for many women. 1. Alberta Social Services should be commended for its action in developing the new Maximum Earning Exemption Schedule. However, it is suggested that careful consideration be given to ensure that social allowance rates and the basic social allowance requirement keep pace with increases in the cost of living. 2. It is recommended that a recreation allowance form part of the food, clothing, personal and household allowance. This would include expenses to allow adults and children to join community leagues and expenses for children t s sports equipment. This was also recommended by Humans on Welfare in their report, Research: Hriman Resources and Their Potential, 1974. 3. It is suggested that transportation costs for adults and children be Included in the basic allowance. 4. It is suggested that babysitting costs to enable the single parent to participate in recreational or social activities be included in basic allowance. 5. It is suggested that social allowance be provided to single parents who need and desire to attend employment training programs that are longer than two years in length. This was also recommended by the Canadian Council on Social Development in their report, The One-Parent Family, 1971. 6. It is suggested that support and incentive be given to single parents to undertake employment upgrading programs so that they may become self sufficient. 7. It is recommended that steps be taken by all levels of government, Unions and business organizations to ensure women have equal opportunities for employment advancement and receive equal pay for equal work. It is suggested that programs like the Office of Employment Opportunities of the Federal Government be developed to encourage women to upgrade their skills and employers to support women in career advancement. This recommendation was also made by the Canadian Council on Social Development in their report, The One-Parent Family, 1971. 8. It is suggested that subsidized day care be greatly expanded to enable single parents to take on employment outside the home. Day care should include infant care, group care, after-school care, child care for holidays and night care. It is suggested that day care centres be located where there is a high concentration of one-parent families such as in Public Housing or low income areas of the City. - 98 -
It is recommended that the number of Public Housing units and other 9. housing programs for low income families be greatly expanded to meet the housing needs of low income, one-parent families. The housing should be designed for children and should be integrated with the rest of the community so as not to create "welfare ghettos."1 Problems Relating to Self Image. Loneliness and lack of support of a B. partner is a major problem identified by a majority of respondents in the study. 1. It is suggested that social workers with Alberta Social Services Regional Offices have their caseloads reviewed so that more time is available to provide information on what services are available and counselling for those who require it. This was also recommended in H.O.W.'s report, Research: Human Resources and Their Potential, 1974. 2. It is suggested that supportive services to unwed mothers through Terra and the Local Board of Health should be increased. 3. It is suggested that increased support to newly separated parents be provided through Edmonton Social Services area offices and through private counselling agencies in the City. 4. Increased co-operation and co-ordination between agencies working with one-parent families was felt to be essential to the overall effectiveness of existing programs. 5. It is suggested that A.I.D. Service of Edmonton publicize its information service more through the media and that single parent organizations attempt to keep A.IvD. aware of their programs. 6. It is suggested that schools and Canada Manpower encourage more people to become trained as Homemakers. 7. It is suggested that the Department of Parks and Recreation facilitate the development of recreational programs for single adults and for one-parent families. Babysitting, transportation, accessibility and costs should be key considerations in planning any programs. 8. It is suggested that organizations and clubs for single parents in the City meet to explore ways of working together to accomplish shared objectives such as provision of adequate space for dances, establishing a central meeting place and drop-in centre and the distribution of information and co-ordination of activities. 9. It is suggested that the Family Life Education Council of Edmonton work with single parent organizations to enable single parents to become group leaders. These leaders could then establish mutual support groups in various parts of the City. C. Problems Relating to Parent-Child Relationship. Many of the single parents and agencies felt that bringing children up alone placed too much responsibility and pressure on the one parent. 1. The community is urged to increase their support to Uncles at Large and Big Sisters by contributing funds, and time and energy as volunteers to enable more families and youth to participate in these programs. It is also suggested that these organizations attempt to involve the parent and provide support when needed. The Canadian Progress Club and the Preventive Social Services Program are commended for their support to these worthwhile programs. 2. It is suggested that the Family Life Education Council of Edmonton work with single parent organizations to enable single parents to become group leaders. These leaders could then establish mutual support groups in various parts of the City where parent-child relationship problems and parenting skills could be discussed.
It is suggested that counselling services be planned so that they are 3. accessible, non-stigmatized, and neighbourhood based wherever possible. An active outreach program is necessary to identify and build a trust relationship with one-parent families in the community. II. CHILDREN OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES Problems Relating to Lack of Experience with Other Parent. The major A. problem identified for children of one-parent families was the lack of a model of the other parent - male or female. The Community is urged to increase their support to Uncles at Large and 1. Big Sisters by contributing funds, and time and energy as volunteers to enable more families and youth to participate in these programs. It is also suggested that these organizations attempt to involve the parent and provide support when needed. The Canadian Progress Club and the Preventive Social Services program are commended for their support to these worthwhile programs. B. Problems Relating to Parent-Child Relationship. The recommendations outlined previously for Parents under 1-C are applicable here. 1. It is suggested that teachers and school counsellors be aware of children from one-parent families and work with the family and other community services when problems occur. Financial Problems. Many of the problems identified for children of oneC. parent families seem to be caused because of low incomes. This creates a lack of choices and alternatives for recreation and other opportunities for personal development. Also, when parents are working, there is an increased reliance on publicly sponsored and supervised programs. 1. It is suggested that the Department of Parks and Recreation and community leagues work with children and teenagers on a small group basis wherever possible so that opportunities for personal growth and leadership development may occur. Priority for this type of work should take place in areas where there is a high concentration of one-parent families such as exists in Public Housing projects. The Edmonton Boys and Girls Club uses volunteers to develop small group clubs and their practice should be followed wherever possible. 2. Recreational outings and camps are very important for kids who would otherwise not have this opportunity. It is suggested that Parks and Recreation and community leagues develop these programs as much as possible. Involving the kids in the planning and fund-raising is very important as this gives them an opportunity to take on responsibilities and develop their potential. 3. It is recommended that a recreation allowance form part of the food, clothing, personal and household allowance. This would include expenses for adults and children to join community leagues and expenses for children's sports equipment. This was also recommended by Humans on Welfare in their report, Research: Human Resources and Their Potential, 1974. D. Problems Relating to Self Image. Suggestions here have been previously discussed and include the increased availability of family counselling and family life education on a neighbourhood level, participation of youth in small group clubs and activities where there is an opportunity for personal growth and leadership development, and an increased awareness by teachers and school counsellors of the problems youth from one-parent families might be experiencing.
- 100 -
III. PREVENTION Alcoholism, financial stress, changing values and expectations, problems evolving from a lack of self-esteem and self-awareness and an inability to communicate and problem solve effectively were identified as the major factors contributing to marital breakdown. 1. Support is urged for the continuation of the Family Court Conciliation Service. As a demonstration project, it achieved remarkable success and is being continued on a trial basis for one year as a provincial service by the Department of the Attorney General. In 33 months, an estimated 823 children in 294 families were spared the effects of family breakdown. "If only 1/2 of these families would otherwise have required welfare, say $350 per month (both modest estimates), these restored homes represent a saving to the taxpayer of approximately $51,450 per month". 2. It is suggested that efforts be made through the media, schools, agencies, community organizations, churches, people performing marriages, etc. to encourage all couples who are considering marriage to talk this over first with a counsellor or participate in a preparation for marriage group. Such groups are available through the Family Life Education Council of Edmonton, Family Service Association, and many of the churches. Counselling and family life education groups should be free or scaled to the person's ability to pay. 3. It is suggested that community agencies, churches, the Family Life Education Council of Edmonton, etc., provide counselling and groups focusing on budgeting, alcoholism, sex stereotyping and role expectations, etc. 4. The schools and media are urged to promote the development of "education for living" programs so that children will learn skills and knowledge to equip them for life. 5. The continued development and expansion of family life education programs regarding "marriage enrichment", communication skills, preparation for marriage, family planning, prenatal programs, etc. is supported and encouraged. It is recognized that the Family Life Education Council of Edmonton has a majority responsibility in this area although many other organizations provide programs. We, therefore, suggest that the Council, in cooperation with other organizations providing family life education, attempt to make these programs accessible to all sectors of our community, including school-age children. 6. We support the increased development of low cost, family recreational activities in our community. It is suggested that an active outreach program to involve all ages in recreation be implemented by Parks and Recreation, community leagues, the Boys and Girls Club and other organizations working in recreation, such as the Y.M.C.A. and the Y.W.C.A. 7. We urge the development of educational programs on ways to use leisure time through schools, media, businesses, government, etc. 8. We support the involvement of community workers in assisting individuals and community groups to develop programs to meet their own needs and in facilitating cooperation and coordination between agencies. It is only when we learn that we have the personal resources and capabilities to help ourselves that human development begins and healthy individuals, families and communities are realized.
Footnotes: 1. The YX.C.A. recently reported that during the month of January, 1976, there has been a great demand for temporary housing for one-parent families because of the overall housing shortage. 2. Statistical Summary, August 31, 1975, Edmonton Family Court, Conciliation Project, a hand-out.
3IBLIOGRAPHY 1. Statistics Canada, 1971 Census of Canada, Families, Catalogue 93-711, October 11, part; 2 (bulletin 2.2-6) July, 1975. 2. Statistics Canada, 1966 Census of Canada, Households and Families, Catalogue 93-613, Volume 2 (2-12). 3. Statistics Canada, 1961 Census, Households and Families, Catalogue 93-516 (Volume 2 - Part 1), October, 1969. 4. Statistics Canada, Statistics Canada Daily, Catalogue 11-001, Page 1 November 24, 1975. 5. Statistics Canada, An unpublished Special Run, 7307E, April, 1975. 6. Department of Manpower and Labour, Women in the Labour Force (Alberta), Research Division, 1972. 7. Hdmonton Social Planning Council, Uomen in the Albertan Labour Force, 1974. 3. Alberta Bureau of Statistics, Alberta Statistical Review, Treasury Department, June, 1975. 9. Statistics Canada, 1971 Census, Heads of Households Income, Table 68-1. 10.Statistics Canada, Unpublished Special Run, 7307A, December, 1974. 11.Statistics Canada, 1971 Census, Households Income of Household Heads, 93-710. 12.Labour Canada, Women in the Labour Force, Facts and Figures, (1974 edition)., 1974 13.Canadian Council on Social Development, Canadian Fact Book on Poverty, 1975, 14.Hickson, Nay, Preliminary Report on Working Ilothers and Their Child Care Arrangements in 1973, Labour Division, Manpower Research and Development Section, Statistics Canada, 1975. 15.Day, Michael, Analysis of the Need for Expanded Day Care Services in the City of Edmonton, Appendix A, Edmonton Social Services, September, 1975. 16.Labour Canada, Women in theLabour Force, 1971, Facts and Figures, 1971. 17.Humans on Welfare, Research: Human Resources and Their Potential, 1974. 18.Canadian Council on Social Development, The One Parent Family, 1971.
APPENDIX A EDMONTON SOCIAL SERVICES STUDY OF SERVICES FOR AND NEEDS OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES IN EDMONTON QUESTIONNAIRE GUIDE FOR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS Date of interview: A. AGENCY DESCRIPTION: 1. Name of Agency 2. Address of Agency: Main Office and Local Offices 3. Phone number of Main Office 4. Chief Administrator of Agency 5. Chief Administrator of Program 6. Name and Title of Respondent B.
DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: 7. Would you please describe the services and programs your agency provides, outlining specifically how they serve the needs of oneparent families. If financial or other benefits are involved, if possible, please outline the income schedules and benefits and show how they relate to family size. 8. What are the eligibility requirements for your program(s)? 9. If applicable: - What are the rates charged for each of your services or programs? Do you have a fee schedule? Is it possible to obtain . a copy for the purpose of this study? 10. If a single parent attends your program on a full-time or a parttime basis, what provision is made for financial assistance - e.g. for costs of babysitting, transportation, fees, books, etc.? 11. How many one-parent families are registered with your agency? How many male heads, female heads and children? How many one-parent families are receiving each of your services? Please list services and number of families receiving it. No. in Agency
Male Heads
Female Heads
No. of Children
Services (List)
Male Heads
Female Heads
No. of Children
12. Could you tell me how many families fall into the following categories of income levels and family size. FIGURE I M= Male Head • F= Female Head (Family Size (X=Parent, No.=No. of Children) X+1 X+2 X+3 X+4 X+5 X+6 X+7 ANNUAL INCOME MF MF MF MF MF MF MF 0-2,000 2,001-3,000 3,001-4,000 4,001-5,000
ANNUAL INCOME 5,001-6,000 6,001-7,000 7,001-8,000 8,001-9,000 9,001-10,000 10,001-11,000 11,001-12,000 12,001-13,000 13,001-14,000 14,001-15,000 Over 15,000
X+1 MF
X+2 MF
X+3 MF
X+4 MF
X+5 MF
X+6 MF
X+7 MF
13. (a) Do you have a waiting list? How many one-parent families are on it? (b) What is the average waiting period? 14. Where can a one-parent family receive your service within the City? 15. How does an interested applicant apply? 16. What is the geographic area served by your office(s)? 17. What improvements do you feel could be made in the services and programs that your organization provides? C. PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION: 18. Do you know who is responsible for the overall planning and co-ordination of services for one-parent families? If yes, who does this? 19. Do you feel there is adequate planning and co-ordination of services for one-parent families? Why or Why Not? 20. What improvements would you like to see in the area of planning and co-ordination of services and programs for one-parent families? 21. (a) Do you feel that single parents are able to obtain information about services and programs available to them? From Where Yes Why Not No (b) What improvements do you feel need to be made? 22. How many of the sole parents served by your agency work full-time or part-time? # of Male Heads Working # of Female Heads Working # Served by Agency Full-time Part-time 23. Do you feel that single parents are able to make choices about whether to remain at home or obtain employment. Why or why not. Would you please identify barriers to having this choice. D. NEEDS OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES: 24. What, in your opinion, are the most serious problems facing heads of one-parent families? and children in one-parent families?
25. What community resources do you feel are most important to alleviate some of the problems of parents of one-parent families? and children in one-parent families? 26. There are a growing number of marital breakdowns in our society. What do you feel are the reasons for this occurence? 27. What community programs or services do you feel should be developed to help prevent marital breakdowns and to preserve and enhance the. family as a unit? 28. Do you know of any other services or programs in the community which serve the needs of one-parent families? Please list. 29. Are there any additional comments you wish to make which you feel might be useful to this study?
APPENDIX B
EDMONTON SOCIAL SERVICES
STUDY OF SERVICES FOR AND NEEDS OF ONE PARENT FAMILIES IN EDMONTON QUESTIONNAIRE FOR ONE-PARENT ORGANIZATIONS AND GROUPS Date of interview: 1. Name of organization 2.
Mailing address
3. Name of current President 4. Name and title of respondent(s) 5.
Sponsoring organization if any (e.g. Y.W.C.A., F.S.A., Church)
6. A.When was the group organized (Year) B.Do you have a termination date? 7. What are the objectives of your organization now? 8. Have they changed? 9. Do you have a Constitution? Could we have a copy of your Constitution Yes No and By-laws? 10. Are you legally incorporated? If so, under what Act? 11. Please describe in detail the activitirs of your organization under the following headings: (Include number of times meet and if activities open to outsiders) OPEN TO OUTSIDERS YES OR NO ' NO. TIMES MEET DESCRIPTION A. SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL: (For parents only), (e.g. dances, sports, etc.) B. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES: (For parents only), (e.g. Better parenting programs, communication skills) C.FAMILY ACTIVITIES: D. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN E. MUTUAL OR "SELF-HELP" ACTIVITIES (e.g. Day Care, Babysitting, Co-op store, emotional support groups) F. SOCIAL ACTION G. BUSINESS MEETINGS H. OTHER I.DIRECT SERVICES: (Fill in Service Guide) 12. In general, what are the most important ways that single parents benefit from membership in your organization?
MEMBERSHIP: 13. Size of current membership (active members) a. Name of parents b. Number of non-parents c. Total number of children belonging to members d. Total number 14. COMPOSITION OF MEMBERSHIP: MEN WOMEN NO INFORMATION Widowed Divorced Separated Deserted Unmarried parents Other (remarried couples or childless single . persons) Why is your membership composed of the previous categories? 15; Age distribution and number working outside of home: No info. MEN NO. WORKING
WOMEN NO. WORKING
Under 25 25-29 30-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65 and over 16. What are your criteria for membership? 17. How do you recruit new members? 18. Do you encounter any problems in keeping your organization going? If so, what are the problems? No 19. Do you maintain a business office? Yes If yes, what is the location and purpose? If yes, what are the hours of operation? (a)hours of day (b)days per week S MTWTFS or calendar year (c)school year 20. Does the Association hire staff? Yes If yes, what is the number of full-time Part-time What are the functions of the staff?
No
No 21. Does the Association use volunteers? Yes If yes, what is the number of volunteers involved in the program (estimate/actual) If yes, what is the total hours contributed weekly by volunteers (estimate/actual) If yes, what is the nature of volunteer activity?
FINANCES: 22. How much are membership fees and dues? 23. Does your organization receive income from any sources other than membership fees? If so, would you please specify source and amounts. 24. Could we have a copy of your organization's budget for the current fiscal year? NEEDS OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES: 25. What in your opinion, are the most serious problems facing heads of one-parent families? Children of one-parent families? 26. (a) What community resources do you feel are most important to alleviate some of the problems of one-parent families? (b)Children of one-parent families? (c)What improvements need to be made in providing these resources? 27. Why do you feel there are a growing number of marital breakdowns in our society? 28. What community programs or services do you feel should be developed to help prevent marital breakdowns and to preserve and enhance the family as a unit? 29. Do the single parents in your organization have problems preventing them from participating in recreational or social activities in the community? If so, what are the problems? 30. Do you feel that single parents are able to make choices about whether to remain at home or obtain employment? Why or why not? Would you please identify barriers to having this choice? 31. (a) Do you feel the present information services are adequate? (b) What improvements do you feel need to be made? 32. Is your Association aware of areas of unmet needs in the services available to one-parent families? 33. Are you aware of areas of excessive duplication or overlap in the Services for one-parent families? 34. Have you referred single parents to other agencies for services? Yes No Specify 35. Have you encountered problems in making such referrals? Yes Specify
No
PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION: 36. Do you know who is responsible for the overall planning and co-ordination of services for one-parent families? If yes, who does this? 37. Do you feel there is adequate planning and co-ordination of services for one-parent families? Why or why not? 38. What improvements would you like to see in the area of planning and co-ordination of services and programs for one-parent families? 39. Do you know of other organizations for single parents in Edmonton? What are they? Please list 40. Are there any additional comments you wish to make which you feel may be useful to this study?
APPENDIX C
EDMONTON SOCIAL SERVICES .•
STUDY OF SERVICES'FOR AND NEEDS OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES IN EDMONTON QUESTIONNAIRE FOR READS OF ONE-PARENT FAMILIES We are conducting a survey of single parent families in the City copies will be made available at a to discuss the findings with those
the needs of and resources available to of Edmonton. When the study is completed minimal Cost, and a meeting will be held who have participated in the study.
1. Name - (This is only for follow-up purposes and if they wish to remain anonymous that is acceptable - please stress). 2.
Address (again - only for follow-up purposes).
3.
Female (a) Sex: Male (b)Which of the following age categories are you in: 15-20 21-25 26-30 31-35, 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-60 61-65 (c)Which is your marital status? Never married Married Separated Deserted Divorced Widow(er)
Which of the following categories best apply to you? Full-time homemaker Work full-time Work part-time (any amount of part-time work) 5. Do you feel that being a single parent affects your ability to obtain employment? Why or why not? Would you please identify barriers to having this choice?
4.
6.
What do you do for social or recreational activity?
7. Do you feel single parents have difficulties participating in recreational or social activities in the community? If s6, why? 8.
(a) What kinds of recreational or social activities would you like to become involved in? (b) Do you feel a need for activities which would be designed to allow you to meet members of the opposite sex?
9. What in your opinion, are the most serious problems facing heads of one-parent families? Children of one-parent families? 10. (a) What community resources do you feel are most important to prevent or overcome some of the problems of one-parent families?
(b)Children of one-parent families? (c)What improvements need to be made in providing these resources. 11. Why do you feel there are a growing number of marital breakdowns in our society? 12. What community programs or services do you feel should be developed to help prevent marital breakdowns and to preserve and enhance the fami as a unit? 13. (a) Do you feel the present information services are adequate? (b) What improvements do you feel need to be made? 14. What do you feel are the areas of unmet needs in the services availablE to one-parent families? 15. Are you aware of areas of excessive duplication or overlap in the servi for one-parent families? 16. Do you know of Associations for single parents in Edmonton? What are t (a) Please list CO Which (if any) are you presently involved with? (c) What specific benefits do you feel you get from this involvement? 17. Are there any additional comments you wish to make which you feel may be useful to this study?
EDMONTON-CITY ONE PARENT FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME BY CENSUS TRACT (VALE AND MALE HEADS)
APPENDIX D
A C Total Families T City Totals -----105,440 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
825 2,305 1,570 1,205 460 190 1,640 955 1,795 1,265 1,720 2,445 1,285 1,340 1,285 1,160 1,295 105 1,355 2,070 1,690 1,040 915 1,255 1,145 1,785 1,905 1,715 1,980 820 1,320 1,770 825 1,190 1,190 1,330 1,430
Total Families With Children
Total One Parent Families With Children
One Parent Families with Children at One Parent Home as % of All Families Families With Children With At Hone In Each Children At Home Census Tract
74,260
11,345
10,095
13.59
605 1,925 1,275 1,035 405 150 1,415 815 1,480 870 1,045 1,720 595 845 995 905 855 70 1,090 1,275 835 365 490 890 850 1,520 1,430 1,300 1,220 260 630 625 320 665 755 970 1,195
55 95 80 40 20 15 140 55 95 105 200 270 150 210 100 95 170 0 85 260 225 75 100 100 160 120 290 275 170 140 205 220 115 205 175 140 80
50 90 70 40 20 15 135 50 85 80 155 235 130 175 95 85 150 0 80 215 185 70 85 85 155 115 275 255 135 105 175 185 95 175 155 130 75
8.26 4.68 5.49 3.86 4.94 10.00 9.54 6.13 5.74 9.20 14.83 13.66 21.85 20.71 9.55 9.39 17.54 0 7.34 16.86 22.16 19.18 17.35 9.55 18.24 7.57 19.23 19.62 11.07 40.38 27.78 29.60 29.69 26.32 20.53 13.40 6.28
% Distribution of One Parent Families With Children At Home Per Census Tract (As % of City Total of These Families)
0.50 0.89 0.69 0.40 0.20 0.15 1.34 0.50 0.84 0.79 1.54 2.33 1.29 1.73 0.94 0.84 1.49 0 0.79 2.13 1.83 0.69 0.84 0.84 1.54 1.09 2.72 2.53 1.34 1.04 1.73 1.83 0.94 1.73 1.53 1.29 0.74
APPENDIX E
EMONTON - CITY ONE PARENT FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME BY CENSUS TRACT (FEMALE HEADS)
A
A C Total T Families City Totals 105,440 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 99 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
825 2,305 1,570 1,205 460 190 1,640 955 1,795 1,265 1,720 2,445 1,285 1,340 1,285 1,160 1,295 105 1,355 2,070 1,690 1,040 915 1,255 1,145 1,785 1,905 1,715 1,980 820 1,320 1,770 825 1,190 1,190 1,330 1,430
Total Families With Children
One Parent Families With Children at Home as of One Parent Total All Families One Parent Families With Children With Families At Hone In Each Children With Census Tract At Home Children
74,260
9,565
605 1,925 1,275 1,035 405 150 1,415 815 1,480 870 1,045 1,720 595 845 995 905 855 70 1,090 1,275 835 365 490 890 850 1,520 1,430 1,300 1,220 260 630 625 320 665 755 970 1,195
50 75 70 25 10 15 125 45 75 95 175 235 125 180 75 85 145 0 75 230 180 60 85 80 135 100 235 225 150 120 185 190 95 165 155 120 65
8,490 45 70 60 25 10 15 120 40 65 70 140 205 110 150 70 75 130 0 70 195 145 55 70 70 130 100 225 210 120 90 160 155 80 140 135 110 60
% Distribution of One Parent Families With Children at Home Per Census Tract (As % of City Total of
These Families)
11.43 7.44 3.64 4.71 2.42 2.47 10.00 8.48 4.91 4.39 8.05 13.40 11.92 18.49 17.75 7.04 8.29 15.20 0 6.42 15.29 17.37 15.07 14.29 7.87 15.29 6.58 15.73 16.15 9.84 34.61 25.40 24.80 25.00 21.05 17.88 11.34 5.02
0.53 0.82 0.71 0.29 0.12 0.18 1.41 0.47 0.77 0.82 1.65 2.41 1.30 1.77 0.82 0.88 1.53 0 0.82 2.30 1.71 0.65 0.82 0.82 1.53 1.18 2.65 2.47 1.41 1.06 1.88 1.83 0.94 1.65 1.59 1.30 0.71
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 I, r".
74 75 76 77 78 90
1,280 1,990 1,635 1,395 1,810 1,090 1,650 540 1,165 1,845 1,220 1,350 1,275 1,005 1,400 1,425 1,300 1,375 1,285 1,095 1,360 2,015 2,095 1,275 1,165 1,615 880 1,955 1,490 1,525 1,655 1,145 1,585 1,350 1,330 1,225 40 1,775 1,715 490 950 85
955 1,370 1,330 1,230 1,435 610 1,055 285 495 1,020 730 950 975 805 915 760 800 885 830 670 1,065 1,410 1,465 800 645 1,095 685 1,680 1,095 1,115 1,365 990 1,265 1,095 1,170 950 30 1,540 1,505 400 860 65
80 145 95 115 130 105 270 80 150 270 150 120 155 90 145 170 125 200 175 120 125 210 250 150 145 160 75 150 110 140 115 90 190 155 60 105 0 85 60 10 15 0
70 130 85 110 120 80 250 65 130 245 130 100 140 80 125 145 105 175 145 105 110 180 220 125 1351 140 70 145 105 130 105 90 180 145 55 95 0 85 55 10 15 0
7.33 9.49 6.39 8.94 8.36 13.11 23.70 22.81 26.26 24.02 17.81 10.53 14.36 9.94 13.66 19.08 13.13 19.77 17.47 15.67 10.33 12.77 15.02 15.63 20.93 12.79 10.22 8.63 9.59 11.66 7.69 9.09 14.23 13.24 4.70 10.00 0 5.52 3.65 2.50 1.74 0
0.82 1.53 1.00 1.30 1.41 0.94 2.94 0.77 1.53 2.89 1.53 1.18 1.65 0.94 1.47 1.71 1.24 2.06 1.70 1.24 1.30 2.12 2.59 1.47 1.59 1.65 0.82 1.71 1.24 1.53 1.24 1.06 2.12 1.71 0.65 1.12 0 1.00 0.65 0.12 0.18 0
EDMONTON - CITY ONE PARENT FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME BY CENSUS TRACT (MALE HEADS)
APPENDIX F
T R A C Total Families T City Totals 105,440 1 825 2 2,305 1,570 3 1,205 4 460 5 6 190 7 1,640 E 955 1,795 9 .0 1,265 1,720 11 -v) 2,445 1,285 13 14 1,340 1,285 "15 16 1,160 17 1,295 105 18 19 1,355 2,070 20 21 1,690 22 1,040 23 915 1,255 24 25 1,145 26 1,785 27 1,905 28 1,715 1,980 29 820 30 31 1,320 1,770 32 825 33 1,190 34 1,190 35 36 1,330 37 1,430
Total Families With Children
One Parent Families With Children At One Parent Home As % Of Total All Families One Parent Families With Children With Families At Home In Each Children With Census Tract At Home Children
14,260 605 1,925 1,275 1,035 405 150 1,415 815 1,480 870 1,045 1,720 595 845 995 905 855 70 1,090 1,275 835 365 490 890 850 1,520 1,430 1,300 1,220 260 630 625 320 665 735 970 1,195
1,780 5 20 10 15 10 0 15 10 20 10 25 35 25 30 25 10 25 0 10 30 45 15 15 20 25 20 55 50 20 20 20 30 20 40 20 20 15
1,605 5 20 10 15 10 0 15 10 20 10 15 30 20 25 25 10 20 0 10 25 40 15 15 15 25 15 50 45 15 15 15 30 15 35 20 20 15
2.16 0.83 1.04 0.78 1.45 2.47 0 1.06 1.23 1.35 1.15 1.44 1.74 3.36 2.96 2.51 1.10 2.34 0 0.92 1.96 4.79 4.11 3.06 1.69 2.94 0.99 3.50 3-46 1.23 5.77 2.38 4.80 4.69 5.26 2.65 2.06 1.26
% Distribution Of One Parent Families With Children At Home Per Census Tract (As % of City Total of These Families)
0.31 1.25 0.62 0.93 0.62 0 0.93 0.62 1.25 0.62 0.93 1.87 1.25 1.56 1.56 0.62 1.25 0 0.62 1.56 2.49 0.93 0.93 0.93 1.56 0.93 3.12 2.80 0.93 0.93 0.93 1.87 0.93 2.18 1.25 1.25 0.93
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 90
1,280 1,990 1.635 1,395 1,810 1,090 1,650 540 1,165 1,845 1,220 1,350 1,275 1,005 1,400 1,425 1,300 1,375 1,285 1,095 1,360 2,015 2,095 1,275 1,165 1,615 880 1,955 1,490 1,525 1,655 1,145 1,585 1,350 1,330 1,225 40 1,775 1,715 490 950 85
955 1,370 1,330 1,230 1,435 610 1,055 285 495 1,020 730 950 975 805 915 760 800 885 830 670 1,065 1,410 1,465 800 645 1,095 685 1,680 1,095 1,115 1,365 990 1,265 1,095 1,170 950 30 1,540 1,505 400 860 65
15 30 25 15 30 20 30 10 20 35 15 30 35 15 15 20 30 45 35 35 20 50 45 25 15 30 5 30 30 35 30 20 30 35 15 20 0 15 15 5 15 0
15 30 25 15 30 15 25 5 20 30 10 30 30 15 15 20 25 35 30 30 15 50 40 20 15 25 5 30 25 35 25 20 30 35 15 15 0 15 15 5 15 0
1.57 2.19 1.88 1.22 2.09 2.46 2.37 1.75 4.04 2.94 1.37 3.16 3.08 1.86 1.64 2.63 3.13 3.95 3.61 4.48 1.41 3.55 2.73 2.50 2.33 2.28 0.73 1.79 2.28 3.14 1.83 2.02 2.37 3.20 1.28 1.58 0 0.97 1.00 1.25 1.74 0
0.93 1.87 1.56 0.93 1.87 0.93 1.56 0.31 1.25 1.87 0.62 1.87 1.87 0.93 0.93 1.25 1.56 2.18 1.87 1.87 0.93 3.12 2.49 1.25 0.93 1.56 0.31 1.87 1.56 2.18 1.56 1.25 1.87 1.56 0.93 0.93 0 0.93 0.93 0.31 0.93 0
0.00 - 0.497. APPENDIX G 0.50 - 0.997. 1.00 - 1.497. 1.50 - 1.997. 2.00 - 2.497. 2.50 - 2.997.
1
90
ONE PARENT FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AT HOME. (MALE AND FEMALE HEADS.) DISTRIBUTION AS PERCENT OF CITY TOTAL BY CENSUS TRACT. SOURCE - 1971 CANADA CENSUS PREPARED BY EDMONTON SOCIAL SERVICES 2LANNING UNIT.