The National Network for Children sent a statement to the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy on the Government’s decree project amending the regulations for implementation of the Law on Family Allowances for Children on August 12th, 2013.
The project envisages the receiving of monthly child support payments until the completion of secondary education, but not later than the age of 20 years to be bound by the regularly attending of preparatory classes in kindergartens or preparatory classes in schools for compulsory pre-school children preparation, unless it is impossible due to the child health condition.
The experience of the member – organizations of the National Network for Children supporting families in caring for their children shows that there is a need of a complex legislative reform, not just a change by pieces. The monetary support currently is not part of a complete approach assisting the child and family and this leads to a low efficiency. Therefore, the National Network for Children defends the position that is needed a complete reform of social assistance, at the heart of which is the principle of social benefits linking to social work.
The payment support should be granted after an individual assessment of the concrete family situation. It will include not only the income of the parents, the visit of a compulsory pre-school education and others, but will also consider all other factors that determine the ability of the family to care for their children.
In response, the Ministry of Labor and Social policy said that their efforts are directed towards an integrated approach promoting the children welfare. It is associated not only with financial support but also with the provision of an effective protection in a family environment, also including the development of high quality services in the community. Changes related to child benefits aim to develop complete policies, an important part of which is the increasing number of children in compulsory education and the decrease of early school leaving.
Photo: flickr/Dave-Haygarth
