Media Release
Friday 28 April, 2006
Seven days to celebrate a family affair
As millions of parents across Australia prepare to celebrate National Families
Week - starting on May 14 - the Child Support Agency is calling on separated
mums and dads to 'put aside' their differences and concentrate on their
children.
CSA's General Manager Matt Miller is encouraging separated parents to make a
special effort during National Families Week to 'stay connected', for the sake
of the children.
Mr Miller said, "There are about 72,000 children in regional Victoria
benefiting from child support who need to feel part of a 'family', despite
their parents' separation."
"Children living in separated families shouldn't have to choose between their
mum and dad."
"Aunts, uncles, and grandparents can enrich a child's life and give a sense of
stability during difficult times," he said.
"As National Families Week approaches and millions of kids see their peers
preparing activities with their parents, a number of children may feel
isolated," Mr Miller said.
Australian Bureau of Statistics show there are about five million Australian
families, with more than 1.3 million parents registered with the Child Support
Agency.
"Parents should try to remember they may no longer be partners, but they
remain parents for life," Mr Miller said.
"Children need to feel a part of their family and this involves more than mum
and dad, especially in National Families Week, where all family members are
valued and celebrated."
He said the Agency has recently published
Me, My Kids & My Ex
, a free booklet to help separated
parents build a better relationship with their ex. This can be ordered from www.csa.gov.au or by calling 131 272.
National Families Week coincides with the United Nations' International Day of
Families on 15 May. In its fourth year, this year's theme for National Families
Week is on adolescents.
Sponsored by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous
Affairs, the week will see a number of government organisations, such as the
CSA and Centrelink, promote families through their national networks.