New Institute for the 'Millennial' Family

Latest survey reveals facts on parenting for next century

A new organisation - the National Family and Parenting Institute - is launched today (30 November 1999) by Home Secretary, The Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, to focus on the issues facing families and parenting in the twenty-first century.

At the same time, a MORI poll, commissioned by the Institute, gives significant statistics on the state of the family and current views on parenting.

For example:

• 1 in 2 people think Britain does not encourage parenting skills
• 1 in 3 parents would not know where to go for help with family problems
• 7 in 10 people think parenting is something we have to learn
• 1 in 2 would like to see more teaching about parenting in school
• Only 1 in 5 felt parents being married was very important to children's happiness

These are some of the issues that the new Institute will be addressing. Set up as an independent charity with its own voice, it is the first single organisation whose task is to make the case for families and family support and enhance the value and quality of family life. Working in partnership with other professional and voluntary family support organisations, it aims to be a centre of expertise, ensuring accessible and reliable support for families and parents.

In place are a distinguished and active board of Trustees led by Chair, Dame Margaret Booth DBE and Chief Executive, Mary MacLeod, who has moved from her post as Director of Policy and Research at ChildLine to take up the appointment.

Speaking at the launch, the Home Secretary said, "The Government is strongly committed to supporting families and children. I very much welcome the launch of the Institute and look forward to working with them in the future. By being a strong and independent voice it will play a crucial role in creating a more family-friendly Britain."

"Our research has exposed some key issues and concerns which we need to address." says Mary MacLeod. "This MORI poll is a first step behind one of our primary aims - to listen to and learn from the experiences and views of families.

"We want to create a climate of 'positive parenting', where advice and support can be aired and shared, and sources of help made available that are accessible, appropriate and effective. It is a big challenge, but we are already working - with our partners - to provide the millennial family with the support it so clearly needs."

Technical details

The MORI poll comprised interviews with 2,059 people aged 15+, face-to-face, between 22 and 25 October 1999. Results are weighted to match the population profile.