Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Teenage Birthrate Rises Again
Media release
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Teenage Birthrate Rises Again
The 15-19 year-old provisional birth rate rate has risen again from 27.6 in the June 2006 quarter to 29.9 in 2007.
According to welfare commentator Lindsay Mitchell, "This is the highest rate in almost ten years and firmly establishes a reversal in the downward trend to 2003. There is a commensurate rise in 18 and 19 year-olds on the DPB from 2.9 percent of all DPB recipients in June 2006 to 3.2 percent in June 2007. Additionally hundreds of 16-17 year-olds are on the Emergency Maintenance Allowance. The Ministry of Social Development does not routinely publish this figure."
At December 2006 there were 3,785 16 to 19 year-old female and male caregivers in receipt of a main benefit with dependent children.
Factors for child abuse and neglect include maternal youth, single-parenthood and welfare dependence. While government claims to want to address child abuse and neglect, it continues to encourage teenage parenthood through benefits and extensive support systems which alleviate the need to be personally responsible or use birth control.
ends
Gordon Campbell: Papal Picks, And India As A Defence Ally
Ministry For Culture And Heritage: New Zealand Flag Half-Masting To Mark The Passing And Funeral Of His Holiness Pope Francis
NZ Government: PM Sends Condolences On Passing Of Pope Francis
NZDF: Battlefield Remains Unearthed By Wildfires In Gallipoli Covered Over By Kiwi Team
NZ Police: New Zealand Police team up with Z Energy, NZTA and ACC to remind Kiwis to drive safe this Easter
NZCAST: NZCAST Leads Ongoing Cross-Agency Collaboration To Break Down Barriers For Survivors Of State Abuse
Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa: Regional And Unitary Councils Back A Practical FWFP System
