Single Parent Family

Single-parent families can be defined as families where a parent lives with dependent children, either alone or in a larger household, without a spouse or partner. Furthermore, it is important to note that there was a rapid and drastic increase in the number of single-parent families in the latter half of the twentieth century. Globally, one-quarter to one-third of all families are headed by single mothers, calling into question the normativeness of couple headed families. This change has been used by some to argue that we are witnessing the breakdown of the family (defined as a married couple residing with their dependent offspring) with negative effects for children, families, and society (Popenoe 1996). Others suggest that single-parent

Based on the 1995 survey of the National Census and Statistics Office (NCSO), there were 2.28 million Filipinos who are either widowed or separated. Furthermore, according to the estimates of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there were almost 500,000 unwed mothers as of 1997. In the statistics collated from various official sources, it has been found that there were at least 3 million single parents (4 % of the 76.5 million population) in the Philippines as of 2000. Additionally, as of June 2012, at least 13.9 million Filipinos were single parents (14% to 15% of the 94 million population) who carry the burden of raising their family by themselves (Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, 2012). With this, single-parent household has been acknowledged as one of the legitimate and valid subcultures of our society (Ortigas, 1991).

Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000 (RA No. 8972) This law was approved during the Estrada administration. It is stated in the provisions of this law that a flexible work schedule, parental leave, housing benefits, medical assistance and educational benefits will be given to solo parents. Also, livelihood development services, counseling services, parent effectiveness services, and critical incidence stress debriefing is included in the comprehensive package of social development

Provided that the mother raises the child, a woman who gives birth as a result of crimes against chastity like rape;

b. A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to death of partner;

c. A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to detainment of partner for at least one (1) year;

d. A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to physical and/or mental incapacity of partner;

e. A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to legal separation from partner for at least one (1) year, provided that his/her children is under his/her custody;

f. A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to annulment of marriage, provided that his/her children is under his/her custody;

g. A parent left alone with the responsibility of parenthood due to abandonment of partner for at least one (1) year;

h. Any person who solely provides parental care and support to a child or children

i. Any family member who assumes the responsibility of being the household head as a result of the death, abandonment, prolonged absence of parents or solo parent;

j. Unmarried mother/father who has preferred to keep and rear her/his child/children instead of having others care for them or give them up to a welfare