Social Support for Single-Parent Families in Relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Support for single-parent families continues to expand and improve. Various forms of employment support are available. Furthermore, consultation services to secure living expenses for raising children pre- and post-divorce have also been established.

However, even for those in severe circumstances, most single-parent families do not take advantage of these services.

In particular, the working conditions and incomes of single mothers working in the service field with irregular employment contracts have been affected by the worsening economic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there has been an increase in school truancy. Despite these problems in child rearing and life, single-parent families rarely consult with support services for advice. Therefore, we focused on the relationship between the situation of single-parent families and social support systems. This report employs research data about single-parent families to consider the barriers they encounter while using the formal and informal supports available to them.