Monday, August 29, 2016

New University of Otago research suggests the country's social policies don't match the reality of many young New Zealander's lives.

Researchers recorded the life histories of 209 15 year olds, who are children of members of the Dunedin Study.

Their results show many had complex living arrangements.

One example given was the Working for Families scheme, which requires just one applicant to be the principal child carer. That carer is required to notify WINZ whenever they have a change in circumstances.

26% of participants were living with both of their biological parents at age 15, while just 14 had lived their whole lives in households made up of only their mother, father and siblings.

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