Family trends,insecurities and social policy

If a decent childhood, and a good start to adulthood, depend on a secure — and financially sound — family life, then very many children in Britain are in serious difficulties. This major theme is presented in the context of a review of social and economic developments affecting all families with children. The paper also briefly discusses issues concerning the rights and responsibilities of families, at a time when these issues are coming to the fore in British politics, with interest in the concept of ‘active citizenship’ and the responsible community.