52 them raising their children, for example through the provision of parenting classes, was most likely to be suggested as the best approach by the general public.133 However, it was felt that this would not be enforceable without impacting on the child. If parents did not want intervention, then they were unlikely to voluntarily access parenting programmes. Participants felt that the only way in which parents could be sanctioned would be through financial penalty or imprisonment, both of which would ultimately impact on the wellbeing of children, which is widely considered a ‘moral absolute’ regardless of the behaviour of their parents. ‘Taking a benefit away is saying you’re not managing and so we’ll make it tougher for you.’ Father, 55+ years ‘There are different views on how to raise children…none of us can think of a sanction which wouldn’t ultimately affect the child…it is always going to feed back to the child…it’s a vicious circle.’ Non parent, female, 18-35 years ‘How can you put a monetary value to parenting?’ Father 55+ years
133 Public Services Policy Review (March 2007) for HM Government, Ipsos MORI. Base: 54 forum participants, 3rd March 2007.
Families in Britain Report