Child policy targeted

The Government is promising to end the ‘‘subsequent child policy’’ that has a parent on a benefit asked to return to work 12 months after they have another child. Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni yesterday said the Government planned to change the law in November 2021, as part of a ‘‘overhaul’’ of the welfare system. Under the policy, a parent who is on the benefit and has another child is obliged to find part-time work when the child is 12 months old. It was introduced in 2012 by a National Government. The promised change has been welcomed by Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft. Sepuloni said removing the ‘‘punitive policy’’ would give parents more time with their children during the first 1000 days of their child’s life. ‘‘It will also improve equity and simplicity in the welfare system and reduce stress in families.’’