This Green Paper sets out a wide range of measures to support all families as they bring up their children and to help families cope with times of stress and difficulty. The proposals recognise that while all families need some help, there are families in our society with complex needs and others who require additional � and sometimes non-negotiable � support.

The paper�s proposals aim to influence factors that can strengthen or weaken family life, such as the choices available about balancing employment with bringing up children; and how welcoming and accessible public services are to families of all kinds.

The paper focuses mostly on supporting family relationships by enabling families to help themselves. It also considers the position of children and other family members when family relationships have broken down.

Some of the policy proposals can be implemented straight away; others are for consultation or will take longer to put into place. The deadline for responding to the consultation is 21 April 2010.

Download the publication from the DCSF website.