Family is where people of different generations assume long-term responsibility for each other and, in doing so, support and care for each other, irrespective of their religious, political, ideological or sexual identity.
Families and Family Policy
Modern family policy means respecting the diverse family constellations people choose. This includes married and unmarried couples with children as well as single parents, separated parents, stepfamilies, blended families, rainbow families and families who look after relatives in need of care and assistance. It also means providing families with the support they need.
The Federal Government is committed to ensure that all families have the resources they need to thrive. Family policies therefore focuses on three key aspects: financial support, time and infrastructure. They aim to enable parents to balance family and work, to ensure the economic stability and social participation of families, to promote the wellbeing of children as well as to help would-be parents to fulfil their desire to have a child.
In Germany, a multitude of periodical reports provide information on the living situation of families. Among these reports, the Government Reports on the Situation of Families (Familienberichte) are particularly important and well-known. The German Bundestag has adopted several resolutions requiring the Federal Government since 1965 to submit a report on the living situations of families at least every second legislative period. The reports are prepared by independent commissions made up of experts from a variety of relevant disciplines. The current Tenth Government Report is dedicated to the support of single and separated parents and their children.