The Low-Income Single Parent

Problems, support systems, and educational interests of this client group are presented, along with a discussion of opportunities for Extension.More people are becoming aware of the increasing number of single-parent families in the U.S. and their disproportionate likelihood of living in poverty.Extension is beginning to consider what can be done to help meet the needs of the low-income single parent.Our recent study of primarily rural low-income single parents suggests a gap exists in support for these families that Extension seems ideal to fill. Washington StudyOur 1983 Washington study examined the problems and support systems of 64 single parents living in Whitman County, Washington -those with an income below 125% of the nationally established poverty level.This 1983 study involved interviewing single parents in their homes and asking questions about some selected problems they have, their relationships with friends and relatives, community support, agency services, and interest in taking various educational courses.The sample was obtained from the Whitman County Regional Planning Council (WCRPC), the county agency administering the programs of rent subsidy, energy assistance, weatherization, and community services provided through the Community Services State Block Grant.The sample was primarily rural female single parents who were divorced or separated and had sole legal custody of their children.Two of the parents were widowed and eight unmarried.Seventythree percent had been single parents over two years.The subjects ranged between 20 and 55 years of age with a median category of 30-34 years.The median educational level was graduation from high school, with a range between eighth grade and graduate school.There was a fairly even split between the number of single parents who were employed, not employed, or students. Single-Parent ProblemsAnalysis of the interviews revealed that out of 20 specified potential problems, the most pervasive problems of these low-income single parents were, in order:1. Handling family finances.2. Medicalidental care.3. Transportation.4. Meeting the children's emotional needs.5. Handling or controlling the children.