1. FAMILY POLICIES IN THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE MEMBER STATES Fred Deven PhD Department for Well-Being. Public Health & Family (WVG) Belgium Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Family Affairs (Vienna, 2009) Working Session II: INTRODUCTION

2. Committee of Experts on Social Policy for Families & Children Work Plan -Positive Parenting -Family Policies Methodology - Core Questionnaire (2008-2009) - Case studies analyses

3. Council of Europe Family Policy Questionnaire 1.Institutional framework and objectives 2.Financial policies towards families 3.Reconciliation of work and family life 4.Social policy and Family law 5.Family stress and difficulties 6.Family life and personal development (parents, children)

4. Institutional framework Policy objectives Financial support Service provision Reconciliation of work & family Strengthening family life Family law and other legislation Tackling (child) poverty Pronatalist concerns

5. Family policies tool kit Financial support Provision of services Time management

6. Reconciliation of work & family life Maternity leave Paternity leave Parental leave Other policy measures

7. Council of Europe Past achievements Conferences of Ministers (2001, 2006) Recommendations (Reconciliation, Childcare, Family Policy) Committees of Experts & Project Work

8. Family Policies Current challenges Some Policy dilemmas (“choices”) Universal versus Targeted benefits e.g. Family Allowances Favouring one Model over Cafeteria Formula e.g. Childcare Length of Leave and Type of Payment e.g. Parental Leave

9. Family Policies Major discourses Parental “choice” Employment for the benefit of all family members Social Investment strategy

10. Council of Europe Suggestions for future work Providing a platform for open exchange and debate Broad-based comparative work Developing innovative perspectives