This article briefly summarizes the history and impact of the Child Support legislation, noting that it has failed to achieve any real im provement in the circumstances of children and the parents (usually mothers) caring for them. It further argues that the Conservative Government's 1996 measures to intensify the effect of the penalties im posed for non-cooperation will compound the hardship already caused. The article stresses the fact that this additional measure will impact dis proportionately on particular groups, and concludes that the legislation is not merely mean-spirited, but is also directly discriminatory.
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