Contemporary Czech family and the support of its functions
The “Contemporary Czech family and the support of its functions” project focuses on selected sub-topics concerning the support of families and its functions in connection with the currently valid Concept of Family Policy (from 2017) and also in connection with the Family Policy Strategy 2024–2030. The aim of the project is to analyze the current situation of families in the Czech Republic with an emphasis on defined current topics – in particular, work and family reconciliation, primary prevention, the life of families with specific needs and other topics resulting from the above-mentioned Strategy. The project builds on a number of researches carried out by RILSA in previous years. Its outputs will serve the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs as support for measures to strengthen families, and will also be usable for the needs of municipalities, regions and non-profit organizations that focus on services for families.
Within the framework of the project, research was conducted on the following topics:
- young carers (2025–2026);
- evaluation of grant schemes of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs supporting family-oriented and pro-/senior-focused non-profit organisations (2024–2027);
- underage mothers (2024–2025);
- low-income families with children (2024);
- availability of data in the field of family behaviour and family policy (2023).
Outputs
Young carers
The Young Carers research project focuses on children growing up with a family member – either a sibling or a parent – who has a disability or a serious, long-term illness. Its aim is to map these children’s living conditions, experiences, and needs, as well as the services and support measures they use and those that are lacking. Based on the findings, recommendations will be formulated for family and social policy with the potential to improve the situation of these children and their families. The research builds on the Czech Republic’s Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee for the period 2022–2030.
Evaluation of the grant programmes “Family” and “Support for public-benefit activities of senior and pro-senior organisations with nationwide scope”
The evaluation of the grant programmes of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs focuses on their annual assessment from the perspective of supported organisations and provides recommendations for possible adjustments to the design and evaluation of these programmes. The Family grant programme finances preventive and support activities carried out by non-governmental non-profit organisations, targeting, for example, family stability, the strengthening of parenting competences, and support for children at risk. The second grant programme is oriented towards senior and pro-senior organisations whose activities either target older people directly or support the involvement of their staff in international cooperation. Within both programmes, selected umbrella organisations providing methodological and other forms of support to their member organisations are also funded.
PALONCYOVÁ, Jana & Sylva HÖHNE, 2025. Evaluation of the “Family” grant programme for 2024. Praha: RILSA. (only in CZE)
Underage mothers
The aim of the research was to gain an in-depth understanding of the life experience, challenges, and needs of mothers who gave birth to their first child before the age of 18. Particular attention was paid to the circumstances of pregnancy and the conditions of childcare after birth, the family background of these mothers, and the impacts of early motherhood on their education, housing situation, and labour market participation. The research also examined the availability and forms of institutional support, both from the state (for example, through residential services or social benefits) and from non-governmental organisations. Based on the findings, proposals for recommendations aimed at improving the conditions and care provided to this vulnerable group were formulated. Underage mothers and their children are among the target groups identified in the Czech Republic’s Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee for the period 2022–2030.
14th Olomouc autumn sociological conference. 8–10 October 2025
Very early motherhood as a source of disadvantage and self-confidence. Kristýna Janurová, Kamila Svobodová, Magdalena Bubeníková (only in CZE)
54th Conference of the Czech Demographic Society. 28–30 May 2025
Adolescent Motherhood. Kamila Svobodová, Kristýna Janurová (only in CZE)
Workshop Motherhood before the age of 18. 24 March 2025 (only in CZE)
Media coverage
Low-income families with children
The research focused on families with children and low incomes, defined as families receiving child allowance benefits. It examined the living conditions of low-income families and their capacity and ability to meet the needs of their children, particularly in the areas of care, education, and social and material conditions. These children constitute one of the target groups identified in the Czech Republic’s Action Plan for the Implementation of the European Child Guarantee for the period 2022–2030.
14th Olomouc autumn sociological conference. 8–10 October 2025
Low-income families with children as a challenge for family policy. Naděžda Křečková Tůmová (only in CZE)
Workshop Low-income families with children. 24 March 2025 (only in CZE)
PALONCYOVÁ, Jana, Sylva HÖHNE & Naděžda KŘEČKOVÁ TŮMOVÁ, 2025. Children in low-income families. RILSA Policy Briefs, 1. (only in CZE)
HÖHNE, Sylva, Jana PALONCYOVÁ & Naděžda KŘEČKOVÁ TŮMOVÁ, 2024. Low-income families with children. Praha: RILSA. (only in CZE)
Reflection on the availability of data in the field of family behaviour and family policy
The aim of this research was to identify and formulate suggestions for improving the collection and use of data in the field of family policy. The primary focus was on demographic data describing demographic trends and family arrangements; data related to childcare services; labour market data in relation to work–family reconciliation opportunities; and data pertaining to the socio-economic situation of families. The final study includes recommendations for improving the collection and utilisation of data related to family life and family policy. The outputs are applicable, inter alia, to public administration, enabling more effective planning and implementation of measures to support families with children.
Workshop Reflection on the availability of data from the field of family behavior and family policy. 7 March 2024 (only in CZE)