Excerpts from the press release: In 2001, over 16% of all families with dependent children were classified as one-parent families (OPFs), whether as a result of marriage breakdown, widowhood, or nonconjugal birth/adoption. Roughly 90% of OPFs are female-led. In a new paper released today by the Vanier Institute of the Family for its Contemporary Family Trends series, author Anne-Marie Ambert shines a spotlight on this population to examine the circumstances and prospects of OPFs and their members in some detail. Her well-supported arguments &em; particularly those presenting the effects of some forms of OPF on children &em; serve as a strong critique of our society. … Alan Mirabelli, Executive Director of the Vanier Institute, points out that "Some of Ambert's suggestions are provocative and controversial. . But I do agree that the disadvantages that tend to be associated with one-parent families are not inevitable. If we had the political will, we could break the cycle of poverty and improve these families' chances. The availability of affordable, quality child care alone would have tremendously positive outcomes for single parents and their children. It is up to us, as a society, to care enough to make these investments."