The launch of the Child-Rearing Index represents a pioneering advance in official statistics, as it is the first national data set that accurately quantifies the costs associated with food, clothing, housing, and care for children and adolescents. This tool aims to transform family planning and care management by providing a solid reference point for families, the State, and the judiciary to better understand the real economic needs of children. The article highlights the relevance of this index in addressing inequalities, particularly in single-parent households headed by women, who often face high levels of debt and poverty due to non-compliance with child support obligations. By standardizing these costs, it facilitates a more equitable distribution of expenses during separations or divorces, enabling judges and lawyers to make evidence-based decisions that safeguard the rights of minors and ensure the fulfillment of parental responsibilities. This launch is crucial for the open data movement, as it demonstrates how the generation and dissemination of rigorous public data can drive tangible policy changes. By making the “care economy” an official indicator, it promotes transparency and State accountability, allowing citizens and international organizations to monitor social progress. The initiative illustrates the power of open data to bring invisible issues to light and to underpin public policies grounded in gender equity and child well-being.

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Published on 2023-03-10