$1000 Program Boosts Timely Birth Registrations: How Effective Was It?

Nearly 95 percent of all children born between August 1, 2018, and July 31, 2020, were registered promptly, a notable improvement attributed to the implementation of the $1000 Parenthood Assistance Payment Program (PAPP). This information was presented by Collin Yabaki, the Ministry of Justice’s director of corporate services, during discussions with the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights regarding the ministry’s consolidated annual reports from 2019 to 2022.

Mr. Yabaki detailed the statistics, revealing that 17,938 births were registered in 2018, followed by 18,942 in 2019, and 16,724 in 2020. He emphasized that the PAPP effectively provided financial assistance to low-income families, helping them cover essential childcare necessities like food, baby supplies, and healthcare. He also noted the program’s direct correlation with timely birth registrations, substantially improving public service delivery through more accurate population data.

Prior to the PAPP’s introduction, the registration rates were as follows: 94 percent in 2017, 91.1 percent in 2018, 95.5 percent in 2019, 79.5 percent in 2020, and dropping to 59.3 percent in 2021. Despite the program ending on July 31, 2020, challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic caused some delays in account openings and withdrawals; however, government support was implemented to minimize disruption.

Feedback collected post-2020 underscored the program’s positive impact on families, leading to ongoing discussions about expanding its coverage and refining eligibility criteria for future initiatives. Mr. Yabaki reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to assessing the program’s outcomes and collaborating with stakeholders to improve and develop similar programs.

This optimistic outlook on birth registration rates reflects not only improved access to essential services for families but also the potential for further enhancements in public programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

Summary: The implementation of the Parenthood Assistance Payment Program has resulted in a remarkable 95 percent timely birth registration rate for children born between August 2018 and July 2020, significantly aiding low-income families and enhancing public service delivery. The Ministry of Justice is committed to continuing evaluations and improvements of such programs in the future.