The Separated Parents Information Programme (PIP) is currently delivered by a variety of providers countrywide, of which NFM and its local services are one. It is managed by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass).
This programme targets parents (in some cases grand or step parents) that are applying to the courts for divorce; separation or contact with children. The needs of children are central to the course. It is important to note that it is mandatory for parents to participate if they have been given an order / referral by the Judge to attend. Parents will not attend the course together, but rather will be separately referred. The course is free for all parents.
The programme is designed to support attending parents with information on:
- The separation process
- How it can affect them and their children
- How to change things for the better
- The challenges of post-separation parenting
- How children can be best supported
- Enabling parents to take steps towards their own solutions
- Family mediation and how this process will assist them to agree / negotiate their split
It may also be appropriate:
-
Where parents have lost sight of their children’s needs due to ongoing conflict
-
Where ongoing conflict has affected parents’ ability to communicate
-
When one or both parents are lost in their own reactions to their separation and are unable to move beyond this
-
As a preparation for mediation
Parents are provided information where they are able to consider where they are in their own ‘separation journey’. They will see a powerful video made by young people which dramatises the effect of parental conflict on children. This raises key issues for discussion and parents will go on to consider the needs of children in separating families and identify problems specific to their own situation. Time is spent looking at ways of improving communication with children and ex-partners. Finally parents consider the emotional aspects of separation and loss. They consider how they can move forward and identify their sources of support, including family mediation.
The programme links in powerfully with the online support of One Plus One’s parentconnection.org.uk, a site developed to help parents who think they may be about to separate, are in the process of separating or who are struggling with issues associated with parenting after parting. The Separated Parents Information Programme followed by a mediation information meeting will be particularly useful and helpful to parents who use the site that are in the process of applying to court for their separation and are looking for meaningful methods which encourage better communication and support for their children.
Family Lives have a highly trained team of parents who understand the challenges of parenting. Ring free for advice on 0808 800 2222.
Quotes from the evaluation at the end of the course:
"This course should be made to take place within 4 weeks of separation"
"I felt that I had already considered a lot of the course content over time. However in a stressful situation & when dealing with conflict, it is easy to forget how best to deal with things. The check list and information etc will help me re-focus at times of stress"
"Making me think about the situation impartially and more from the children’s point of view"
"After attending 2 sessions I do feel better and I would like to think it may help me through the next few years. I hope that both me and my ex partner feel the same. Perhaps we both should use mediation"
Download our Separated Parenting Information Programme leaflet:
 NFM Separated Parenting Information Programme Leaflet
|
|
|
|
|
||
