Written by: The Antony Clapp Team
Most parents would agree that within the sensitive landscape of separation and divorce, one of the most vital considerations must be the well-being of any children involved. Sadly, and sometimes, despite best intentions, high levels of conflict between parents can result in consequences that are particularly damaging for children.
According to a study conducted by Professor Gordon Harold, University of Sussex, “Accumulating evidence points to a substantive message for parents, practitioners and policy makers - how parents relate to each other, whether parents are separated or together, represents one of the strongest influences on children's long-term mental health, wellbeing and future life chances.”1
Understanding the challenges and complexities that arise during separation, Cafcass, on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, offers a valuable resource known as Planning Together for Children.2 This course is designed to foster cooperative parenting, emphasising the paramount importance of prioritising children’s needs amidst the process of separation, or living apart.
Planning Together for Children encourages parents to transcend their personal feelings (especially hostile and negative ones towards one another) and collaborate in devising parenting arrangements that circumvent the necessity for prolonged court interventions. By facilitating effective communication and mutual understanding, the course aims to shield children from the adverse repercussions of parental conflict.
Before embarking on the Planning Together for Children journey, a meticulous assessment is conducted by a Family Court Adviser (FCA) utilising Cafcass’ Child Impact Assessment Framework. This evaluation determines the suitability of the course and identifies any potential risks.
Crucially, participation in Planning Together for Children comes at no cost to the parents involved. In certain cases, the court may mandate attendance, underscoring the significance placed on cooperative parenting within the legal framework.
Should court intervention become necessary, the option of attending Planning Together for Children might be presented during the initial hearing. Additionally, a FCA retains the authority to recommend participation in the course, either before the court’s directive or subsequent to the initial hearing, contingent upon mutual agreement between parties.
Upon referral to Planning Together for Children, parents are promptly furnished with comprehensive instructions, including access to the Planning Together for Children Parent Hub—a centralised platform designed to facilitate online learning and distribution of resources. Action for Children, in collaboration with other organisations, can assist with getting started support as they are involved in the delivery of the course, ensuring adequate guidance throughout.
Parents can expect the course to comprise of three integral components:
E-Learning: An interactive online module, encompassing topics ranging from the legal implications of court proceedings to understanding the impact of parental conflict on children. Flexibility is paramount, with participants afforded the liberty to complete the module within a stipulated timeframe.
Group Workshop: Facilitated discussions aimed at explaining strategies for conflict management and enhancing communication skills. Participants engage in constructive dialogue within a supportive environment, guided by experienced professionals.
The Parenting Plan: An important aspect of Planning Together for Children, the parenting plan, serves as a collaborative tool for defining care arrangements, educational decisions, and various other factors pertinent to child-rearing. Its interactive interface promotes consensus-building and ensures the active involvement of both parents.
Following course completion, select participants may receive a follow-up call, gauging the success of the acquired knowledge in creating amicable co-parenting relationships.
It is important to note:
Children are not permitted to attend Planning Together for Children sessions, underscoring its focus on parental engagement.
Confidentiality is upheld throughout the course, barring instances where concerns regarding child or adult safety necessitate intervention.
Planning Together for Children is presently exclusive to court-referred cases; however, the Parenting Plan remains accessible to all individuals seeking guidance in co-parenting efforts.
· For those seeking similar services in Wales, Working Together for Children, the Welsh equivalent of Planning Together for Children, can be accessed through Cafcass Cymru.
In conclusion, Planning Together for Children epitomises a concerted effort to mitigate the adverse impact of parental conflict on children, equipping parents with the tools, framework and environment that’s helpful to cooperative parenting. Parents benefit from the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate the difficulties of separation with sensitivity and compassion, prioritising the well-being of the most vulnerable stakeholders—the children.
Take Action
If you are separating from your partner or spouse and are experiencing difficulties in discussing or agreeing on child arrangements, please contact our team to discuss how we can help.
We offer fixed-fee consultations that can help answer all your questions and confirm the right course of action that puts the needs of your children first. Please call 01622 815 940 during office hours or complete the enquiry form below for a callback.