Separated
Parents Information Programme
The
programme is designed to help parents learn more about the challenges of
post-separation parenting, including the effects on children of ongoing conflict. It also aims to provide advice and
support about how best to help children in this situation, and seeks to enable
parents to take steps towards their own solutions. Most parents that go on the
course say they find it helpful.
The
Separated Parents Information Programme (PIP)
*
It is usually delivered
to mixed groups of applicants (parents applying for contact with their
children) and respondents (parents responding to an application for contact) in
two, two-hour sessions or one four-hour session. You must be there for the
whole course.
*
Separated couples
do not go on the same course, but it is important that both parents go on a
course.
A PIP might be appropriate for parents (or other parties) when:
* you may
have difficulty focussing on your children’s needs due to ongoing
conflict; and/or,
* you find
that your feelings and reactions to the separation are affecting your ability
to communicate about your children; and/or,
* you are
preparing for mediation and,
* there are
no safeguarding concerns about children or parents.
The course
*
The divorce and
separation process -this is where we encourage you to think about finding
solutions to your situation.
*
What children
need -you will watch a powerful DVD made by young people that follows a family
over a six month period, as the parents separate.
*
*
Parent
communication -we will ask you to discuss a prepared scenario and to look at it
from the viewpoint of the mother, father and children.
*
Emotions -finally
you will look at the emotional effect divorce and separation can have and the
options for moving forward.
Feedback
The provider only reports back to
Cafcass about attendance and does not assess your responses to the
various parts of the programme. Some providers also seek feedback through an
evaluation form.
To take part in a course:
Courts have the power, by making a court order, to
‘direct’ parents to go to contact activities that are aimed at promoting safe
contact with children.
You
can be ordered to go to a parenting information programme and/or to a mediation
information meeting. Cafcass is usually asked to advise the court if it is
suitable for you.
There is now no charge to Cafcass service users for
the Separated Parents Information Programme.
Taken
from the Cafcass factsheet.