If you are a parent and have been, or are currently involved in, court proceedings in respect of your child or children, you may have heard the words ‘Planning Together for Children’. In this article, we’ll discuss what this is, and how it can help families with separated parents.
What is ‘Planning Together for Children’?
‘Planning Together for Children’ is a course run by CAFCASS that aims to support separated parents in thinking about the needs of their child or children, rather than their own needs, so that they can work out how to effectively parent together.
It is often very difficult for separated parents to speak to the other parent about child arrangement issues that may arise following separation. This course gives parents “tools” in communicating with the other parent effectively.
What is the aim of the course?
The aim of ‘Planning Together for Children’ is to protect children against some of the harmful effects of parental conflict.
CAFCASS (The Family Court Advisor) will often recommend that parents attend the ‘Planning Together for Children’ course (formerly known as the “Separated Parenting Information Program” or “SPIP”).
This is very often then ordered by the court and parents have to complete the course on specific dates arranged by CAFCASS. The course is free to attend and if the court orders parents to attend the court and they do not, the court will reorder it and expect the parents to take part.
Once the referral is made by CAFCASS, the parents will receive a welcome letter and instructions on what to do next.
What does the course involve?
The ‘Planning Together for Children’ course is made up of three parts:
E-learning (two hours)
This is completed in your own time and can be done on a smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer within 10 days of receiving your welcome letter. The course covers topics such as ‘What happens if I go to court?’, The impact of conflict upon a child, as well as putting yourself in my child’s shoes.
Group workshop (two hours 30 minutes)
This part of the course usually takes place online, but if you need to receive learning in person, this can be provided. You will be given a choice to join a group in the day, evening or at the weekend and will be sent a link to join the group you choose.
There are never more than six parents or carers in the group, and you will be expected to join in conversations and activities that help you think about your child or children’s needs first. You will never be invited to the same group as your co-parent.
The Parenting Plan
As you work your way through the above learning, you will be introduced to the idea of creating an online Parenting Plan. Both parents can complete this and a link will be sent to each parent when completing the plan. You can choose to accept the other parents’ proposals or make other proposals within the plan.
The Parenting Plan is interactive and encourages agreement over sharing the care and support of children. It will prompt you to consider topics such as time spent with each parent, education and health decision, pocket money, pets and lots more.
Many parents do not feel that they need this course, but more often than not, once they complete the course they realise how beneficial it has been, not only for each other but for the child or children concerned.
King Street Solicitors can advise you and assist you on the above matters, and can also assist with the preparation of a Parenting Plan.
Contact us today to make an appointment with of our experienced family lawyers.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be seen as formal legal advice. King Street Solicitors is not responsible for any reliance on the information in this post. We do not take responsibility for the content of any external websites linked in the post. Any link to a third-party website should not be seen as an endorsement by King Street Solicitors.