Parenting Infomation Programme

(PIP)

Information for parents

The Parenting Information Programme (PIP) is for parents who are using the Family Courts to assist in decision making following separation and divorce.

The Court or a Cafcass Family Court Advisor will identify the potential benefits for parties - this is most likely to be at the first or second hearing, but can be at any stage.

Going through a divorce or separation is a little like starting a journey that was never intended.

In relationships we have hopes for the future and separating from a partner means these expectations change and the future direction of our life is uncertain. If children are involved the road you take will affect how well they adjust to the changes in their lives.

Important decisions that can affect children include, where they will live, how often they see each parent and the level of conflict between each parent.

Parents often feel that they do not have any controle over the level of conflict and that it just happens.

We hope that attendance on the PIP and supporting materials will enable parents to pick up tips on how to manage disagreements and high emotions:

• Even though you are no longer partners, you are still both parents.

• Children can cope well when their parents divorce or separate if there is little conflict and they have access to both parents and the rest of their family.

• Parenting relationships continue even though partner relationships stop.

The PIP programme 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. You must attend both sessions. Your ex partner will be on a different group to you and will be attending at a different date and time.

The course covers,

• 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 DVD that has been 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 look at it form the viewpoint of the mother, father and the children.

• Emotions- finally you will look at the emotional effect divorce and separation can have and the options for moving forward.

Impact Family Services only reports back to Cafcass, Solicitors and the Courts about attendance and does not assess your responses to the various parts of the programs.

We may ask you to complete an evaluation form which is confidential and is only for our own purpose.

To take part in a course 

To be referred free of charge ask your solicitor to request the family courts to place a court order for an activity contact.

OR.............

You can self refer to the service at £200 per person.

Information for Referrers (Professional Bodies) 

PIP is a Court ordered contact activity designed to alert parents who are going through the divorce and separation process of how their actions could impact upon their children. It is also designed to help reduce the conflict that the children may see or hear.

The final provisions of the Children and Adoption Act 2006 came into force on 8 December 2008. This provided courts with new powers to promote and monitor contact, and enforce contact orders made under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.

PIP is a Court ordered contact activity designed to alert parents who are going through the divorce and separation process of how their actions could impact upon their children. It is also designed to help reduce the conflict that the children may see or hear.

Please refer to Section 11A-P (Children Act 1989) for further information.

Contact Information

For more information regarding the Parenting Information Programme please contact Sharon Kane or Paul Hedley on 0191 5103182.

sharon.kane@impactfs.co.uk

paul.hedley@impactfs.co.uk