In private law proceedings, the Cafcass safeguarding letter will often recommend that the court directs the parents to undertake the Planning Together for Children course. This short article outlines what the course entails.
The course was launched by Cafcass on behalf of the Ministry of Justice in April 2023, and it replaced the Separated Parents Information Programme following a comprehensive review and consultation process.
The risk of harm to a child’s emotional wellbeing and mental health is well known in cases of parental separation that involve a high level of conflict. The course is designed to promote effective and co-operative parenting. It is used to encourage and help parents communicate better and to work together in the interests of their children and, if possible, to avoid further court hearings.
Importantly, the course is free and the separated parents do not undertake this together. Any information that is shared during the course remains confidential (unless the information raises concerns about the safety of a child or an adult).
Once a referral has been made by the court, the parents will be sent a welcome letter by email that contains instructions on what to do next, which includes setting up an account in the Planning Together for Children Parent Hub. This is intended to be a dedicated space for the parents to start their online learning, to create a parenting plan and access other useful resources.
The course is divided into three parts:
- An e-learning course which can take up to 2 hours
- A group workshop (which can take up to two and a half hours)
- Creating a parenting plan
The e-learning element must be completed within 10 days of a parent receiving their welcome letter and can be completed on any electronic device such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone. It includes topics on areas such as how a separation can affect a child, parental conflict and its impact on children, how parents can co-parent effectively to support their child, and how communication can be improved to help a child.
The group workshop usually takes place online as well, and the group are held either during the day, evening or at weekends. There are meant to be never more than six parents or carers in any one group (and which will not include the other parent). There is an expectation of participation in the group discussions which will cover separation and the negative impact on children and how best to manage conflict and improve communications for child-centred parenting.
The parenting plan is an interactive tool and can be shared with the other parent. It encourages agreement over sharing the care and support of a child, and prompts parents to consider topics such as how much time the child spends with each parent. educational and health issues and other matters.
The Hub records what learning has been completed and when. In the event that a parent does not complete the course the court will be notified so that it can consider what additional steps to take.
For more information about our family and children barristers please contact clerks@becket-chambers.co.uk
