The course, which replaces the Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP), is intended to support parents during separation in their efforts to think about their children’s needs first and to plan cooperative parenting.

Parents who make an application to court can be directed to take part in the course by the court, or Cafcass can make a recommendation to the court that they attend.

The course is free of charge and is conducted through e-learning in three parts: an e-learning course, a group workshop (which can be delivered in person if preferred) and completion of a parenting plan.

Bradie Pell, partner and head of Grayson’s family team says:

“Relationship breakdowns can have a highly negative effect on children – who often feel that they are to blame and feel pressurised to take sides.  When this leads to court proceedings, the effect can be even more detrimental.  This course is developed from the SPIP and has been designed in collaboration with children to help keep families away from court where possible.  It will help parents to better communicate with each other and their children and to encourage them to work together to agree parenting arrangements and to understand how their actions can affect children.  That can only be a good thing for children.”

Author: Bradie Pell, partner and head of Graysons’ family team