This course is designed to help parents learn more about the challenges of parenting after the break-up
What is SPIP?
Adjusting to being a separated parent can be a daunting prospect and it’s a journey that you probably never intended to embark upon. What’s more, your children will be shaped very much by how you and your ex-partner or co-parent behave towards each other and the levels of conflict between you.
The course will give you some ideas on how to manage disagreements and the high emotions that come with separation, as well as giving you ways to help your children manage their feelings and reactions.
The course is delivered in one 4 hour session to mixed gender groups of applicants and respondents. Both parties are required to complete the full four hours but separated couples will not attend the same course.
Who is SPIP appropriate for?
- Parents/carers who are having difficulty focussing on the needs of children due to ongoing conflict
- Parents/carers who find their feelings and reactions to the separation are affecting their ability to communicate about the children
- Parents/carers who would like communication to improve, perhaps who are thinking about mediation
- Where there are no safeguarding concerns about children or parents
The programme covers
- Working as separated parents in the best interests of your children
- What children need: you will watch a powerful DVD made by young people that follows a family over a six month period
- Parent communication – you will be asked to think about prepared scenarios from other viewpoints
- You will also see and try out some methods that can help both parents react better to stress in practical ways
- Emotions – you will look at the emotional effect of separation or being separated parents and the options for moving forward
The Programme encourages parents/carers to take steps for themselves. It is often better to reach an agreement away from court and the Programme can help make sure that any agreement made is based on the child’s needs. The Programme will give you ideas and signpost ways in which you can get help outside court, and you are expected to make use of these where possible. The Programme also aims to help both parents/carers to improve communication skills as separated parents. The majority of parents that go on the course find it very helpful.
How much does SPIP cost?
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Currently if your case is referred to us by the family court, SPIP is free. Cafcass will take care of all the pre course admin and we will contact you direct to arrange your date
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If you self-refer to us the cost is £150 per person. We will have a discussion with you about your needs in advance of the course and you will not attend with anyone else involved in the case
What else to I need to know?
- Relate trainers will know nothing about your case history and will make no judgments about your situation
- We will not tell you how to parent your children, but help you to find a positive way of communicating with the other party in the children’s best interests
- It is better to attend SPIP as early as possible in order to help improve communication issues at the earliest opportunity
- Our courses are run in Birmingham and Dudley on weekday mornings, afternoons, evenings and on Saturdays
- We only report to Cafcass about your attendance, there is no assessment of your responses
- Most parents who attend say they find it very helpful
For more information to make a booking call 0121 643 1638 or email training@relatebirmingham.co.uk
Useful links
http://www.cafcass.gov.uk/about-cafcass/commissioned-services-and-contact-activities/spip.aspx
Relate Birmingham 