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Families Talking Mediation Benefits Everyone

Contact Activity

"Its been a great experience for me and was far more relaxed than I'd anticipated" - A parent

We deliver Separated Parenting Information Programmes (SPIPs) FREE of charge to couples, or other family members such as grand-parents, who are ordered or directed to take part by the courts.

The SPIP programme is managed by CAFCASS (the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) - the public body which champions the interests of children involved in family proceedings, advising the family courts in England on what it considers to be in the best interests of individual children.

Who is this course for? Any parent going through the Court system because on ongoing difficulties with arrangements for their children.

"I found the course informative and very well presented. It offered an alternative thinking strategy" - A parent

Who refers? The Family Court can direct that a parent take part in a 'contact activity' like the Separated Parenting Information Programme.

What is a Contact Activity? Something which promotes good contact between parents and children following separation and/or divorce.

What is this course about? The course is about helping parents recognise what causes problems with arrangements for their children, and look at ways to minimise the conflict and improve communication while considering the needs of the children involved.

Do I have to come? Yes. It has been directed by the Court.

"Very helpful. The trainer helped me put a lot of things in perspective about my children's feelings, more than my own" - A parent

Will the other parent have to come? The Family Courts should refer both parents. However, you will attend a separate course from your partner so that you don't have to meet.

What if I don't come? CAFCASS and the Court will be notified if you don’t attend. It is strongly recommended that you take legal advice if you are considering not attending against the direction of the Court.

Is it confidential? Yes. Except where there are safety issues for children or adults e.g. child protection

"I felt very welcome and comfortable doing this course. The staff were very easy to talk to and very willing to help" - A parent

How long will it last? The course lasts for 4 hours divided into 2 x 2hr sessions (2 hours one week and two hours the second week).

How much does it cost? This course is free to those ordered by the court to attend.

Where will it take place? We can offer you a range of venues :

Middlesbrough
Redcar
Darlington
Newton Aycliffe

We plan to increase this choice of venues and will let you know about them in our News section of this site.

"I found this course really helpful with how I am thinking with regards to my child. And it also helped with how to interact with my ex-partner" - A parent

How soon would my course take place? The timing of the course will be dependent on referrals from the Court, however the Court will not wish to cause undue delay and in exceptional circumstances the course may be run on an individual basis.

Where can I find out more? You can find out more about the Parenting Information Programmes by reading the CAFCASS leaflet, PIPs factsheet.