Court reporters - CAFCASS sellout - shared parenting
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CAFCASSI SECt. Contact Principles and Practice Guidance I Draft 1 Draft issued16. 08. 04
transport and accommodation are likely to be more decisive factors in arranging contact than a perceived 'just' or 'ideal' plan.
. Assess the relative levels of hostility and the tendency of parents living apart to
scapegoat each other. Consider the potential impact of this on the child and whether there is potential for insight and progress.
. Consider the significance of the child's extended family, whether they are sufficiently distanced from the parental dispute and can share, support and assist with arrangements.
. Consider what can be done to improve outcomes for the child by minimising negative elements and encouraging positive.
. Minimise delay in trying to repair disrupted relationships.
Shared parenting and shared residence:
. Encourage shared residence orders where parental cooperation, practical circumstances allow and it appears in the child's interests.
. Be open to all possibilities, though be aware that evidence suggests that children find it hard to accommodate to 50/50 arrangements.
Extent and frequency of contact:
. Aim for 'involved parenting' wherever possible and circumstances permitting. This should be expected to include staying contact.
. Give the family key messages from research that children generally want more contact and both parents and children often want better communication over arrangements.
. Give examples of how other families schedule contact and be proactive in making suggestions from your experience. Use the DCA Parent Planning booklet and the schedules in Appendix (i) whenever they might be helpful.
Parents in prison:
. Consider the additional problems for a child whose parent is in prison.
. Liaise with the National Probation Service, Social Services and other organisations
involved with the family when appropriate.
. Ensure parents are aware of the organisations that can support and assist.
Looked after children:
. Be aware that different issues for the child will predominate at different points of the process e.g. during the initial assessment; once either rehabilitation or a plan for permanence is decided; and, if the order is granted, in the planning of arrangements following the proceedings.
. Question the extent to which the child and key family members are aware of the
plan, have contributed to it and accept it.
. Ensure the care plan approaches contact in a way that will benefit the child and meet
the child's needs for safety and well-being.
. Ensure there are arrangements to review and adjust contact over time.
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