The Centre for Separated Families
PRESS RELEASE
16.11.09 – For immediate release
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Mishcon de Reya survey highlights need for better services
Karen Woodall, Director of the Centre for Separated Families, believes that the results of a new survey on divorce and separation highlight the need for better services to help families in crisis.
The research, carried out by law firm Mishcon de Reya to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Children Act 1989, suggests that the adversarial nature of divorce leads to poorer outcomes for children.
It also reveals that up to a third of children surveyed lose contact with their fathers after a divorce.
Commenting on the survey Ms Woodall said:
‘The results of this survey reflect our own experiences at the Centre for Separated Families. Too few families have access the kinds of support that can help them deal with the anxiety, hurt and anger that often accompanies separation in ways that would allow them to build co-operative post separation parenting relationships.'
The Centre for Separated Families has pioneered new ways of working with separated families and believes that the key to producing better outcomes for children is to deliver support to both parents in ways that reflect their different experiences.
Ms Woodall said:
‘What we know is that parents encounter services that encourage them to behave in an adversarial manner. Our experience is that, if you offer services that are respectful, empathic and child centred, it is possible to help parents to build better futures for their children.'
Ms Woodall pointed to Government's Child Maintenance Options service as an example of how new statutory services can work:
‘Child Maintenance Options is a fantastic illustration of how information and support that is delivered in the right way can make a difference. Here is a service that is available equally to mums and dads, a service that is accessible, empathic and empowering. Services delivered in this way say to parents that they are both valuable, that their needs and experiences are understood and that it is possible to reach agreement with each other about their children's wellbeing.'
Ends.
Notes to the editor:
The Centre for Separated Families is a national charity working with and on behalf of families experiencing divorce and separation.
The Centre offers information, support and advice to mothers and fathers, whatever their parenting status, and has a range of innovative education programmes to support co-operative
parenting.
The Centre for Separated Families works with Government and other agencies to help deliver best practice in services delivered to separated families.
The Centre has a research programme and aims to inform and influence public policy through this and its direct work with families.
Child Maintenance Options is an information and support service offered by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission
Further information: Nick Woodall 07771 854 792