Policy into practice Separation and divorce

8 December 2009 1 min read Anne Longfield Social Care

The issue: For a child, one of the most difficult things to deal with is your parents splitting up. Having their secure environment shattered by the separation of the two people with whom they have developed the closest of bonds can have a serious impact on a child's emotional wellbeing. For some it creates long-term trauma that can take many years to get over.

Once the parents have separated, children often have to navigate a difficult path between their mum and dad to avoid upsetting the other.

However, if managed in a sensible way divorce and separation do not need to have to have such a negative impact on children. In some cases, life may even become easier with both parents feeling happier and more secure once separated and providing a more stable environment for the children to live in.

CASE STUDY 1

It's Not Your Fault is a website set up for children whose parents have separated or are going through divorce (www.itsnotyourfault.org). It has been set up by Action for Children and offers practical information for children and young people going through a family break-up. It is a very accessible and child-friendly website with plenty of interactive features and games to engage children such as an interactive door showing "parents behaving badly"; a secret diary in which young people can record their thoughts; and a "how do you feel" face-clicking page.

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