The news that three family resolution pilot schemes will run for a year in inner London, Brighton and Sunderland hasn't exactly been welcomed with open arms by parenting pressure groups, which say the measures are "meaningless" (Fathers 4 Justice) and "half baked" (Equal Parenting Council).
Their issue lies in the fact that the scheme, which aims to divert families from lengthy court cases by helping them work out parenting solutions, will not be mandatory.
The scheme will give parents who come to court the chance to attend counselling sessions. A first group session will give them information about issues around separation, including the potential psychological impact on the child. In a second session, they will be taught resolution, negotiation and anger management skills, with the aim that the parents and an adviser from the Child and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) will then draw up a parenting plan without recourse to the court.
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