What are parenting information programmes?
Parenting information programmes (PIPs) are programmes designed to help parents who are separating to learn about the effect of separation on children and the challenges of post-separation parenting. They are delivered across the UK. PIPs encourage parents to be sensitive to and prioritise their children’s wellbeing, and provide advice to parents about how to help their children through the separation process. They can also help reduce and resolve disputes. The programmes include two two-hour sessions a week. They are free of charge, but must be ordered by a court.
Why are the programmes important?
Disputes between separating parents over issues like contact and residence may cause children unnecessary stress and harm. PIPs not only reduce this stress, they can help parents to establish healthy, positive post-separation parenting.
Anthony Douglas, Cafcass chief executive, says: “For many parents, the pain of separation or divorce makes it impossible for them to put aside their differences and think about what’s best for their children.
“What these programmes do is make parents more aware of the upset they may be causing their children, often without realising it. The programmes provide practical ways of making post-separation parenting joint, and constructively shared. These programmes are an important part of our approach to keeping families out of the courts, and to a child-focused relationship breakdown service.”
Where did the programmes come from?
The Parenting Information Programme was developed in 2008. The information it contains is taken from a wide range of research into parenting after divorce and separation, and was created by Relate. PIPs receive most of their funding from central government.
How have the programmes been used by courts?
When parenting information programmes were first introduced, courts were slow to institute them. A total of 950 court orders were made in the first year of the programme. However, as courts have become more accustomed to referring parents to PIPs, their use has increased significantly: in the year 2010/11, 13,000 parents attended a PIP, and in 2011/12, 18,279 attended.
Are these programmes effective? How?
Most PIP participants find their experience attending a PIP to be helpful and supportive. A Cafcass survey carried out on PIPs in early 2011 reported that 59 per cent of respondents said that attending a PIP had changed their behaviour or the behaviour of their ex-partner. For instance, parents reported avoiding conflict and confrontation in front of their children, and listening to their children more. The research also collected recommendations from parents.
Recommendations were focused on how PIPs could be further developed, particularly to encourage and assist parents to resolve disputes outside of a court environment (where this is a safe option).
