Child and Family Solutions works with families where parents are in dispute over arrangements for contact between individual parents and their children.
This can happen whether or not formal contact provisions have been agreed with the Court.

Children are inevitably caught up in the atmosphere of mistrust and intolerance that can develop between parents who are estranged and otherwise in dispute. Relationships can become ‘stuck’, with claim and counter-claim being the order of the day. Parents may recognise the unsatisfactory nature of the current arrangements, but cannot see a way through.

Such cases may have been the subject of multiple assessments for a variety of purposes. There may be concerns about future safety of the children, also about the corrosive impact upon them of continuing mutual antipathy between their parents.

In an initial assessment, we look to understand the difficulties between parents and address the points of difference that are preventing meaningful and happy contact between parent and child. It is not essential to see the children initially: formal discussions are conducted with both parents, also with children and other interested parties if appropriate.

The aim of any subsequent work is to move the family from these difficulties or position of impasse, and to explore with the parents the best way forward. This may be to establish contact or other arrangements that are both workable and acceptable over the long term for parents and in the best interests of the children.

Work with family members is both solution-focused and child-focused. It may include:

• Sessions with parents and children to help them understand relationship issues
  
• Sessions with family members or extended family, either together or individually
  
• Explore ways to ensure that contact arrangements are open and transparent
  
• If direct contact is not seen as being in the best interests of the child, looking at possibilities for indirect contact
  
• Looking at how contact issues may change over time for the family
  
• Agree contact guidelines to ensure future safety and protection of children
  
• Clearing up muddles and misunderstandings the children may have
  
• Creation of a ‘Words and Pictures’ storyboard for children
  
• Create formal contact agreements
  
• Provision of reports to the Court, if required

To contact Child and Family Solutions, click here.