When you split up, you face a whole raft of practical issues. Many of them are about your children.

Parenting through Separation is an information programme for parents who are separating. It focuses on the nuts and bolts of dealing with your children during and after separation. It brings together practical experience and current research to help you to support your family. Research shows that children cope much better when parents manage their separation well.

Topics covered by Parenting through Separation

• How separation affects children
• How to reduce and manage conflict
• A variety of living and visiting arrangements that work for different families
• Communication skills for a separated family
• Relevant legal processes
• Support services in your local community.

Parenting through Separation is a small group course. It usually runs for 4 hours, often in two separate sessions. Partners from separating couples participate in different courses so you can each ask your own questions.

There is no charge for attending Parenting through Separation. It is funded under a Ministry of Justice initiative.

Relationship Services offers Parenting through Separation courses across the country. We work with other programme providers to help co-ordinate access to a course for both parents as quickly as possible.

Enrol for Parenting through Separation
Dates for Parenting through Separation courses are listed on the pages for each area in this section. These pages also include information about who to contact to enrol or to find out more.