Government launches Parenting Plans scheme

The government has launched a new scheme aimed at improving contact relations for children and parents, following parental separation.

The Parenting Plans include a number of measures, including the introduction of an accreditation system for family lawyers to encourage in-court conciliation services and provision of a legal advice helpline. The plans will also grant courts additional powers to force parents to allow their former partners access to their child. These will include a variety of measures, including community-based orders.

The Parenting Plans also include measures to develop the problem-solving role of the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, so that it can enforce court-ordered contact arrangements.

The plans also include further measures to protect children from domestic abuse, with a proposal to clarify the legal definition of harm to include children who witness domestic abuse, as well as those who suffer it directly. There are also plans to invest £10 million a year to develop better arrangements to deal with possible issues of harm at the outset of court proceedings.

The President of the Family Division of the High Court, Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss GBE, has published new guidance aimed at speeding up the hearing of family cases, so that the average time it takes such cases to be heard in court will be reduced.

A draft Bill, including provisions to strengthen the courts' power to enforce orders, will be published for pre-legislative scrutiny shortly.

Commenting on the new plans, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Ruth Kelly, said: "The new Parenting Plans published for consultation today will help parents reach the most appropriate arrangements for their family and their circumstances. They offer realistic examples of workable contact arrangements for a variety of family situations."

The Minister added that the plans would be available to parents from solicitors and advice and mediation services in the Spring.

Trade and Industry Secretary and Cabinet Minister for Women, Patricia Hewitt, described the new plans as a "significant step" in ensuring that father and mothers can play a vital role in their children's lives. She said: "Most children benefit from having a solid relationship with their parents, whether or not they are living together. Fathers are responsible for a third of all childcare in two-earner families, which should be reflected following divorce or separation, provided it is in the best interest of the child."

(KMcA/SP)