Professional Training
One of the four aims of The Separation Network is to support front line practitioners working with separated/divorced families to access professional training. During 2021/22 we ran a very successful training programme which saw us working with a diverse set of professionals from across the sector.
Resources
Practitioners Toolkit: supporting frontline workers with separated families
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This Toolkit has been designed with front line practitioners in mind, by members of the Separation Network, who they themselves are or have been front line with families for many years. Our practice wisdom supported us in identifying the need for such a resource; as we see in our own practice, the challenge that is presented when working with a separated parent, in maintaining a focus on the child, the child at the centre of the separation, at the centre of the family unit and central to the work we are doing with parents.
We feel the Toolkit is a resource that will support best practice, supporting front line practitioners to remain focused on the child, regardless of whether the child is in the room or not; ensuring the needs of the child, their voice and best interests are at the core of the decisions being made by parents. Parents often need support in returning their gaze to their child; something they are most often not aware has even shifted. We believe parents want the best for their child and in sitting with a supportive practitioner, they can find the safety to reflect on what is happening for their child and shed light on what their child needs from them. After all, parents are the experts on their own child, but they can at times need support to remember and believe that.
The Doshel Bond
by Dr Sara Flynn
This is a heart-rendering tale of parent and sibling relationships within a contemporary blended family. Some aspects of blended families can cause big emotions for children, young and old. The Doshel Bond highlights the importance of not shying away from the difficult conversations about these issues and provides caring adults with a gentle vehicle for open communication with children and also for personal self-reflection. The book can be purchased here.
Best Practice Guidelines for Contact between Parents and Infants/Young Children in Separated Families
These guidelines are informed by research carried out on behalf of One Family by academics based in Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork. The research consisted of an in-depth international literature review on the issue of contact for children aged 0-6 year olds in separated families; the distribution of an online survey for parents who have experience sharing parenting of infants and young children; two focus groups with professionals working in the area of family law, one with social care professionals and one with legal professionals; and six interviews with members of the Irish judiciary working in the area of family law. The research was funded by the RTE Toy Show Appeal and Community Foundation for Ireland Fund. Access 0-6 Best Practice Guidance here.
Upcoming Workshops
Check out the upcoming Separation Network workshops by clicking the button below.