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.
Most recently we delivered a hybrid training programme in partnership with One Family. This consisted of a self taught e course followed by three interactive half days on zoom.
Training Programmes 2023
The Separation Network will roll out further subsidised training to front line practitioners working with separated/divorced families in 2023. We will update this page when further details are available.
What is available for professionals working with separated/divorced families today?
Currently you can access Professional Training through One Family’s self-taught e course for professionals.
Supporting Children’s Needs when Parents Separate
Cost: €100
Peer Support in Practice for Front Line Practitioners working with Separated/Divorced Families
When: Thursday 23rd Feb 10-12:30
Where: Zoom
Your Host: The Separation Network
The Separation Network are delighted to offer a Pilot Peer Support in Practice to front line staff who have previously engaged with the Separation Network and One Family through professional training in autumn 2021 or autumn/winter 2022.
Who are the Facilitators?
This pilot session will be facilitated by Professor John Sharry and supported by Geraldine Kelly.
John Sharry is a social worker and family psychotherapist with over 27 years’ experience as a child and adolescent mental health professional. He is a founder of the Parents Plus Charity, an adjunct Professor at the School of Psychology in UCD and parenting columnist for The Irish Times. He is co-developer of the evidence-based Parents Plus Parenting when Separated Programme, and the bestselling author of fourteen positive psychology and self-help books for families including Parenting When Separated: Helping Your Children Cope and Thrive.
Geraldine Kelly is Director of Parenting and Professional Development and has worked with One Family for the past almost twenty years, gaining expert knowledge in the area of separated families. Geraldine is also the Network Coordinator of the Separation Network.
Read more about The Separation Network here.
Why Offer Peer Support in Practice to Front Line Practitioners?
During the roll out of professional training over the past two years the Separation Network has seen many frontline staff highlight the isolation they feel in the work they do with separated families. This in turn can make this complex and challenging area of work feel more difficult to navigate. Many front-line practitioners feel ill equipped to cope with the complexity that separated families can bring. We would like to try and combat some of that sense of isolation in the work through engaging front line practitioners in group-based Peer Support in Practice sessions.
We know in the Separation Network that there are increasing numbers of families seeking support as they try to navigate the many challenges that post separation parenting and shared parenting can bring. We endeavour to support front line practitioners to feel supported, to build confidence and increase capacity so children can in turn achieve better outcomes post separation.
What is the Ultimate Aim of the Session?
To support front line staff to feel supported in their work with separated families, to know they have a colleague they can reach out to and to build confidence in this area of family support work.
In addition, you will:
- Gain peer support from colleagues working with separated families nationwide.
- Share and learn from each other’s practice and experiences.
- Learn solution focused practice and strengths-based approaches to working with families.
- Have time to unpack real life case examples which enable the group to apply theory to practice in turn managing the most challenging and complex cases.
How Do I Join the Session?
If you would like to engage in Peer Support in Practice Pilot session, please book your place by registering through Eventbrite and paying your fee on booking of €20.
Places are limited to a maximum of 25.
Please be aware that booking into this session requires you to be fully present for the 2.5 hours, have your camera turned on and participate fully. This involves interacting with your colleagues on the day, sharing learning and experiences.
You will be asked to complete an evaluation form at the end of the session and this feedback will support the future development of a Peer Support in Practice Model which the Separation Network aim to roll out over 2023.