Development of the Separation Network
In 2020, a number of organisations working with children and or parents with the experience of family separation/divorce , came together to share opportunities for staff training and development. Their aim was to improve outcomes for children and their parents post separation by ensuring staff were supported, trained and working within best practice guidance in this area.
The steering group that oversaw the initial activities in 2020 & 2021, see great potential in collaborative working to advance service delivery and practice to children and parents experiencing family separation/divorce. The Separation Network has now formally emerged as a working Network. We are seeking to form a National Executive Committee to oversee the development of the network for the next two years.
Rainbows Ireland are currently the lead agency and One Family act in the role of Network Coordinator.
Purpose
The Separation Network Executive Committee’s purpose over the next 2 years is to put in place a structure to delivery on the aims of the Network.
Vision
The needs of children will be central to parental separation, resulting in better outcomes for all.
Mission
Practitioners that work with separating parents and children are effectively supported through relevant training, peer support, best practice guidance and relevant policy change.
Aims
- Training – to make bespoke training available to frontline staff working with separated/divorced families, ensuring an increase in confidence when working in this complex area of family work.
- Policy Change- work to seek change and advancement across the sector on issues affecting separated/divorced families.
- Peer support – to create opportunities for frontline personnel to come together, share practice, support each other, and develop good referral pathways.
- Best practice – to explore and understand the needs of those working with separated/divorced families and to develop best practice guidelines.
Member Agencies
Current Funder
