Parents Plus- Parenting When Separated Programme Information

Why should you do the parenting when separated programme?

Families going through separation can experience increased isolation and conflict.  The Parenting When Separated Programme can help you to personally cope, and to co-parent effectively, to ensure that your children cope and thrive.

This programme is practical, solution-focused and draws on your strengths as a parent. It is suitable for parents who are preparing for, going through or have gone through a separation or divorce. 

Trained facilitators of the programme will support you to:

• Solve co-parenting problems in a positive way which focuses on the needs of the children
• Create practical arrangements for children that minimise stress and conflict
• Improve communication with the children and with the children’s other parent
• Cope with the emotional impact of separation and learn stress management techniques
• Help the children cope emotionally with the separation 
• Deal with the challenges of lone parenting or being a ‘live away’ parent. 

Impact of the Parenting When Separated Programme.
In a large study of primary care, mental health and community settings families who completed the Parents Plus Parenting When Separated programme reported: 

•  Reduction in inter-parental conflict
•  Decrease in child behaviour problems
•  Decrease in parental adjustment problems
•  Increase in parental satisfaction
•  Increase in goal attainment for parents and children

What Shannon Family Resource Centre offers. 

Shannon Family Resource centre are committed to offering this programme in the Shannon Community annually. Our family support worker was trained as a facilitator of the programme in 2021. Shannon FRC is now part of a panel of facilitators across the FRCs of Co Clare who can co-facilitate the programme. We take referrals from the courts as well as from parents who wish to self refer. 

The Process: 

1. Each applicant must complete an application form.
2. The facilitator will meet with you to complete a screening process and identify suitability for the programme.
3. If you are deemed suitable to attend the programme the facilitator will then discuss some goals for the programme with you and give you all the information you need to attend the programme. 
4. You will be asked to purchase a workbook for €10 which will include your registration fee for the programme. 
   
5. You will be invited to attend the PWS programme for 2 hours per week for 6 weeks at Shannon Family Resource Centre. 
   
6. The other co-parent will be invited to attend a separate programme he/she will not be in the same group as you. 

---