Planning Together for Children by Cafcass

What is it?

Planning Together for Children is a course offered by Cafcass that promotes cooperative parenting. The course supports parents with putting the needs of their children first while figuring out how to parent together when going through a separation / break down of a relationship.

Planning Together for Children encourages parents to do their best to set aside their feelings and to work together to think about how they can communicate and work together to agree parenting arrangements without the need for more court hearings. The aim of the course is to protect children against some of the harmful effects of parental conflict. 

What does Planning Together for Children involve?

There are three stages to Planning Together for Children course.

1. The first stage is for parents to complete an e-learning online course, this will be completed in your own time and can take up to two hours to complete. The e-learning must be completed first before progressing to a group workshop. The self-learning focuses on topics such as:

• What happens if parents go to court?
• Understanding and managing emotion
• How separation affects children
• Looking at things from a child’s point of view.

2. Once complete, parents will take part in a workshop with other parents for further learning and discussion. These workshops are usually delivered online but can be in person if required. The group workshops are two- and half-hour long sessions, which will cover topics such as:

• Understanding the impact of conflict on children
• How separation affects children
• Communicating in positive ways with each other.

3. Finally, the course will introduce parents to an interactive online parenting plan. The plan encourages agreement over sharing the care and support of children. For some parents, you may receive a follow up call from a trainer up to six weeks after the workshop to see how things are going.

Do I have to attend with my ex-partner?

This is our most frequently asked question and no, you will not attend the same group as the other parent of your child/ren. Although, it is important that both parents attend the Together for Children course. The course is designed to be informative rather than a mediation-type session.

Is there a cost and how can I take part?

The Planning Together for Children course is free to attend for those who have been refereed by Cafcass or directed by the Court to complete the course. Cafcass will provide you with log in details for the e-learning online course.

Unfortunately, parents cannot refer themselves to attend the Planning Together for Children course and you can only take part if it has been ordered or directed by a Family Court.

If you wish to discuss this further, please contact Lynn Gooch on 020 8502 3991 for more information.

Additionally, our ‘Family page’ on our website can be found here