The Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP) is a course which helps parents understand how to put their children first while they are separating, even though they may be in dispute with the other parent or carer. The course helps parents learn the fundamental principles of how to manage conflict and difficulties – including how to put this in practice. Currently, parents can be ordered to attend a SPIP by the court at the First Hearing, be referred by Cafcass in advance of the hearing, or self-refer privately. It is a 4-hour course (which can be 2 x 2 hours) attended by each parent individually (as opposed to together), which is generally delivered remotely.
As of 3 April 2023, the SPIP is being recommissioned and replaced by a suite of new resources. What this means for parents is that they will undergo a programme of self-directed e-learning, consisting of 8 modules, each lasting between 8-10 minutes, followed by a 2 hour group workshop. There will then be a follow-up call 6-8 weeks following the workshop to see how they are getting on, including in relation to their parenting plan, which is a written plan, covering the practical issues of parenting.
Notably, the new course/resources are only available to those parents who are in court proceedings, and there is currently no facility for separated parents to refer themselves when not in proceedings.
For separated parents who are not in court proceedings, but who would benefit from assistance, Cafcass is launching a new website with on-line tools and resources which will be available to all. The user will need to log-in and can access an on-line parenting plan, which has at its centre the voice of the child. The plan will be available in English, Urdu and Polish, with more to follow in due course. The first questions are around safety, as clearly it will not be suitable for all families/situations. However, for those matters where there are no safeguarding issues, the parents will be able to create and share their plan, adding comments and suggestions to the various issues as they go along – e.g. health, education, money – before hopefully reaching agreement. There is a dashboard which shows the point which the parties have reached, and not all sections have to be completed. It can be printed off and taken to a solicitor, or mediator or court advisor to highlight what areas of dispute remain, which will enable advice and help to be targeted accordingly.
