Resolution launches pilot scheme to help separating parents reach own agreements

Chair of Resolution, Liz Edwards, has announced in a speech at the organisation’s annual conference the launch of a new scheme, ‘Family Matters’. The pilot project, which will operate in Crewe, Newcastle upon Tyne and Oxford, will provide help and guidance for separating parents who do not qualify for legal aid.

Dedicated advisors, to be known as ‘Family Matters Guides’ will work with separating and separated parents in their local communities to advise them on ways they can reach constructive agreements together, focusing on the needs of children. Family Matters Guides will also help parents access other local services they may not previously have been aware of. Guides will combine specialist knowledge of family law with sensitive and tailored information and support for separating parents to help achieve lasting outcomes in the wake of family breakdown.

Announcing the launch of the pilot scheme, Liz Edwards said:

“This exciting new project builds on the approach that Resolution and its members have taken over the past 30 years: helping people manage separation and divorce in a way that minimises conflict and puts children first.

“Our long term aim is that this will provide a model for supporting separating families that can be replicated nationwide.

“Resolution’s Family Matters ‘Guides’ will be using their skills as trained mediators, combined with a thorough understanding of family law, to support people going through separation and provide them with the advice and support they need at a very difficult time. The emphasis is on enabling separating families to maintain lines of communication and reach agreements together.”

The pilot scheme is being funded with more than £650,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as part of their Innovation Fund to support separated parents.

If you would like to speak about any of the issues addressed in this article, please contact Lisa Broddle at Stone Rowe Brewer, who will be able to answer any questions you may have. Please call 020 8891 6141 or e-mail l.broddle@srb.co.uk