A FREE WEBINAR FOR PROFESSIONALS WORKING WITH SEPARATED FAMILIES
Supporting Separating Families: When and How to Recommend Parenting Programmes
Recording
Resources
Description
Parenting programmes have become an important part of that support landscape, helping parents build communication skills, reduce conflict, and better understand the impact of separation on their children. Yet questions often remain around when to recommend them, how to frame them appropriately, and which programmes professionals can confidently trust.
In this webinar we will introduce the Separated Parenting Programme Directory (SPPD), explore why it was created, and discuss the growing role of parenting programmes within the family law ecosystem. Join us for a practical and timely conversation on supporting separating families more effectively - and embedding parenting programmes as part of modern separation practice.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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Explain the purpose and development of the Separated Parenting Programme Directory (SPPD) and understand the gap it was created to address within the family justice landscape.
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Identify when and why parenting programmes may be appropriate for separating families, including key suitability and timing considerations.
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Recommend parenting programmes with greater confidence, supported by an understanding of quality standards and referral pathways.
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Frame referrals constructively and sensitively, positioning parenting programmes as supportive, skill-building interventions rather than corrective measures.
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Recognise the growing role of parenting programmes within modern separation practice, and how they complement legal, mediation, and communication tools as part of a broader ecosystem of support.
Speakers
Marcie Shaoul
A co-parenting expert, author of The Co-Parenting Method and winner of Resolution’s Champions of Family Justice Award 2023 for innovation.Marcie Shaoul is a co-parenting coach and founder of The Co-Parent Way. She specialises in guiding separated parents to establish cooperative, child-focused relationships. Marcie is the author of The Co-Parenting Method and was awarded the Resolution’s Champions of Family Justice Award for Innovation in 2023. Her work empowers parents to navigate co-parenting challenges constructively, creating healthier outcomes for children of separated families.
Adele Ballantyne
A psychotherapist and counsellor & winner of Resolution’s Working in Collaboration Award 2021.Adele Ballantyne is a psychotherapist, counsellor, and founder of The Eleda Consultancy, specialising in support for separated parents. With a focus on collaboration and effective communication, Adele empowers parents to navigate separation constructively. She was honoured with Resolution’s Working in Collaboration Award in 2021, recognising her innovative approach to family support. Adele’s expertise helps families foster healthier dynamics during and after separation, benefiting both parents and children.
Heather Rutherford
Parenting educator & co-parenting specialist, founder of The Parenting PartnershipHeather Rutherford is a parenting educator and co-parenting specialist and founder of The Parenting Partnership. With a compassionate approach, Heather guides separated parents to build positive, cooperative relationships that prioritise their children’s needs and well-being. Her work helps parents focus on positive parenting strategies that improve communication and build emotional resilience, creating a foundation for healthy family dynamics during challenging times.
Katie Deans
Katie Deans is the UK Business Development Lead at OurFamilyWizard.
In her role, Katie works with Family Law Professionals including Judges, Barristers, Solicitors, Paralegals, Mediators, Social Workers etc across the UK and Ireland to support parents in improving communication and reducing conflict through the use of OurFamilyWizard. Katie regularly delivers training and presentations to professionals within the Family Law community, helping them understand how technology can support more effective co-parenting.
About OurFamilyWizard
Working alongside clients on OurFamilyWizard, family law and mental health practitioners can assist families to move beyond conflict and co-parent with confidence. OurFamilyWizard's web and mobile applications offer parents living separately an array of tools to easily track parenting time, share important family information, manage expenses, and create an accurate, clear log of co-parenting communication.
