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The British Family: Is it time for a change? (Thu, 28 Jan 2010)
It seems that not a day goes by without another politician talking about family life. Recently, both major parties released their green papers on relationships and the family and key ministers could be heard debating the issue loudly. Ahead of the general election it seems that the personal is very much political in the UK and the family, once considered to be a private realm, is now the battle ground for votes.
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Relationship support key to youth wellbeing and achievement (Thu, 14 Jan 2010)
Three leading relationship organisations, Relate, One Plus One and the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships have published a relationship manifesto, which outlines that poor parental relationships are often at the root of problems with children's achievement at school or emotional wellbeing. [Children & Young People Now]
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Child Maintenance Options service proving popular (Mon, 11 Jan 2010)
YouGov survey finds over a third of separated parents didn’t know where to go to get impartial information about child maintenance. But those using the Child Maintenance Options service describe it as "absolutely brilliant".
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Leading lawyers call for quicker 'no-fault' divorces (Thu, 07 Jan 2010)
Lawyers tell consumer law website TakeLegalAdvice.com that families would suffer far less during the separation if a husband and wife did not have to cite unreasonable behaviour or one of the other grounds for a quick divorce. [Independent]
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An Unspoken Wound: How the UK gets it wrong for children affected by family separation (Thu, 19 Nov 2009)
As London Law Firm Mischon de Reya release figures that show that 38% of children affected by divorce and separation never see their father again, Karen Woodall discusses the silence surrounding the issue of children and family separation and the opportunities ahead for positive change
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Mishcon de Reya survey highlights need for better services (Tue, 17 Nov 2009)
Karen Woodall, Director of the Centre for Separated Families, believes that the results of a new survey on divorce and separation highlight the need for better services to help families in crisis.
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Both parents to have the right to register their child’s birth (Tue, 10 Nov 2009)
Children’s Minister Dawn Primarolo today launched a consultation on new rules aimed at ensuring that wherever possible births are registered by both parents.
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How should we handle the breakdown of parents’ relationships? (Tue, 13 Oct 2009)
Family separation affects children in many ways, some that are not readily apparent until later in life when children become parents themselves. In the UK, where the divorce and separation rate remains high, perhaps its time to change the way we help families to deal with the aftermath of separation.
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Could Peter Andre and Katie Price be our new family policy gurus? (Fri, 25 Sep 2009)
Celebrity splits are never more bitter than when they involve struggles over children, played out in front of the world’s media. Peter Andre and Katie Price are the latest couple doing battle as their separation recently moved to divorce and they try to sort out parenting now that they are no longer together.
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MoJ considers compulsory mediation rule (Fri, 11 Sep 2009)
Divorcing and separating couples could be compelled to consider mediation before going to court under plans being examined by the Ministry of Justice. [Law Society Gazette]
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Negotiating the summer holidays: tips for separated parents (Tue, 14 Jul 2009)
Children love the summer holidays! But for separated parents, the long break can bring additional headaches. Caring alone or sharing care, our experts offer a few tips to help
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Putting Children First forum meets in Prague (Wed, 06 May 2009)
The Centre for Separated Families (UK) is delighted to be hosting the first meeting of the Putting Children First European Forum which brings together colleagues working in the field of support to separated families from all over Europe to share best practice.
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Dads are good parents too: What Jade Goody teaches us about the UK government’s new ‘Think Father’ campaign (Tue, 07 Apr 2009)
Many people experience the difficulties of caring for their children on their own after divorce, separation or bereavement. Jeff Brazier who finds himself the full time carer for his sons, after the death of his ex Jade Goody, faces these difficulties after separating from her before she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Over the weeks that Brazier found himself in the spotlight with his sons, as their mother fought a very public battle to stay alive, his presence reminded us that the boys had another parent, someone who would be there for them when their mother had gone. In the month that the government launches its 'Think Fathers' campaign, calling on public services to 'help to make our world a more dad friendly place', it's interesting to see the example that Jade Goody has set; one that many would do to well to look at. Centre for Separated Families Director, Karen Woodall, explores the issue at The Comment Factory.
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Charities respond to Welfare Reform Bill (Tue, 10 Feb 2009)
Families Need Fathers, Resolution, The Centre for Separated Families, Jewish Unity for Multiple Parenting and Mothers Apart from their Children have worked together on a new parliamentary briefing which focuses on the proposed provisions concerning the possible confiscation of driving licences and travel documents by the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission without going to court. The briefing clearly states the main objections to the proposals.
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What the Family Courts expect from parents (Wed, 04 Feb 2009)
The Family Court judges and magistrates in the Midland region are today issuing guidelines entitled ‘What the Family Courts expect from parents’. The guidelines will be given to all parties in proceedings relating to residence and contact cases involving children, and are intended to advise parents seeking a court order related to divorce or separation, of the factors that the judges require them to consider before going further. These include shared responsibility for bringing up their children, doing what’s best for their child, helping their children by listening, talking and explaining what is happening and emphasising that court imposed orders tend to work less well than agreements made between parents.
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31.03.09: Family Commission launched

A national inquiry is launched by 4Children into the extended family and the support it needs in the 21st century here

04.02.09: What the Family Courts expect from parents here

18.12.08: The State and the Family: Supporting Relationships - time for a rethink? Speech by Mary MacLeod at the Government Relationship Summit (FPI)

"Part of our service network in schools, children’s centres and GP practices and clinics must be services that focus on family relationships – not as an add-on benefit if you are lucky enough to find them or can pay. But as an essential part of sustaining UK family life and making it more enjoyable." more

16.12.08: Family courts to be opened up to greater scrutiny (MoJ)

Family court hearings are for the first time to be opened to accredited media, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today, in an oral statement in the House of Commons more