Shared Parenting Clause a Welcome Step for Children and Families
Families Need Fathers welcomes the Government’s announcement that they intend to introduce a ‘shared parenting clause’ into the Children Act 1989.
Ken Sanderson, CEO of Families Need Fathers, commented, “The Government has rightly acknowledged that in the vast majority of cases a child’s welfare will be best served by ensuring that they can continue to benefit from the full involvement of both parents in their lives. This is a very positive move, and will help to ensure that as many children as possible can continue to benefit from a meaningful relationship with both parents following separation and divorce.”
The shared parenting clause forms part of a wider package of reforms to the family justice system which the Government is publishing for pre legislative scrutiny. The public consultation on the proposed shared parenting provisions ran from 13 June – 5 September 2012. Four options for reform of the Children Act 1989 were presented, with Option 1 (the ‘presumption’ approach) being the one favoured by the majority of respondents and being taken forward by Government. The announcement today confirms that the Government intends to introduce legislation modeled on this approach to ensure that more children can maintain as full a relationship as possible with both parents unless it’s not safe for them to do so.
Further details on the shared parenting clause can be found on the Department for Educations website: http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/families/familylaw/a00216607/family-justice-reform-shared-parenting.
ENDS
For comment, case studies or information please contact:
Ross Jones, Policy & Communications Manager 0300 0300 110
Note for editors: Families Need Fathers (FNF) is a registered charity providing information and support on shared parenting issues arising from family breakdown, and support to divorced and separated parents, irrespective of gender or marital status.
Our primary concern is the maintenance of the child’s relationship with both parents.
Founded in 1974, FNF helps thousands of parents every year.
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