Working with 'Non-Resident' Parents

'Non-resident' parents are roughly 90% fathers and 10% mothers. A major determining factor for how they cope with separation, and for whether they remain involved with children, is the degree of support or hostility from the resident parent for their relationship with the child. 'Non-resident' parents in reasonably co-operative situations may only need occasional input from universal services, while those experiencing obstruction may need a lot of support and practical help.

Whilst specialist services are important, it is also vital that all services engage non-resident parents.

Read about the following support ideas:

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Support ideas common to 'non-resident' fathers and mothers 

Practical support

Seek a brief overview of the situation – is there a practical issue that needs immediate action? For example:

  • Legal information. Pass on basic information about seeking and enforcing contact and refer to specialist help
  • Help in finding child-friendly accommodation. If the father or mother has moved out of the family home accommodation may be less child-friendly or unsuitable for staying contact. Supporting letters to housing providers can be useful
  • The cost of contact. If the parent has to travel to exercise contact it can become expensive, involving entertainment, meals and accommodation. Fathers and mothers on low incomes or benefits may find this prohibitive.
  • Benefits. 'Non-resident' parents usually can’t claim child-related benefits or credits even if they are caring for the child half the time. Payments are made to the parent who has a residence order.
  • Child maintenance issues 'Non-resident' parents may need assistance and information about disputing maintenance assessments
  • Help to source, clothes, equipment, toys, games and books e.g. second hand shops, the library, toy library, play resource centre. An age/development appropriate range of things to play with, do, read and make, particularly together are more important than things being new.
  •  Act as an advocate with other agencies if needed. 

Give details of specialist advice and information services, particularly Families Need Fathers/Both Parents Matter for fathers and mothers, and MATCH for mothers.