Separation Policies

Why do we need a separation policy?
A separation policy is a preventative and protective measure designed to improve outcomes for children. It is promoted to service users and staff. Its aims are:

To pre-empt the conflict that children experience as a result of misunderstandings between parents and agencies, and between parents themselves in connection with the workings of the agency
To clarify for staff what their response should be in various situations, reducing stress, saving their time and making their work more consistent and effective
To maximise support for children by helping all family members including non-resident parents and extended families to feel welcome and understand appropriate ways in which they might be involved

Without a separation policy separated family members don’t know what to expect, are less likely to behave co-operatively, and staff are more likely to have to deal with stressful situations on an ad-hoc basis.

Ideally separation policies should be based on a nationally agreed model for each area of work, which embodies current law and best practice. Individual agencies might then add appendices to this if needed, containing specifics related to their activities and particular community.

Until this happens, the following provides a suggestion of ideas to work with:

What should a separation policy include?

A separation policy is a collection of principles, protocols and information for service users and to staff. It should typically cover:

Child-centred principles and the co-operation ethos expected of parents.
a. Example: The evidence shows that children do best after separation when those around them co-operate, provide stability, and avoid conflict - especially about children and in front of them. We understand that this can be difficult. Our aim is to work with all parties to keep as much positive family support and involvement with children as possible after a separation, including both parents and their extended families.
b. Example: At induction we will ask you to tell us if you are separated, the contact details of both biological parents, anyone who is a significant carer, or who has Parental Responsibility, and about any court orders or care orders that are in place. If you feel that this places you or your child at risk, please tell us about this.
Who the agency will welcome and work with, and any limits to this.
a. Example: We welcome everyone who is a biological parent, or has Parental Responsibility, or is in a significant caring role to be involved to the same degree. This includes non-resident parents. They can contact us if they have not done so already. Exceptions to this would be where a court order or care order specifically excludes someone from particular activities. We would need to see this.
What will happen in common scenarios specific to the service.
a. Example: At drop-off and pick-up times anyone we know to be a parent or to have parental responsibility will be able to bring or collect a child. Please arrange this between you beforehand so that unexpected confusion for the child and disputes with others are kept to a minimum.
What will happen when a decision concerning children needs to be made
a. Example: Where a decision is to be made about a treatment, or activity, or a disciplinary action for a child or young person we will actively seek the involvement or permission of both parents and anyone with Parental Responsibility unless this is excluded specifically by a court order. We would need to see this.
How information about children (not adults) will be shared, with whom, and any exceptions to this.
a. Example: We believe that children thrive when both parents and anyone in a significant caring role or with Parental Responsibility have access to important information about children and decision-making about children. We will therefore normally share it with them in order to help them care for the child in an informed way. We will never share information about adults without their consent, unless there is a clear risk to someone else or a child in withholding information.
b. Example: Where a mother or father is only able to have indirect contact with a child through a court order, we may arrange for information to be given in a way that takes this into account, for example removing geographical identifiers and times of future activities. It may be passed on through a third party, for example a Contact Centre so that the child-parent relationship is supported without risk.
What will happen in the event of a dispute
a. Example: Where parents or those with Parental Responsibility disagree, we will listen to all views then make a decision based on what we assess to be the best interests of the child, according to the aims of our organisation. Parents will be informed about what is happening by letter.
b. Example: Where we have arranged for a parent to support a child’s learning at school, and the other parent keeps the child at home because they object, this will be treated as an unauthorised absence and treated accordingly.
Any special arrangements that the agency can offer to support the separation related needs of children, resident, non-resident and extended families
a. Example: If you prefer to come to a meeting or a parents evening separately from the child’s other parent, we may be able to arrange this – please ask
b. Example: Where staffing permits, we can arrange for children to be dropped off by one parent, and for the other to attend the session with the child, without parents needing to meet each other.
How we safeguard children
a. Example: We put the safety of children above all else. We are aware that where there is conflict in separated families false accusations can sometimes be made, which in itself can damage children. However, if we become aware of evidence that physical, sexual, serious emotional abuse or neglect of children is happening we will follow our existing procedures for safeguarding children at all times. A copy of this is available on request.
Procedures where there is a risk to an adult
a. Example: If you have a concern regarding the safety of yourself or another adult, please let us know. We will try and minimise this risk.