Menu
05/08/2021
New Action Plan For Helping Separating Parents And Children Published
A joint Action Plan aimed at helping parents achieve the best possible outcomes when settling arrangements for their children when separating has been published by Ministers Naomi Long and Robin Swann.
The Private Family Law Early Resolution Action Plan recognises the impact uncertainty and conflict can have on children's wellbeing and aims to help parents who have separated or who do not live together to identify the most appropriate tools for resolving issues relating to their children and to reach decisions as early as possible.
Speaking at the launch of the Plan, Naomi Long said: "All too often sensitive and emotional issues relating to the care of children are resolved in the adversarial court environment when they could be resolved more simply and consensually outside it.
"Some parents do need the support of the courts to settle issues relating to their children but for most there is another way and we want to support them to reach early consensual agreements to ensure the best possible outcomes for their families. The Action Plan aims to ensure that is achieved. It also aims to ensure the best possible outcomes by supporting the early resolution of disputes which do come before the courts."
Minister Swann added: "A secure family environment, certainty, low parental conflict and having a positive relationship with both parents can play a significant part in ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people. The Action Plan we are launching today aims to support parents to make arrangements which take account of the needs and wishes of their children as early as possible to minimise the impact conflict and disruption can have on children's long term outcomes."
Initial steps under the Action Plan will include building evidence on alternative dispute resolution in family cases, developing information and tools to improve children's understanding of how and why decisions are reached for them and to enhance parents understanding of options for resolving issues relating to the care of their children.
The Private Family Law Early Resolution Action Plan recognises the impact uncertainty and conflict can have on children's wellbeing and aims to help parents who have separated or who do not live together to identify the most appropriate tools for resolving issues relating to their children and to reach decisions as early as possible.
Speaking at the launch of the Plan, Naomi Long said: "All too often sensitive and emotional issues relating to the care of children are resolved in the adversarial court environment when they could be resolved more simply and consensually outside it.
"Some parents do need the support of the courts to settle issues relating to their children but for most there is another way and we want to support them to reach early consensual agreements to ensure the best possible outcomes for their families. The Action Plan aims to ensure that is achieved. It also aims to ensure the best possible outcomes by supporting the early resolution of disputes which do come before the courts."
Minister Swann added: "A secure family environment, certainty, low parental conflict and having a positive relationship with both parents can play a significant part in ensuring the wellbeing of children and young people. The Action Plan we are launching today aims to support parents to make arrangements which take account of the needs and wishes of their children as early as possible to minimise the impact conflict and disruption can have on children's long term outcomes."
Initial steps under the Action Plan will include building evidence on alternative dispute resolution in family cases, developing information and tools to improve children's understanding of how and why decisions are reached for them and to enhance parents understanding of options for resolving issues relating to the care of their children.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 June 2015
Majority Of Children Placed In Pre-School Of Their Choice
The majority of children, whose parents applied for a pre-school slot during the schools' admission process, have been allocated a place. The Department of Justice said over 23,400 or 99.
Majority Of Children Placed In Pre-School Of Their Choice
The majority of children, whose parents applied for a pre-school slot during the schools' admission process, have been allocated a place. The Department of Justice said over 23,400 or 99.
07 July 2021
Action for Children Named As Lord Mayor Supported Charity
Action for Children has been named as one of the charities that Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl will support during her year in office.
Action for Children Named As Lord Mayor Supported Charity
Action for Children has been named as one of the charities that Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl will support during her year in office.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
09 August 2022
NI Children's Hospice Invest In New Specialist Mobility Equipment
The NI Children's Hospice has invested in new specialist mobility equipment with the recent granting of funds from the Energy for Children Charitable Trust.
NI Children's Hospice Invest In New Specialist Mobility Equipment
The NI Children's Hospice has invested in new specialist mobility equipment with the recent granting of funds from the Energy for Children Charitable Trust.
12 November 2019
QUB: Resource Launched To Support Children In Violence
Academics at Queen's University Belfast have launched a training resource aimed at enhancing responses to violence against children.
QUB: Resource Launched To Support Children In Violence
Academics at Queen's University Belfast have launched a training resource aimed at enhancing responses to violence against children.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
