Seeking the answers on shared parenting 26/7/11
Scottish charity, Families
Need Fathers Scotland, is seeking ideas from parents in the Western Isles about what
support is needed for mothers and fathers who wish to share the parenting responsibilities
after separation or divorce.
This question is being put to a range of communities in the Highlands and Islands
as part of a Scotland-
Ian Maxwell, National Development Manager of Families Need Fathers (FNF) Scotland said: "We know that it can be very difficult for parents to reach agreement on parenting while there may be unresolved issues between them."
"This can be particularly problematic in smaller communities and remote areas where the range of available services and specialist support is limited, or if a single service is trying to help both mother and father."
He explained: "Often there is a basic misunderstanding about what 'shared parenting' means. It isn't necessarily a 50:50 split in the time children spend with each parent. It is about an assumption that both parents should be equally involved in the key decisions about parenting for the benefit of their children."
FNF Scotland wants to hear from the parents in the Western Isles who have managed successfully to settle shared parenting arrangements, and also those who are finding it difficult to reach agreement.
This national study will be used to make recommendations to the Scottish Parliament when it considers forthcoming changes to civil courts in Scotland and also help FNF Scotland to develop its telephone helpline and training to its local groups.
Mr Maxwell said comments and suggestions can be emailed to scotland@fnf.org.uk or
by phone to 0131 557 2440.