Helping separated families work together to support children
We all want what’s best for our children.
But this can be particularly difficult to manage when parents are in conflict following the breakdown of their relationship.
Separation or divorce can affect all members of the family, so tailored support and education can help families work together and find solutions in the best interests of the children.
Tailored support and education
CatholicCare’s parenting after separation programs help parents to manage disputes and increase cooperation and communication – and bring the needs of children into focus.
Programs provide a mix of individual counselling and group education programs for separated families who have experienced high parental conflict over an extended period of time, or who want to a gain new skills and insights to improve the co-parenting relationship.
Our programs meet the requirements for Court Orders, although parents may need to complete several programs or combine them with additional counselling sessions to meet the requirements of their Court Order.
Support for the whole family
Our family counsellors can provide support to any and all members of a family going through a separation, including children and significant others. Speaking to a family counsellor can help families cope with change, improve communication and work through issues together.
Parenting after separation programs can help separated families to:
- manage parenting arrangements and contact arrangements
- ensure the best interest of the child is their priority
- improve communication and cooperation between parents
- minimise conflict and manage disputes
Some of the topics covered in our range of programs include:
- conflict resolution
- understanding children's needs
- self-care and self-esteem
- improving communication and cooperation
- loss and grief
- managing difficult emotions in kids
- learning how conflict affects children
CatholicCare’s parenting after separation programs are delivered by professionally trained and qualified practitioners who specialise in child, adult and family relationship matters. Our practitioners are also trained and supervised to operate within the Family Law Act.
What education programs are available?
Programs in Greater Melbourne and Geelong
Our Parenting Orders Program (POP) offers a range of programs spanning from a three-hour seminar to a six-week program.
You can find more detailed information in our POP brochure.
Programs in Gippsland
Our Parenting After Separation program (PAS) offers a six-week group program which includes individual counselling.
Group program dates for 2021:
- 24 April – 27 May | Thursday evenings | 6pm – 8pm
- 15 July – 19 August | Thursday day | 10am – 12pm
- 19 August – 23 September | Thursday evenings | 6pm – 8pm
- 28 October – 2 December | Thursday day | 10am – 12pm
Service information
Family Counsellors do not provide court reports or information to lawyers about the specific work clients undertake on the Parenting Orders Program (POP) or Parenting after Separation (PAS) program. This provision is outlined in the Family Law Act.
Assessment
Those wishing or required to complete a parenting after separation program will need to undergo an assessment either in person or over the phone to find the program best suited to their family’s needs.
Certificates of completion
A certificate of completion will be issued at the conclusion of all POP and PAS courses.
COVID-19 update to services
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, all POP and PAS services are being conducted via phone or ZOOM conference.
Eligibility
Our parenting after separation programs are for:
- families in the northern and western metropolitan regions of Melbourne, Geelong and the Gippsland region
- families who are in conflict regarding parenting arrangements
- parents, children and family members who have Parenting Orders from the Family Court or Federal Circuit Court
Fees
These services are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government. A means-tested co-contribution is required from those accessing services.
Programs, courses and seminars range in cost, but concession cardholders may be eligible for a discount. Please contact us to learn more.
More information
Contact us
To make a booking or to enquire about this service, please select your nearest office.
EppingFootscrayGeelongPakenhamTraralgonWarragul
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