Shared Parenting Rob Williams Fatherhood Institute

1. Shared Parenting Rob Williams Fatherhood Institute

2. Poor outcomes for children whose parents separate are not inevitable

3. There are 5 key variables • The child’s own characteristics • Money and housing (fathers, mothers and children) • The level of conflict between the separating and separated parents • The quality of parenting by the RESIDENT parent • And last but not least the quality of the relationship with the NON-RESIDENT parent.

4. Non-Resident Fatherhood A non-resident father-child relationship needs to substantial and normative if it is to be positive. ‘Standard’ contact does not achieve this

5. A strong relationship with a non-resident father is associated with • Higher attainment at schools, • Fewer behavioural problems, • Less internalisation of problems, and • Less risky behaviour during adolescence.

6. Low levels of contact linked to • Depression in the child. • Young adults suffer substantial anger and self-doubt related to a ‘missing’ father • Young adults are less likely to experience a smooth pathway into their own romantic relationships.

7. Current arrangements are failing children • One in three children of separated parents rarely or never see their non-resident father • 11% of separated parents share the care of their children more or less equally • In Sweden 33% of separations lead to children living with both parents

8. Three objectives for the Family Justice review • Children who have the benefit of meaningful and positive relationships with both parents • Mothers and fathers who can keep conflict between themselves to a minimum and either (at best) cooperate or else parent ‘in parallel’ without seeking to disrupt the relationship between their child and his or her other parent • Mothers and fathers who are capable of looking after themselves providing well for their child, financially and emotionally.

9. Legislative change ? • Yes • Not a presumption of shared time • Not an overiding presumption of anything • legislation should acknowledge that children are most likely to benefit from the ‘substantial involvement’ of both parents in their lives

10. And for the adults separating? • Support to • Look after themselves • Reduce conflict with their partner • Achieve a positive relationship with children

11. And for the children? • Support to • Talk to someone outside of the family