Glossary
Sometimes understanding what you’re looking for can be difficult. Our glossary contains explanations of techniques and terminology commonly associated with parenting programmes to help you understand what options are out there and to help your decisions.
As the Family Law Language Project reminds us ” The words we use are really important. They can influence so much and make the difference between feeling safe, listened to and in control or scared, forgotten”
| Cafcass |
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, a government agency that provides support and advice to courts. |
| Child Arrangement |
Refers to court ordered arrangements (CAO) setting out when and who a child spends time with. Replaced and incorporates both the terms ‘contact’ and ‘residence’ in 2014. |
| Child contact centre |
A supervised setting where children can spend time with a non-resident parent. |
| Child inclusive mediator |
A mediator who involves children in the mediation process, especially when it concerns child arrangements. |
| Co-Parenting |
A parenting arrangement where both parents work together to raise their child, after separation. This involves effective communication, shared decision-making, and cooperation. Parents can provide stability, consistency and be positive role models for their children. |
| Coach |
A person who provides guidance and support to help individuals achieve their goals. |
| Domestic violence/ abuse |
Any form of abuse within a domestic setting, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. |
| Effective Communication |
Techniques for communicating clearly and respectfully with an ex-partner to minimize conflict and make joint decisions in the best interest of the child. |
| Face-to-face programme |
A parenting programme delivered in person, providing opportunities for direct interaction with facilitators and other participants. |
| Facilitator |
A person who guides and supports a group discussion or activity, interchangeable with a Trainer |
| Family Court |
A court that deals with family law matters, including child arrangements, finance and divorce. |
| Mediator |
A neutral third party who helps people resolve disputes. |
| Nesting |
The child remains in one home and the parents rotate in and out based on an agreed parenting schedule. Can reduce disruption for the child who remains in a stable environment but usually a short-term solution while parents work through the separation process. |
| Non-resident parent |
The parent with whom a child does not primarily live. |
| Online programme |
A parenting programme delivered digitally, allowing participants to access materials and resources remotely. It is usually delivered by a facilitator via Zoom or Teams. It can also provide opportunities for interactions with the facilitator and other participants |
| Parallel parenting |
A parenting arrangement where both parents work together to raise their child, after separation. This involves effective communication, shared decision-making, and cooperation. Parents can provide stability, consistency and be positive role models for their children. |
| Parental responsibility |
The legal term for parents’ rights and responsibilities towards their children despite their marital and living arrangements. |
| Parenting plan |
A written agreement between parents outlining arrangements for their child’s care. |
| Planning Together for Children |
Formally SPIP (Separated Parents Information Programme): A court ordered programme designed to help parents understand the challenges of post-separation parenting, with a focus on the needs of their children. |
| Resident parent |
The parent with whom a child primarily lives. |