Local Contact Services and Separated Parenting Information Programme
Thursday, 10 June 2010 08:00
The Presidents Interim Guidance for England 30 July 2009 states that Cafcass will publish, and keep updated, an information sheet detailing specific services (including Contact Activities) available to the parties for the court’s consideration in determining the next steps in any case.
The information sheet should provide contact and any further necessary details to enable the parties and the court to arrange for the parties to benefit from the services.
The number of Separated Parenting Information Programme (PIP) Providers has been substantially increased, and it is hoped this will now meet the needs of all areas. The PIP continues to receive excellent feedback from service users, and can serve, in cases considered suitable by case managing judges, a useful step towards mediation. The Mediation Assessment type of Contact Activity can also be ordered, which might also be beneficial in relevant cases.
The number of DVPP (Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes) providers will increase over the next few months as the newly identified providers acheive approval and accreditation. These will be added to the list as they become available. The most up to date national and local versions of the provider list will be on the Cafcass internet and intranet sites.
Contact Activities are now free at the point of use, regardless of means. Contact Activities can be accessed only by court order, which has to be sent by the court to the identified provider. Service Users’ convenience should be a key factor in choosing a provider, as well as their ability to provide the activity within the timescale identified by the court. Prompt and clear communication to providers will enable them to start work without delay. Providers cannot claim funding without the court notification letter/court order. Guidance on this process for HMCS staff is available on the HMCS intranet.
The numbers attending Parenting Information Programmes is rising steadily, although not yet in all areas. It is hoped that the availability of new providers will consolidate this growth.
Below are the above mentioned information sheets detailing providers together with other relevant guidance and information compiled by the Cafcass Commissioning and Partnership Team. This will be kept up to date and redistributed quarterly. Contact Activity Provider List
Resources: Contact Activity Provider List and Parenting Information Programmes
