the european network on shared parenthood

The 8 May 2009 saw the launch of a new European network on shared parenthood in the Czech capital, Prague.

The network brings together colleagues working in the field of support to separated families from across Europe to share understanding and best practice. The network currently has representatives from eight countries, all of whom are working in ways that promote children’s wellbeing after divorce or separation. However, the network is set to grow and there are already plans to hold a seminar in Stockholm later this year or early in 2010.

The idea of the network was developed by the UK charity the Centre for Separated Families and is intended to enable colleagues who are working directly with families to contribute to an increased and improved understanding of what really works in supporting separated families.

Download the Prague 2009 paper

At the meeting, Monika Kopřivíková from Children of Europe in the Czech Republic talked about the philosophy that ‘the best parent is both parents’. She said that after divorce or separation parents ‘have to carry the responsibility of being father and mother’ and that both parents are able to care for children. Children of Europe argues that children benefit hugely from the ongoing input of both parents after separation as this offers the continuation of family life for children. It also ensures that one parent is not unfairly burdened with responsibility for a child’s upbringing.

Guro Hansen Helskog from Samlivssenteret in Norway, stressed the importance of working preventively. She described how a programme to offer all first time parents relationship support correlated with a fall in the divorce rate. She also described her work on the Fortsatt foreldre programme which helps parents to adapt to divorce or separation in ways that put the needs of their children first.

Marianne Gabrielsson is developing ways of helping highly conflicted families for the city of Stockholm. Her work involves studying different approaches both at home and abroad. She believes that the new network will give energy and offer clear perspectives. She said, ’sharing knowledge is a really powerful way to develop work between countries’. Whilst Alison from the UK organisation Jewish Unity for Multiple Parenting (JUMP) believes that the network offers an ‘opportunity to learn how other European countries deal with separation.’

The network is currently developing its shared principles and looking at ways to increase cooperation between member organisations and between the different countries represented.