However, merely acknowledging the concept of changing attitudes does not necessarily translate into positive action, as this second case study demonstrates:
One woman appeared to take the workshops very seriously, and provided some very insightful comments on a number of issues. She stated that she was particularly moved by a scene in the video which showed a mother almost dragging a child back to
the car after a contact visit in her haste to get away from her former partner’s house. The woman advised the group that she had resolved to alter a number of aspects of her relationship with her former partner.
The woman’s former partner attended the next course and seemed to make a number of ‘quiet’ changes, especially in accepting the importance of the child having a good relationship with both parents. He requested mediation with his former
wife to resolve a number of issues.
During the mediation sessions, both parents agreed to certain courses of action. However, despite all outward appearances of accepting the need for change, the woman’s anger is such that she has yet to abide by any of the agreements. So far,
cooperative parenting remains an unattainable goal for this couple.
Conclusions
The formative evaluation indicates:
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- that, although this programme is very useful, it is not sufficient of itself. In most cases, people require continuing support and guidance as they seek to re-establish their lives and their new post-separation parenting roles, and
- the programme appears to offer significant potential to ameliorate some of the difficulties couples find when adjusting to post-separation parenting and in managing the intricacies concerning issues of residency and contact.
Future Developments
There are a number of possible future developments, which we are currently considering. These include:
- providing workshops at Community and Family Centres in various parts of the metropolitan area. These workshops will enhance access for a wider clientele, and may include both day and evening groups (depending on demand), and
- providing some form of continuing support to the parents.
This is an edited extract of a paper first produced at the 7th Annual Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, Sydney, July 2000.
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