Aims of Children Need Families

Children Need Families - was formed following the recognition of the ever growing number of families who are plunged, often without warning into divorce and or separation and the increasing realisation that family practitioners, network professionals and social policy makers are systematically failing them and their children.

The recognition by families that social policy makers are failing to recognise and act on failing family practitoners and network professionals has done little to reasure families that their concerns are likely to be addressed and has rubber stamped the need for this service like many others.

Children Need Families - believes in equality between parents and the right of every child to enjoy a meaningful and reasonable level of parenting time with both parents and the extended family. At CNF we believe that these elements are essential if there is to be a conducive environment for children to grow up in. Indeed, it is clear that without these elements, children are unlikely to be able to develop and maintain their identity and parenting time with the non resident parent and the extended family.

Children Need Families - recognises that a family breakdown is a traumatic experience for all the family. It can mean the loss of home and personal possessions and for the parting parent the loss of their dignity,respect and their children that can manifest a sense of great loss.

At CNF we equally reconise that family breakdown can marginalise a parent and the grandparents. Indeed, we have identified that the breakdown of the relationship allows some parents to assume control over the other and manipulate the nature and extent that the non resident parent and the grandparents will be involved in their children's and grandchildren' lives.

Children Need Families - encourages parents and grandparents to communicate with the resident parent in a reasonable and non agressive way. This, we believe, helps minimise the overwhelming sense of loss that by virtue of separation exists and helps to reduce the need to involve the courts and network professionals. This approach is reasonable and likely to reduce the level of hostitlity within families and is clearly in the best interests of the children and the whole family.

Children Need Families - can help you and your family by working with you and other groups, providing access to information on shared parenting issues and by providing individuals with practical support and assistance in the wake of divorce and separation.

Children Need Families - aims to provide practical help, advice and support to individuals and their families if required.

As a last resort, we provide assistance at court to help maintain the delicate and precious relationship with children. We help guide individuals through the minefield of problems with Solicitors, the Court Service and the mountain of forms and prepare them for a final hearing if needed.

Children Need Families - will raise awareness of the current social problems faced by families through dialogue, media campaigns and public meetings.

Children Need Families - is committed to helping families restore the ballance in their lives and help promote parenting time and family life.

JOIN CNF, HELP US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY FOR THE CHILDREN OF TOMMORROW.

JOIN US, AND BY GETTING INVOLVED YOU CAN MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE, HELPING OTHERS TO MAINTAIN AND PROMOTE PARENTING TIME AND FAMILY LIFE.