The Modules

Module 1 - Changing Families
Module 2 - Relationships, Separation and Divorce
Module 3 - Family Law
Module 4 - Shared Parenting
Module 5 - Fathers
Module 6 - Money
Module 7 - Signposting

Module 1 - Changing Families

Changing Families examines the concept of ‘family’ and looks at the variety of family structures in Scotland today. It goes on to look at the reasons for and consequences of family change, its potential impact on practice, looking at the support needed and offered to families.

Background material and information on resources will be provided for participants.

Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the course participants will be supported to:

• Demonstrate an awareness of the reality of family structures in Scotland today
• Challenge with facts the myths and stereotypes about the family
• Use the context of changing families to inform practice
• Be aware of the ethnic/cultural dimension of changing families

Timetable - one day

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Module 2 - Relationships, Separation and Divorce

Module 2 looks at what constitutes a relationship. It goes on to consider what makes a "good" relationship and the breakdown of relationships in separation, divorce and their aftermath. It also examines the implications for practice and resources available for support.

Background material and information on resources will be provided for participants.

Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the course participants will be supported to:

• Understand what contributes to a "good" relationship
• Understand what is involved in separation and divorce and their aftermath
• Know what possible support is available in the community
• Identify implications for practice

Timetable - one day

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Module 3 - Family Law

The Family Law Module explores the context of law within which changing families operate. It examines current legislation and proposed reforms and the implications of both for practice. It provides information to help dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings currently around Family Law. Participants will be made aware of resources available within the community.

Background material and information on resources will be provided for participants.

Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the course participants will be supported to:

• Have some knowledge of present Family Law
• Know what reforms are proposed
• Be aware of how Family Law affects family change
• Understand how Family Law would affect their practice

Timetable - one day

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Module 4 - Shared Parenting

The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 presumes that shared parenting will be the principle on which families develop after parental separation and divorce. This module will explore the consequences of this presumption for family change and family functioning. It will also consider the challenges shared parenting presents for families and the support parents need to meet these challenges.

Background material and information on resources will be provided for participants.

Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the course participants will be supported to:

• Understand the concept of Shared Parenting
• Be aware of some of the problems which result
• Understand its implications for practice
• Be aware of resources available in the community

Timetable - half day

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Module 5 - Fathers

Module 5 looks at the stereotypes and realities of fatherhood from the perspective of lone fathers and contact fathers. It looks at the effects of gender stereotyping and its relationship to the types of support needed and how it impacts on practice. Common problems will be highlighted and information about community resources given.

Background material and information on resources will be provided for participants.

Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the course participants will be supported to:

• Be aware of the stereotypes existing for fathers
• Understand the particular support needs for this group
• Understand more how to work with fathers
• Know what resources are available in the community

Timetable - half day

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Module 6 - Money

Module 6 puts the issue in the context of poverty. It looks at Government policies which impact on family finance and examines the main benefits and tax credits available to families today. Sources of financial advice are also discussed as well as the impact of money on practice in work with families.

Background material and information on resources will be provided for participants.

Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the course participants will be supported to:

• Be aware of the relationship of family type to poverty
• Know about Government policies to support family income
• Have a basic knowledge of the benefit and tax credit system
• Identify how money issues impact on their practice
• Know agencies in the community which would offer financial help and advice

Timetable - half day

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Module 7 - Signposting

Module 7 looks at the skills necessary for identifying the issues which need to be referred to other agencies and provides the knowledge of resources needed to signpost successfully.

Background material and information on resources will be provided for participants.

Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the course participants will be supported to:

• Use active listening to identify 'signposting' issues
• Know what types of agencies are available for signposting and how clients may contact them

Timetable - half day

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For further information please contact:

Ian Maxwell
One Parent Families Scotland, 13 Gayfield Square, Edinburgh EH1 3NX
Tel: 0131 556 3899
Email: ianmaxwell@opfs.org.uk

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