Elizabeth Coe, Chief Executive has challenged NACCC’s accredited centres to keep raising awareness on how they are helping children keep in touch with parents following separation…
“We need to help reduce the negative impacts of separation on children”
She writes in NACCC’s latest Contact Matters magazine: “Did you know that over 20,000 new lone-parent families are forming every year, and by the age of 15, 45% of children in the UK are no longer living with both parents? An estimated million children in the UK are growing up without any meaningful contact with their fathers. 92% of lone-parent households are headed by mothers, so consequently, many children are growing up without a father at home.”[‘Fractured families – Why stability matters’, The Centre for Social Justice, 2013].
She goes on to say “Whilst some fathers manage to remain closely involved in the lives of their children following separation, many do not. Research shows that the negative impacts of separation on children can be reduced, but unfortunately some children experience behavioural problems including antisocial behaviour, distress, unhappiness and both physical and emotional health problems.” [Coleman, L. & Glenn, F. (2009). When couples part: Understanding the consequences for adults and children. OnePlusOne.]
“Please ensure that our posters with your contact details are displayed in local libraries, doctors’ surgeries, gyms, supermarkets and other outlets…”
Elizabeth strongly believes that we all need to work together to raise awareness…
“Contact Centres and NACCC have a vital role to play in raising awareness of the availability of centres as places where children can see the parent they do not live with. I am often asked at functions ‘What is a contact centre?’ and suggest that many parents who are in the statistics above do not know of the existence of CCCs.”
“We therefore have a big job to do in constantly raising awareness. Seek out opportunities to get on radio, television, in print. Ensure that our posters with your contact details are displayed in local libraries, doctors’ surgeries, gyms, supermarkets and many other outlets.”
“I know many of you already do this and although it is difficult, this has to be done all of the time. If there is anything NACCC can do to assist you with this please let us know.”
