This episode focuses on working with ‘parental conflict’ (this is the phrase we tend to hear, though we discuss that there may be more helpful language we can use). Terminology aside, it’s clear that professional involvement in the very personal dynamics of a couple’s relationship and how it may be impacting their child or children can be extremely challenging and uncomfortable for both the parents and practitioners.

So we wanted to bring you some practical advice and guidance on doing this type of work with families. Our guest sharing some of her experience and expertise Jude Gordon. Jude has been a practitioner and service manager in local authority and voluntary sector settings, working with children, young people and families. Until earlier this year, she led the Reducing Parental Conflict programme at Relate. This included different forms of relationship support for parents and carers; training for professionals who work with families; and developing AI tools to help couples and co-parents communicate more effectively an understand how their children may be feeling Jude is now a project manager within the child poverty team at the North East Combined Authority, which covers seven local authority areas.

The discussion includes anonymised examples of working with a family, supporting families with the systemic and practical challenges that can contribute to conflict, working with separated couples and co-parents, useful resources and self-care for practitioners. Jude emphasises relational, authentic practice, and keeping in mind cultural and family structure differences.

Links to resources Jude mentions:

• Relate's 'Sounding board' bot that can help parents (partners or co-parents) who are having disagreements to write texts and emails or prepare for conversations
• 'In the middle' bot (also from Relate) helps parents understand how their child/ren of different ages may understand their parents' relationship and how they may feel.
• Tool to find local services
• The Reducing Parental Conflict online community on Knowledge Hub (requires initial free registration with Knowledge Hub, a digital platform for public service professionals)
• One Plus One: offers free and paid for online resources, and training packages
• Race Equality Foundation parental conflict toolkit

Related resources on CC Inform

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• Housing knowledge and practice hub (includes information on rights in relation to housing conditions and tenancy)
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