About your referral

The court or your Family Court Adviser (FCA) believes it will help you and your co-parent work together better. It gives you tools to reduce conflict and help your children cope during separation. Our aim is to support you and your children through this time and help you find ways to put your children's needs first.

You were asked to do this course by either your Family Court Adviser (FCA) or by the Magistrate at the Family Court.

Action for Children is an independent charity delivering this support on behalf of Cafcass and the courts. No matter who referred you, the expectation is that you complete the whole course.

If the court has ordered you to do it, then yes, it is required. If your Family Court Adviser recommended it, it's not a direct order, but it's very strongly advised that you complete it. We're here to help you understand why it's beneficial for your family.

The course is for all parents involved. It will give you time to think about your own strategies and reflect upon what you are able to control whilst learning new ways to cope. You will also learn from other parents in our online workshop. Both parents will attend the online workshop separately so you can both reflect and improve your co-parenting skills.

We can only start working with you once we receive your official referral. If you've just been to court, it might take a little time for us to get the request.

If you haven’t heard from us within 14 days of your court hearing, please contact Cafcass or your Family Court Adviser (FCA).

It's still highly recommended that you attend the course as soon as possible. If you don't attend now, the court will be told. You may then be ordered to complete it later, so it's a good idea to do it at the first opportunity. It will show the court you are taking steps to help your children.

You've been asked to do the course again to help you think about new tools and information for your current family situation. This decision is made by your Family Court Adviser or the Magistrate, and it is a requirement.

Planning Together for Children is free for you. You can only access the course if you are referred by the court or a Family Court Adviser (FCA).

If you don't agree with being referred, please contact Cafcass at [email protected] or speak to your assigned Family Court Adviser (FCA), if you have one.

You will receive your certificate when you log into your Planning Together for Children CAFCASS portal. It should be available to you between 24-48 hours after you complete the stage 2 workshop.

You will only receive your certificate when both stages are completed.