The Government is currently seeking views on how to best shape the next phase of family policy to meet the needs of families today and support strong family relationships.

A series of consultation events are being organised on behalf of the Government but none has been planned for the Merseyside region.

In response to this the Centre for the Study of the Child the Family and the Law and the Every Parent Matters Network have decided to run a consultation event to give parents and professionals on Merseyside an opportunity to contribute to the consultation questions set out in this important Green Paper including:

• What more can we do to help create a culture in which seeking help for relationship and parenting problems, or other family difficulties, is considered socially acceptable?
• Which issues should be prioritised by Government in seeking to strengthen families and suppport family relationships in this country?  
• Which services need the most urgent development to make them truly family-friendly?

The Green Paper also includes three specific proposals for consultation:

• Do you consider that compulsory mediation assessment would improve the take-up of mediation in family law cases, and what more could be done to improve the take-up of family mediation as an alternative to court action?
• How far does the need to seek leave of a court act as a barrier to prevent extended family members applying for contact with a child? Is there a need to remove this requirement for some other family members beyond grandparents? (Note: Parents are already exempt)
• Would a comprehensive advice service on family issues based on the successful models like NHS Direct and the NHS Carers Direct Service make it easier for families to find the help they need?  

The event, aimed at parents, practitioners, managers, policy makers and academics, is free but registration is required as places are limited to around 60.

The event takes place on Wednesday, 14th April between 10am-1pm in Room 101, First Floor, Eleanor Rathbone Building, University of Liverpool.

Bookings can be made via the booking form below or by email to m.jones7@liverpool.ac.uk

For a copy of the Green Paper and information on the consultation process go to: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/index.cfm?action=consultationDetails&consultationId=1685&external=no&menu=1