Video launched for separating parents and their children

A new information campaign aimed at the teenage children and their separating or divorcing parents has been launched.

The eight-minute video entitled Finding Your Way features two teenagers, "Keith" and "Kathy", addressing what happens to children when their parents separate. It urges children not to blame themselves if their parents split up.

The video goes through the legal ramifications of what might happen after parents go their separate ways. It provides a guide to the district family law courts and family mediation, as well as information, advice and support services.

Agreement
A separate video has been made for parents who are splitting up that addresses the rights and entitlements of children and also the role of family mediators.

The video says mediators can draw up an agreement that can be signed by a court. Some mediators are available free but there are waiting lists.

Parents are urged to go to a solicitor if they wish to go to court or to get free legal advice if they cannot afford to engage a solicitor.

It urges parents to bear in mind the wishes of the children in making decisions about issues such as custody.

This campaign is the result of a collaboration between the Ombudsman for Children’s Office and the Courts Service. The video can be viewed at www.oco.ie.