Written question asked by Peter Bottomley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 13 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he expects the first Parenting Plan to be approved.

Answer: Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he expects the first Parenting Plan to be approved. [203942] Margaret Hodge: The Government is currently revising the existing Parenting Plans material to include clear examples of good contact arrangements that work well for children of different ages and circumstances. The plans will be published and promoted widely, by April 2005. The revised Parenting Plans will provide guidance for families about a range of co-operative parenting arrangements appropriate for families in differing circumstances. They are intended to be used as practical aids, both by parents themselves as well as by solicitors, conciliators and mediators, to assist parents to reach reasonable agreements. They will seek to illustrate what the courts might well decide if the case went to a full hearing. The plans will be available at all points throughout the system--in solicitors' offices as well as through advice and mediation services.

Secondary information