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National Charity meets with Tim Loughton "Shadow Minister for Children at Parliement
Added: (Sat Jul 22 2006)
Representatives of the NSCFC (National Society for Children and Family Contact) met with Tim Loughton MP, Shadow Minister for Children and local MP Geoffrey Cox at Portcullis House in London on Thursday (20th. July).
The NSCFC were able to draw upon direct experience and information resulting from operation of its website and 24 hour help line. The wide ranging discussions covered such diverse issues as The Family Courts, Family Law, the �Traditional Family�, CAFCASS and domestic violence.
The basis precept of the NSCFC is that most parents love their children and wish them no harm and that it is in the interests of the child and society in general that a child should benefit from meaningful and ongoing relationship with both parents even when the parents separate or divorce.
The NSCFC was advised that it was Conservative policy to introduce a new bill �as a matter of urgency� following the election of the next Conservative Government is formed. The policies as discussed address many of the concerns raised by the NSCFC. Foremost among the policies to be adopted is the �Presumption of Shared Parenting� i.e. where the law will presume from the outset that a child will benefit from meaningful and ongoing relationships with both parents under circumstances of separation or divorce unless it can be demonstrated in criminal law that this would be unsafe for the child. Also welcomed was the news that a new Conservative minister had been appointed to address the issue in support of the over one million grandparents who have no presumption in law to see their beloved grandchildren should an acrimonious parent so dictate.
The NSCFC have also been active by way of contributions to various DCA (Department of Constitutional Affairs) committees with regard to Family Justice and the operation of the family courts.
The NFCFC provides a help line to assist and support parents and family members who are suffering as a consequence of separation and divorce and uses its best endeavours to dissuade unlawful or excessive actions resulting from the frustrations, stresses and traumas that are generally associated with these events. Above all the NSCFC promote the concept that generally the children love both or their parents and that they, as much as (if not more than) anyone suffer when parents �go to war�. Notwithstanding any dispute between the parents, a loving parent will use their best endeavours to encourage a meaningful and on going relationship between the child and both parents this to include the extended family. A selfish and embittered parent will not hesitate to use their child as a weapon in an effort to control or undermine the other parent. A sensible, loving parent will do nothing to undermine the relationship between the child and the other parent albeit that the love that previously existed between the parents may have turned to hate. Children do grow up and the time will come when they will understand all of the issues and will make their own mind up.
The NSCFC help line number is: 0870 766 8596. Website www.nscfc.com
We regret that we are unable to take calls from children who are suffering as a consequence of the separation or divorce of their parents. The NSCFC recommends that children contact �Childline� Tel. No.0800 1111 if they are concerned about these issues.
Mike Ellis
Chairman. NSCFC
96b Pynes Lane
Bideford
Devon
Ex39 3EE
Tel: 01237 479336
www.nscfc,com