SPARKLES: Shared Parenting: Knowledge, Leverages, Experiences & Strategies

Parents today increasingly continue to raise children together after a relationship breakdown, whether in shared custody or not. This trend has positive sides, but shared parenting after divorce is also a challenge for many families. There are several initiatives and services in Flanders aimed at supporting families in a (divorce) situation. In this study, we analysed the accessibility of these initiatives and services according to the principle of the 7'Bs on four substantive axes: 1) a participatory, appreciative approach, 2) a dynamic time perspective, 3) a systemic approach, and
4) social equity.

Through document research and stakeholder interviews, we built an inventory of existing offerings, as well as a database for accessibility analysis of existing initiatives. In a second phase, we surveyed parents and their children about their experiences, obstacles and levers in raising children together after divorce. In a third phase, design and feedback sessions were organised with the various stakeholders. The result consists of a digital divorce kit aimed at making the resources available to families following a relationship breakdown more accessible. This is based on the observation that families 1) often struggle with specific challenges following a relationship break-up and 2) often cannot find their way through the existing supply of information, services and help. The aim of the suitcase is to better unlock these resources, and thus increase the well-being of children, young people and families.

Our separation suitcase consists of four interlinked components:

1. Q&A sheets for parents, children, plus parents, grandparents, friends, family and professionals;
2. An inventory of relevant practice books, films, blogs, tools, songs, children's books, websites, organisations, services, ... ;
3. A tool with reflection questions for parents & children that helps them find their way through the offerings and stimulates demand;
4. Illustrated discussion cards for exchange on specific topics.