Support through separation
Parenting through Separation (PTS) is a free course for parents who are currently separating or have recently separated. It can also help grandparents and other family members/whānau who have responsibilities around a child's care.
A PTS course is a good first step for carers who want to do the best for their children during a difficult time.
It focuses on:
- understanding how separation affects children and how to talk to them about it
- why it's important to keep children away from conflict and how to do this
- how to discuss child care arrangements amicably
- making a plan for ongoing parenting and care.
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Course locations
Each year, we run 250 courses — helping around 1,600 people support children through a time of change. Each course runs for a total of 4 hours.
We currently offer classes in
- Auckland
- Waikato
- Gisborne
- Palmerston North
- Whanganui
- Marlborough
- Blenheim
- Nelson
- Tasman
- Christchurch
- Invercargill
- Gore
If we don't offer classes in your region, check the Ministry of Justice website for a provider close to you.
Cost
All PTS courses are free. The Ministry of Justice funds them for any legal guardian supporting a child through parental separation.
Registering
If you'd like to attend one of our classes, call your local office. All office contact numbers are listed in the course schedule beside their class listings.
Class schedule
Download the latest schedule (PDF, 233KB)
Who to contact
If you have questions about our PTS courses, call us your local Barnardos office (as per the course schedule) or send us a message.