Official statistics were released by the Department for Work & Pensions on the proportion of children affected by parental conflict in families. The figures showed that 10% of children in couple-parent families had at least one parent who reported relationship distress in the 2021 to 2022 survey period.
10% of children in couple-parent families had at least one parent who reported relationship distress in the 2021 to 2022 survey period, compared with 12% in 2019 to 2020. However, these figures are calculated from survey data, and we do not believe there is yet sufficient evidence to confirm a reduction in the level of parental relationship distress in the general population.
56% of children in separated families see their non-resident parent regularly, according to the latest survey data gathered in 2021 to 2022. This measure has increased by 5 percentage points since 2015 to 2016. This is likely to represent a real increase in the level of non-resident parent contact amongst separated families. Nick Gova, partner and Head of Family at London law firm Spector Constant & Williams said:
“I see first hand the impact that parents separating can have on children, particularly if contact is lost with one of the parents. These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg as they draw on information from only one government department. The true impact of separation on the wellbeing of children is much greater than this.
Responsible family lawyers will try to encourage parents to keep the interests of children at the forefront of their minds during and after a separation. The move towards more alternative dispute resolution options is positive and I hope will have an impact on minimising any damage that may be done to children.”
James Hayhurst, founder of Parents Promise said that there is “no insight into the real-world negative impact that this lack of parental relationship” is having on those children. He continued:
“More generally, there is a total lack of data collection, or indeed any child-focussed follow up post any UK family law proceedings.
Parental separation in the UK is one of the greatest, least-recognized, health risks to our children and it’s time the government stepped up to address this. Currently no government department takes responsibility for children’s mental health following a family separation. This needs to change, and quickly.”
Gavin Scott, a partner in the family law team at Freeths, said that he is surprised at the Parental Conflict Indicator figures released. Mainly because the data indicates a decrease in the proportion of children in couple-parent families where at least one parent reports relationship distress, from 13% in 2011-2012 to 10% in 2021-2022. He continued:
“This trend is unexpected, particularly given the lack of evidence suggesting a reduction in stressful or even abusive relationships. Furthermore, the most recent ONS statistics on domestic abuse reveal no statistically significant change in the past 12 months.”
