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Reducing parental conflict – information for practitioners

Conflict is a normal part of any parent relationship.

It only starts to become a problem when conflict is frequent, intense and not resolved well. The latest research tells us that conflict is harmful to children and affects their mental health, behaviour and success at school.

Parental conflict or domestic abuse

Parental conflict and domestic abuse are two separate issues, but it can sometimes be difficult to work out whether a relationship is abusive or simply experiencing conflict.

To support practitioners:

  • RPC/Domestic Abuse Briefing – A short session to help you understand the distinction between parental conflict and domestic abuse, which is critical for safe and appropriate responses. Book your space here:  Durham Learning & Development.
  • RPC Triage – The RPC triage panel is a multi-agency panel including Harbour, Early Help Triage, and leads for parental conflict and domestic abuse. The panel reviews each referral to decide whether parental conflict support is the right option. Every situation is assessed individually to ensure families receive the most appropriate support. Domestic abuse does not automatically exclude parents from RPC support, it depends on the current situation and risk level. The triage process exists to make these informed decisions, recognising that situations are not always black and white. To make a referral to RPC Triage, please complete a Family Hub Referral Form and send to programmes.familyhubs@durham.gov.uk.
  • Durham County Council – Relationships Matter explains the difference between parental conflict and domestic abuse.

Practitioner training

Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) training is available for all practitioners working with families. It is offered alternately online and face-to-face each month. The comprehensive session explores the impact of parental conflict, how to identify it, and how to respond effectively. Course information can be found at Stronger Families in County Durham training.

Advice or support

The RPC Co-ordinator, Laura-Jayne Morris, is available to:

  • discuss families or any questions you may have
  • attend team meetings
  • offer advice on tools, referrals, and next steps

Contact: relationshipsmatter@durham.gov.uk.

Support for families

Support is available for families at Durham County Council – Relationships Matter, including:

  • parental conflict or domestic abuse
  • relationship support for parents who are together
  • relationship support for parents who are separated or considering separation

Practitioners can support parent/carers, children and young people to access this. Ideally a practitioner should talk through the content of the website with them and then parent/carers, children and young people can access the support available independently. There are a range of self-help tools, information, advice and guidance, virtual chat room and links to more specific support.  The website also hosts OnePlusOne’s evidence-based digital tools which allow parents to complete on-line courses in their own time – this could be an agreed action/intervention in their Child and Family Plan.

Practitioners can sign in at OnePlusOne – login/register, or parents/carers can access it at OnePlusOne: create an account.

Parenting when separated – specialist intervention

The Parenting When Separated Programme is a specialist intervention group-based peer support programme. It is a practical and positive course for parents who are preparing for, going through, or have gone through a separation or divorce. The course will support parents in parental coping and self care, parenting and the co-parental relationship’. The programme highlights positive and practical steps parents can take to help their children cope and thrive as well as coping successfully themselves.

This is a 6 week course, with an additional 1 to 1 introductory and follow up session. Programmes are delivered either in-person or online. Each of the 6 sessions will run for 2 hours. See Durham County Council – parenting when separated course for more information. To see whether this programme is suitable or for any questions around it please call or text 07917474856 or email relationshipsmatter@durham.gov.uk.

Parenting Together Workshop

This friendly and informal workshop is delivered both face-to-face and online across County Durham. It’s designed to help parents and carers manage family stress and handle disagreements in a healthy way, so children are not negatively affected. The workshop is aimed at couples who are together or anyone co-parenting children (for example, a dad and grandma). During the session, parents/carers will learn practical tips for reducing stress and improving communication to make parenting together more positive.

The workshop lasts 2.5 hours and is available online or in-person. Parents can self-refer, or practitioners can make a referral on their behalf. All referrals go through the RPC triage process to ensure this is the right support for the family. To see whether this programme is suitable or for any questions around it please call or text 07917474856 or email relationshipsmatter@durham.gov.uk.

Additional resources for practitioners

If you’d like access to a full Parental Conflict Digital Resource Kit, including tools, guidance, and practical materials to support your work, please get in touch with the RPC Co-ordinator at  relationshipsmatter@durham.gov.uk.

Useful websites

Local resources