Custody and Separation Policy

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Policy to support children facing issues of Custody and Separation

Introductory Statement

This policy was devised and formulated by the school community, involving Board of Management, parents and staff of Lusk National School, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Education and Science and the C.P.S.M.A.

Ethos

Lusk National School is a co-educational, primary school, which strives to provide a well ordered, caring, happy and secure atmosphere where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of the pupils are identified and addressed. While respect is paid to all religious and/or value systems, Lusk National School is a Catholic school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin. This policy complements the school ethos of nurturing potential in a caring environment where the welfare of children is paramount.

Rationale

This policy has been drafted in an attempt to assist children in families facing the challenges brought about through separation.

Procedure

Parents experiencing separation are encouraged to speak confidentially to the Principal and/or relevant class teacher/s of Lusk National School. It is our aim to handle such matters with sensitivity and compassion, and ultimately, our primary concern is for the well being and overall development of the child.

When a child spends time in two homes, it is requested that the school be provided with both sets of emergency/contact numbers. Regarding the collection of child/ren from school, it is requested that the school be informed of any changes in collection arrangements by note. Where it is requested , it is the school policy to offer the option of separate parent/teacher meetings (arranged in February/March).

It is assumed that when we wish to communicate with parents regarding their child, the parent who is contacted i.e. the parent with whom the child principally resides will inform the other parent of meetings, arrangements etc. Special requests for separate communication can be accommodated;

• Regarding notes, school communication via schoolbags, school reports etc, it is assumed that the parent with whom the child principally resides will keep the other parent informed.
• In the case of married parents, the school cannot be asked to withhold a child from either parent in the absence of a custody order. Where such a custody order exists parents are requested at the earliest opportunity to provide this information in writing to the school. Such information will be treated in confidence.
• In the case of unmarried parents, the natural father has no custody or guardianship rights unless a court grants those rights to him. The onus is on the father to produce evidence of a court order in the case of a dispute regarding the collection of a child during or after school.

Review

This policy will be reviewed during the school year 2012- 2013.

Signed:___________________________________

Chairperson, Board of Management:

Signed: ___________________________________

Principal Teacher