Advice from the oracle: the structuring of the parenting plans for special needs children in South Africa from conflict to consensus

Abstract

Divorce rates are increasing globally, and research suggests that successful co-parenting post-divorce, as characterised by the absence of conflict, positive communication, and collaboration, is beneficial for children’s behavioural outcomes, academic achievement, and psychological well-being. With an increasing number of special needs children, the courts are faced with a growing number of separation and divorce cases involving these vulnerable children. Care and contact evaluations and parenting plans have a profound impact on children and family adjustment post-divorce. The focus of this research is on special needs children with learning disorders, cognitive impairments, chronic developmental disorders, physical disabilities, serious medical conditions, and severe psychiatric and behavioural disorders affected by separation and divorce. The lack of parenting plan guidelines in South Africa is a cause of concern for psycho-legal professionals and families. The information generated by this research will provide guidelines for the development of parenting plans to assist this vulnerable population. This study took a qualitative research approach and collected data using two rounds of semi-structured interviews utilising the Delphi method. The findings culminated in a consensus on 10 guidelines to assist the court in making decisions that will be in the best interest of the special needs child.