Scottish Government

Dear Parents

I was delighted to be invited by the Scottish Executive to write a Parenting Agreement for Scotland. I know from my years of experience both as a reporter to the children's panel and later as a sheriff that the break-up of a relationship is one of the most stressful times in anyone's life. But for children, experiencing their parents' separation can be especially difficult. Children can be badly affected in terms of their general happiness, emotional development, achievement at school and many other ways. But I also know that problems can be minimised when break-up is sensitively managed by both parents working together to agree on what is best for their children's future.

You should find the following documents in this pack:

• One copy of the Parenting Agreement for Scotland - Guide (to help you think through the issues that are important for your family);
• Two copies of the Parenting Agreement for Scotland - Plan (so that you can each hold a copy of what you have agreed); and
• One copy of the Charter for Grandchildren which reminds everyone concerned of the important role grandparents and wider family members can play in a child's life, and how they can be a source of support and stability for children in difficult times.
• Details of places you can get help and support to deal with your relationships with one another if you need it.

The aim of these documents is to help you to discuss and agree on future arrangements for your children. It is intended to be used by people in all kinds of family situations, to encourage parents to turn their focus away from the problems they have with one another and to help them concentrate on some of the important areas of their children's lives for which they will want to make plans.

I hope that you find the documents enclosed helpful and supportive at this painful time in your lives and that together you and your children can decide on suitable arrangements with their needs at the forefront of your minds.

I was supported in my work by representatives from a group of key organisations involved in working with families and who have endorsed the finished package. Their help was invaluable and I am grateful to them all and to the many others who were kind enough to offer constructive comments along the way.

Yours sincerely

Alan Finlayson OBE