Activity Directions in Child Arrangement Orders: Your Complete Guide to Understanding Court Requirements

Activity directions in Child Arrangement orders are specific requirements that family courts attach to child arrangement orders under Section 11A of the Children Act 1989 (as amended by the Children and Families Act 2014). These directions require one or both parents to participate in specified activities designed to improve their parenting capabilities, address particular concerns, or facilitate better contact arrangements between children and their parents.

Courts use activity directions strategically when they identify barriers preventing successful child arrangements. Rather than simply ordering contact and hoping parents comply, judges can attach meaningful requirements that address underlying issues. This proactive approach reflects the family court’s commitment to making orders that actually work in practice, not just on paper.

The scope of activity requirements extends beyond traditional parenting courses. Courts can direct parents to attend mediation sessions, engage with mental health services, complete drug or alcohol assessments, participate in domestic abuse perpetrator programmes, or undertake any other activity the court considers appropriate. The flexibility of these provisions allows judges to tailor requirements to each family’s unique circumstances.

Family courts draw upon a wide range of programmes and interventions when attaching activity directions in child arrangement orders. Understanding these options helps parents anticipate what courts might require and demonstrates to judges that you take improving outcomes for your children seriously.

Parenting Information Programmes
The Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP) remains the most commonly directed activity in child arrangement proceedings. CAFCASS delivers this programme across England, helping parents understand the impact of conflict on children and develop strategies for effective co-parenting. Courts frequently require both parents to complete SPIP before making final orders, recognising that education often prevents future disputes. The programme runs for approximately four hours and provides practical guidance on putting children first during separation.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements

When substance misuse concerns arise, courts can attach activity requirements mandating alcohol testing or drug screening. Hair strand testing provides evidence of consumption patterns over several months, while urine testing detects more recent use. Courts may direct ongoing testing throughout contact arrangements to ensure children remain safe.

Organisations such as AlphaBiolabs and DNA Legal provide court-approved testing services. For parents struggling with addiction, courts often direct engagement with local rehabilitation services, including those provided by Turning Point (https://www.turning-point.co.uk) or local NHS drug and alcohol services.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Programmes

Following fact-finding hearings that establish domestic abuse occurred, courts frequently direct perpetrators to complete Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programmes (DAPPs). These intensive programmes, typically lasting 26 weeks or longer, help individuals understand their behaviour patterns and develop non-abusive relationship skills. Programmes like the Building Better Relationships course address the specific dynamics of intimate partner violence. Victim-survivors may receive directions to access support services, including those provided by Women’s Aid or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

Mental Health Support and Counselling

Courts recognise that parental mental health directly impacts children’s wellbeing. Activity directions can require parents to engage with mental health services, attend counselling sessions, or participate in therapeutic programmes. Mind and local NHS Talking Therapies services provide accessible mental health support. For parents dealing with the emotional impact of separation, these requirements often prove beneficial beyond their legal purpose, supporting genuine personal development and improved parenting capacity.

Mediation and Dispute Resolution

Activity directions frequently require parents to attempt mediation before returning to court for further directions, and a directions hearing or other dispute-resolution stage is also used to narrow the issues in dispute before later hearings. The Family Mediation Council maintains a register of qualified mediators across England and Wales. Courts view mediation positively as it empowers parents to craft their own solutions rather than having arrangements imposed. These hearings help prepare the case for future hearings and may help the parties resolve matters, reach agreement, and avoid a contested final hearing. Successful mediation often produces more durable agreement because both parties have ownership of the outcome.

The decision to attach activity directions in child arrangement orders involves careful judicial assessment of multiple factors. In many family cases, a directions hearing is the first hearing, especially in child arrangements or financial disputes. In private children matters, this first court hearing is often called the first hearing dispute resolution appointment, sometimes referred to as a hearing dispute resolution appointment. Understanding this decision-making process helps parents and their legal representatives present effective arguments for or against specific requirements, while recognising that these hearings help manage case preparation for later hearings rather than decide the substance.

Before making activity directions in child arrangement orders, courts must satisfy themselves that the proposed activity is appropriate for the parent concerned and that the activity is available in a suitable location. Section 11E of the Children Act 1989 requires courts to consider information about the person’s circumstances before directing participation. This safeguard prevents courts from making orders that cannot realistically be complied with.

CAFCASS officers play a crucial role in advising courts about appropriate activity requirements. Their Section 7 reports often include recommendations about specific programmes or interventions that could benefit the family. Courts give significant weight to these professional assessments when deciding what activity requirements to impose. Engaging positively with CAFCASS during their assessment demonstrates your willingness to participate constructively in any directed activities.

The paramountcy principle guides all decisions involving children. Courts attach activity directions only when they believe doing so serves the child’s welfare. Judges consider whether the proposed activity will genuinely improve the child’s situation or merely punish a parent. This child-focused approach means courts avoid making requirements that serve no constructive purpose, however frustrated one parent might feel with the other’s behaviour.

Courts take non-compliance with activity requirements seriously because these directions exist to protect children and improve family functioning. Understanding the potential consequences of failing to complete court-directed activities helps parents appreciate the importance of full engagement with any requirements imposed.

When a parent fails to comply with activity directions without reasonable excuse, courts can take enforcement action under Section 11G of the Children Act 1989.

This mirrors the enforcement provisions for breaching child arrangement orders generally. Courts possess powers to make enforcement orders requiring unpaid work, vary the underlying child arrangement order, or in serious cases, commit the non-compliant parent for contempt of court. Financial consequences also apply. Courts can order compensation for financial losses suffered by the other parent due to non-compliance with activity requirements. If a parent’s failure to complete a directed programme delays proceedings or causes the other party to incur additional legal costs, the court may order costs against the non-compliant party. These financial penalties can prove substantial.

Perhaps most significantly, failure to engage with activity directions influences how courts view a parent’s overall commitment to their child’s welfare. Judges observe which parents cooperate with court processes and which obstruct progress. A pattern of non-compliance with activity requirements may lead courts to question whether that parent should have the contact arrangements they seek. This reputational damage often proves more impactful than formal enforcement sanctions.

The availability of court-directed activities varies significantly across different regions. Understanding local provision helps parents and their representatives make realistic proposals and anticipate potential delays in accessing required programmes.

Major metropolitan areas generally offer the widest range of programmes and shortest waiting times. London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds have multiple providers offering parenting programmes, domestic abuse interventions, and substance misuse services. Family courts in these areas can usually direct activity requirements knowing that suitable provision exists locally.

Rural areas and smaller towns face greater challenges. Parents in Cornwall, rural Wales, or the Scottish Borders may need to travel considerable distances to access directed programmes. Courts must consider these practical barriers when deciding whether to make activity directions. Judges sometimes allow online participation in programmes where in-person attendance would prove genuinely impractical.

Local authority children’s services (contact details available through your local council website) can provide information about available programmes in your area. Many local authorities publish directories of family support services that include court-approved activity providers. Researching local provision before hearings demonstrates proactive engagement and helps your legal team make informed submissions about realistic timeframes.

Successfully completing activity directions requires proper preparation and the right mind set. Parents who approach these requirements positively often gain genuine benefits beyond simply satisfying court expectations. Preparation also helps ensure you complete activities within court-imposed timeframes.

Before attending any directed programme, obtain clear information about what participation involves. Contact the programme provider to understand session lengths, frequency, location, and any preparation required. Some programmes involve homework or reflective exercises between sessions. Understanding these commitments upfront allows you to plan around work and other responsibilities.

Document your participation thoroughly. Keep confirmation emails, attendance certificates, and any completion documentation. This evidence proves compliance should questions arise at subsequent hearings. Your legal representative needs this documentation to demonstrate your engagement to the court. Taking contemporaneous notes about what you learned also helps you articulate the programme’s impact if asked. Parties are also expected to make sure any paperwork relied upon for the hearing, including necessary evidence, has been filed and exchanged in advance.

Approach directed activities with genuine openness rather than mere box-ticking compliance. Courts and CAFCASS officers can distinguish between superficial participation and meaningful engagement. Programme facilitators often provide feedback to courts about participants’ attitudes.

Demonstrating that you genuinely absorbed programme content and applied learning to your parenting creates powerful evidence of your commitment to your child’s welfare.

If circumstances prevent you from completing activities within directed timeframes, communicate proactively with your legal team. Courts generally respond better to advance notification of difficulties than excuses offered after deadlines pass. Legitimate obstacles like illness, work emergencies, or programme availability can warrant extensions if raised appropriately. Your family lawyers can advise on making applications to vary activity directions when genuine difficulties arise.

Effective legal representation proves invaluable when activity directions feature in your child arrangement proceedings. Specialist child lawyers understand how to navigate these requirements strategically, whether advocating for appropriate activities to be directed at the other party or defending against unreasonable proposals.

When you believe the other parent needs specific intervention, your legal representative can prepare submissions explaining why particular activity requirements would serve your child’s interests. This requires gathering supporting evidence, often from CAFCASS assessments or independent experts, demonstrating the need for specific programmes. Courts respond to reasoned arguments supported by professional recommendations rather than emotional accusations.

Defending against proposed activity directions requires demonstrating either that the concern prompting the proposal lacks foundation or that alternative, less intrusive measures would adequately address legitimate concerns. Your legal team can challenge the necessity or proportionality of proposed requirements. Sometimes voluntary engagement with services before orders are made removes the need for court-mandated activity directions.
Strategic voluntary compliance often produces better outcomes than court-imposed requirements. Parents who proactively complete relevant programmes demonstrate insight into concerns and commitment to addressing them. This approach shifts the narrative from resistant parent forced to comply to engaged parent taking responsibility. Courts view such initiative favourably when making final arrangements.

The Children Act 1989 distinguishes between activity directions and activity conditions, and understanding this difference matters for navigating your case effectively.

Can a court force me to attend a parenting programme?

Yes, courts possess statutory powers under Section 11A of the Children Act 1989 to require parents to participate in specified activities, including parenting programmes. While nobody can physically force attendance, failing to comply without reasonable excuse carries serious consequences including potential enforcement orders, costs penalties, and adverse findings about your commitment to your child. Courts generally only make activity directions when they believe participation will benefit your child, so approaching these requirements constructively usually produces better outcomes than resistance.

Who pays for court-directed activities?

Funding arrangements vary depending on the activity type. CAFCASS programmes like SPIP carry no charge to participants as they receive government funding. However, parents typically bear the cost of private programmes, testing services, counselling, and therapeutic interventions. Some activities may qualify for legal aid funding if you receive assistance with your family law case. Courts can consider financial circumstances when deciding what activities to direct, and your legal team can make representations about affordability if relevant.

What happens if I cannot attend due to work commitments?

Courts recognise that parents have employment obligations and will generally accommodate reasonable scheduling requests. Most programmes offer sessions at various times, including evenings and weekends. If genuine work conflicts exist, inform your legal representative immediately so they can seek variations to activity directions before deadlines pass. Proactive communication about difficulties receives far better judicial response than last-minute excuses. Some programmes now offer online participation, which may provide greater flexibility.

Can I request Activity Directions in Child Arrangement Orders for my ex-partner?

Yes, you can invite the court to make activity directions requiring the other parent to complete specific programmes or interventions; the applicant is one party who starts the court application, and the respondent is the other party who answers it. However, courts will only make such orders if satisfied that the proposed activity is appropriate and available, and that requiring participation serves your child’s welfare. Your legal representative can prepare submissions explaining why particular activity requirements would benefit your child. Courts respond to evidence-based arguments supported by professional recommendations rather than allegations alone.

How long do activity directions last?

Activity directions during proceedings typically specify completion timeframes, often requiring activities to be finished before the next hearing date, and these deadlines are often set at the first directions hearing after the case has been issued so the matter is case ready for the next stage. The duration varies based on the activity type, with SPIP taking a single session while domestic abuse programmes may span six months or longer. Activity conditions attached to final orders can extend for the duration of the child arrangement order itself, potentially years. Courts set realistic timeframes considering programme availability and complexity.

What if the directed programme is not available in my area?

Courts must satisfy themselves that directed activities are available before making orders. If programmes genuinely lack local availability, you can apply to vary the activity direction to substitute an equivalent programme or extend timeframes to accommodate travel. Many providers now offer online delivery, expanding access significantly. Your CAFCASS officer can advise on alternative provision, and your legal team can make applications for appropriate variations if availability issues arise.

Will completing activity requirements guarantee I get more contact?
Completing activity directions demonstrates cooperation and addresses specific concerns, but courts make contact decisions based on children’s overall welfare. Successfully finishing programmes improves your position by showing insight and commitment, but guarantees no particular outcome. Courts consider the totality of circumstances when determining arrangements. Genuine engagement with activity requirements, rather than mere box-ticking, produces the strongest positive impression on judges assessing your suitability for increased contact.

Can Activity Directions in Child Arrangement Orders be appealed?

Activity directions form part of interim or final orders and can be appealed through normal appellate procedures. However, appeals succeed only where the original decision was wrong in law or clearly unreasonable. Courts have wide discretion in making activity requirements, so appeals rarely succeed on the basis that different directions would have been preferable. Seeking to vary directions through fresh applications often proves more practical than pursuing appeals. Your legal representative can advise whether appeal or variation represents the better strategy.

Are drug testing requirements included in Activity Directions in Child Arrangement Orders?

Yes, courts regularly include drug and alcohol testing within activity requirements when substance misuse concerns exist. Hair strand tests, blood tests, and urine screening can all feature in court orders. Testing regimes may be one-off assessments or ongoing monitoring throughout contact arrangements. Results typically report to both parties and the court or CAFCASS. If you face testing requirements, understanding the specific substances screened and detection windows helps you demonstrate compliance effectively.

What reasonable excuses exist for non-compliance?

Courts accept genuine illness, family emergencies, and unavoidable circumstances as reasonable excuses for missing activity sessions. Programme unavailability, cancellations by providers, and practical barriers beyond your control may also excuse non-compliance. However, foreseeable work conflicts, inconvenience, and disagreement with court decisions do not constitute reasonable excuses. Document any genuine obstacles contemporaneously and notify your legal team immediately when problems arise to protect your position.

How do activity requirements relate to CAFCASS recommendations?

CAFCASS officers frequently recommend specific activity requirements in their Section 7 reports based on their professional assessment of family needs. Courts give substantial weight to these recommendations when deciding what directions to make. If CAFCASS recommends you complete particular programmes, engaging proactively before the court makes formal directions demonstrates insight and cooperation. Conversely, if you disagree with proposed recommendations, your legal representative can challenge them through submissions and evidence.

Navigating activity directions in child arrangement proceedings requires specialist knowledge of family court procedures and strategic thinking about how these requirements fit within your broader case. At Kabir Family Law, our experienced child lawyers understand the complexities of activity requirements and help clients across England and Wales achieve positive outcomes for their children.

Our national team brings expertise in every aspect of child arrangement proceedings, from initial applications through to enforcement. We advise clients on responding to proposed activity directions, making strategic arguments for appropriate requirements, and ensuring compliance documentation supports their case. Our family lawyers work collaboratively with CAFCASS, programme providers, and the courts to facilitate arrangements that genuinely serve children’s welfare.

Whether you face activity requirements yourself or believe the other parent needs specific intervention, we provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances. Our specialists handle complex cases involving domestic abuse allegations, substance misuse concerns, and mental health considerations with sensitivity and expertise. We understand that activity directions represent opportunities to demonstrate your commitment to your children, and we help you make the most of that opportunity.