Separation is one of the most significant and often distressing transitions individuals and families can experience. Alongside practical changes such as living arrangements and finances, clients may be navigating grief, conflict and uncertainty about the future.

In Australia, relationship breakdown is a common experience. Nearly one in three Australians report having experienced a separation or divorce that continues to impact their lives, highlighting the long-term nature of its effects.

For professionals supporting clients during this time, your role is critical in helping them access the right support and navigate this transition constructively.

Understanding the impact

Separation affects individuals and families in different ways, but research shows some consistent patterns.

• Mental health challenges are common
  Up to 28% of separating parents report very high levels of mental distress, particularly in situations involving ongoing conflict.
• Conflict significantly increases risk
  Around 1 in 5 separations involve significant conflict, which is strongly linked to poorer outcomes for both adults and children.
• Long-term wellbeing can be affected
  People who experience relationship breakdown often report increased loneliness, reduced wellbeing, and ongoing relationship pressures.

Separation can also bring financial strain, which is closely linked to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, particularly for single-parent households.

Impact on Children and Young People

Children are particularly sensitive to the changes that come with separation.

• In Australia, around 1 in 4 children experience parental separation before age 18.
• Research shows children who experience separation may be at higher risk of emotional, behavioural and social difficulties, including anxiety, peer challenges and academic issues.
• Studies indicate the likelihood of adjustment difficulties can increase by 1.5 to 2 times compared to children from non-separated families.

However, outcomes are not the same for every child. Protective factors such as stable routines, supportive relationships and low parental conflict play a significant role in promoting resilience.

Practical Ways to Support Clients

CThere are several ways you can support clients during this transition:

Provide clear referral pathways
Ensuring clients can easily access the right services is essential for ongoing support.

Encourage early support
Early intervention can prevent issues from escalating and help clients build coping strategies sooner.

Promote child-focused decision-making
Supporting clients to prioritise children’s wellbeing can lead to more stable, positive long-term outcomes.

Normalise help-seeking
Reassure clients that seeking support is a proactive step and a key part of navigating change.

Reduce conflict where possible
Given the strong link between conflict and poor outcomes, guiding clients toward mediation or counselling can be highly beneficial.

How CatholicCare Can Help

CatholicCare offers a range of services to support individuals and families through separation:

• Family Law Counselling
  Supports clients to navigate emotional and relational challenges, with a focus on child-centred outcomes.
• Children’s Contact Services
  Provides safe, structured environments to maintain relationships between children and family members.
• Counselling Services
  Helps individuals process emotions, build resilience and adjust to change.
• Parenting and Group Programs
  Supports skill-building in areas such as communication, parenting and managing conflict.

Working Together for Better Outcomes

While separation can be challenging, with the right support, many individuals and families are able to adjust and move forward positively.

By working collaboratively and connecting clients with appropriate services early, we can:

• Reduce conflict
• Support mental health
• Promote positive outcomes for children and families

If you have a client who may benefit from additional support, our team is here to help.