Educating Professionals Elevating Practice Protecting Children
Parenting Coordination is a structured, child-centred process designed to help separated parents reduce conflict, improve communication and make consistent, developmentally-appropriate decisions for their children. Used for decades in the USA and Canada, it is a proven approach that strengthens co-parenting relationships and significantly reduces re-litigation.
As Parenting Coordination gains momentum in Australia, the Parenting Coordination Institute is committed to building professional capability, elevating standards, and increasing public understanding of this globally recognised practice.
Redefining how families navigate conflict. Here in Australia and worldwide.
About our Founder
Anne Marie Cade
Anne-Marie Cade is consultant, facilitator and researcher specialising in trauma informed parenting coordination and high conflict co-parenting.
Anne-Marie was named Australian Mediator of the Year 2023 at the Australasian Law Awards. Judges’ comments include – “Awarded highest score for emphasis on innovation. Anne-Marie’s research to support and continue her professional work in the field of Parenting Coordination is impressive and outstanding.
Common Questions
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The Parenting Coordination Institute (PCI)
Supporting professionals to help families move from conflict to cooperation.
The Parenting Coordination Institute (PCI) equips professionals with the education, tools and frameworks they need to guide families experiencing ongoing post-separation conflict.
Grounded in international best practice and trauma-informed research, PCI empowers parents to move beyond persistent disputes toward respectful, cooperative co-parenting while promoting stability and emotional safety for children. -
Parenting Coordination is a non-confidential, post-separation intervention designed for parents experiencing on-going conflict after court orders or parenting agreements have been finalised. When parents separate and the legal process ends the co-parenting conflict does not end. Infact it often gets worse.
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Co-parenting after separation or divorce is rarely easy and in high-conflict situations, it can feel overwhelming.
1. Reduce conflict and protect children
Parenting Coordinators work to shield children from ongoing parental conflict. They help parents follow court orders or parenting plans more consistently and focus on their children’s well-being instead of reliving past grievances.
Children benefit from less stress and greater predictability.
Parents get coaching on how to handle disagreements without putting kids in the middle.
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For Parents:
Provides a structured way to resolve day-to-day parenting disputes
Reduces the need for repeated court appearances and extra legal costs.
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Engaging a Parenting Coordinator (PC) typically involves the following steps. While procedures may vary this outline reflects best practices that balances legal process, professional standards and the needs of families.
1. Referral or Recommendation
Who can refer: A Parenting Coordinator may be recommended by a judge, family lawyer, family dispute resolution practitioner, mediator, family report writer or therapist. In some cases, parents themselves or their lawyers may request the appointment. description.
What we offer
PC Training & Certification
Programmes providing specialised parenting coordination training for experienced family law and mental health professionals to become Parenting Coordinators.
Family Law Professionals
We partner with courts, law firms, ADR services, and organisations to embed Parenting Coordination models that reduce re-litigation and elevate outcomes for children.
Trauma Informed Practice
Evidence-informed tools, and frameworks that reflect the latest in trauma-responsive practice, neuroscience and dispute-resolution theory.
For Schools
Supporting schools to respond confidently when students are affected by separation and family conflict. We provide trauma-informed, practical tools to help staff manage complex family dynamics with clarity and care.
Find out more
Australasian Mediator of the Year 2023
Conflict Coach of the Year
ADR Project of the Year
ADR Innovation of the Year
2024 Service to Dispute Resolution
Media Inquiries/Contact Us
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