The debate over the joint parental responsibility model in Hong Kong

Evaluation of CPI‐based co‐parenting education programs in Hong Kong: Implications for social work

“…Last but not least, there is prolonged but ignored advocacy on the re‐conceptualization of post‐separation and post‐divorce families to address continuous co‐parenting and parental alliance (Lau, 2003, 2014). To provide a more adequate conceptualization and facilitate further service development, Théry’s, (1986) “enduring family” and Ahrons’ (1980) “binuclear family” have been recommended to replace the exclusive concept of “single parent families.” Furthermore, service development guided by proper conceptualization and continuous promotion of parental responsibility and co‐parenting will pave the way for successful and beneficial legislature reform in the future.…”

“…Advocates from social services and legal sectors engaged in persistent efforts to influence the development of a comprehensive support services system along with related legal reformation (Hong Kong Council of Social Services, 2012; Lau, 2014; Law Society of Hong Kong, 2012). Sensing the need for an effective model of co‐parenting support services in Hong Kong, a well‐established family service agency launched the first pilot project on co‐parenting support services (the CPI‐Based Co‐Parenting and Parenting Coordination Project) in 2013, with funding support from The Community Chest of Hong Kong.…”

“…However, this inadequate conceptualization gives rise to gender inequality among parents of both sexes. While most custodial mothers are overwhelmed by the assumption of the sole responsibility for their children, non‐resident fathers suffer a disadvantage and play a peripheral parental role in the lives of their children (Lau, 2014).…”