Resources to help you engage stepfamilies

The stepfamily is the fastest growing family type in the UK. By 2010 it is likely to be the largest family type, at the current rate of growth.

It is considered that it takes 4-6 years for a new stepfamily to form a cohesive unit. The early years are when this family is most vulnerable and likely to break up.

Help is needed before the members of a stepfamily live together, as well as in those early years. Care for the Family wants to equip people to support this ever-growing type of family unit.

Care for the Family offers resources specifically for stepfamilies and for those wishing to support them:

• ‘From This Step Forward’ – a preparation course for those marrying and forming a stepfamily. This can be used by church leaders or by another stepcouple facilitating, with a group or an individual couple. Produced on CD-Rom, the course material can be adapted and printed as required.
• ‘Every Step Counts – building a healthy stepfamily’ – Written by Christians, this book is also suitable for those of other faiths or none. It will be of help to those in the congregation as well as those you wish to engage with.
• ‘Life in a Step Family’ – this regular emailed newsletter containing stories, articles and information about resources to help and encourage those parenting in a stepfamily will not only help the family but also the church leader.

Further resources are always being developed – keep an eye on www.careforthefamily.org.uk/stepfamily to find out the latest news.

Click here for ideas on how the church can engage with stepfamilies.

Last Updated 13 December 2010