Social Justice, a network aimed at empowering communities, families and mediation professionals at the ground roots level of shared decision making through accredited training programs and mediation solutions in South Africans, has created an innovative digital platform designed to simplify maintenance obligation reporting.
Their flagship product, the Coparent App, not only enhances the communication between separated parents but also provides a safe, efficient way to manage essential financial responsibilities such as housing, food, clothing, education, and medical care for children.
What is the Coparent App?
The Coparent App is a tool developed by Social Justice, aimed at transforming family dynamics post-separation. It bridges the gap in communication between parents who are divorced, separated, or simply living apart. Designed for busy parents or those with complex schedules, this app ensures both parents are involved in their children’s lives, no matter the circumstances.
Key Features of the Coparent App
1. Simplified Scheduling and Notifications:
The app includes a shared calendar with predefined schedules that can be tailored to each family’s needs. Parents can easily request changes, plan for school holidays, and receive notifications for important events like doctor appointments, school meetings, or changes in pick-up times. The color-coded system makes everything visually easy to understand.
2. Instant Messaging with Language Filters:
The Coparent App also offers an instant messaging platform with built-in language filters. Parents can communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings, with all messages saved for future reference. This helps keep a record of important communications and reduces potential conflicts.
3. Payment Records and Reminders:
To streamline financial responsibilities, the app includes a payment facility where parents can record child support or other payments. With payment reminders, parents are notified when payments are due, and they can upload invoices or receipts for easy tracking.
4. Document Storage:
Important documents, such as birth certificates, immunization records, medical aid details, and parenting agreements, can be securely stored in the cloud. Both parents have access to these documents at any time, ensuring a smooth flow of information.
5. Professional Assistance When Needed:
The Coparent App also allows parents to invite professionals such as family mediators, child psychologists, or mutual lawyers into the platform. These professionals can offer guidance, reduce conflict, and help parents make better decisions without resorting to legal action.
6. Access to Family Service Providers:
For those who need additional support, the app includes a directory of verified family service providers. Subscribed parents can access a wide range of services that cater to their unique family needs.
A Comprehensive Digital Platform for Maintenance Obligations
In addition to co-parenting tools, Social Justice has integrated a powerful maintenance obligation tracker into the Coparent App. This tracker ensures that maintenance obligations such as child support are met on time and that non-payment does not go unnoticed.
The platform provides clear, verifiable data that credit providers can access when conducting inquiries, helping to enforce financial responsibility. By working with Consumer Profile Bureau, one of South Africa’s leading credit bureaus, the app ensures that all maintenance data is accurate, protected, and accessible.
The Future of Coparent App: Expanding Beyond South Africa
Currently, Coparent is operational in South Africa, with plans to expand to Hague Convention Countries. With its innovative approach to digital maintenance obligation reporting and co-parenting communication, Social Justice aims to make a lasting impact on families globally.
Anneke Greyvenstein, Managing Director of Coparent, and chairman of Social Justice Foundation NPO, envisions the platform as not just a tool for legal compliance, but as part of an interconnected financial ecosystem that benefits the socio-economic stability of children in single-parent families.
