WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A CHILD SPECIALIST IN A COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE?

  1. To Be A Resource To The Child.
    • To give the child a voice (not a choice) in the process.
    • To provide the child with a safe place and a neutral and knowledgeable adult with whom to talk about the family changes.
    • To provide reassurance and foster resilience during a time of change.
  1. To Be A Resource To The Parents.
    • To educate parents on the impact of divorce on children.
    • To assist parents in understanding how divorce might impact their unique child given his/her developmental level, temperament and family structure/system.
    • To assist parents in fostering resilience in their child in a time of change.
    • To discuss family re-structuring options.
  1. To Be A Resource To The Team.
    • To keep the needs of the children as a primary focus.
    • To educate the team as to how the family system operates in regard to the chi
    • To advocate for the child.

TIMING OPTIONS

  1. Pre-divorce, after initial consultation with attorneys.
  2. During divorce process, as a team member.
  3. Post-divorce, as a resource for review / issue resolution.