Must every separation result in ongoing parental conflict and damage to children? Too often mental health professionals, lawyers and the courts intervene AFTER the dissolution process has devolved into ongoing litigation. What can we do prophylactically to avoid or limit the damage to parents and children? This workshop explores ideas about how to reach parents and children BEFORE the firestorm hits. Early intervention programs and systems can be developed for those who are the first to encounter a family in crisis such as medical providers, financial consultants, therapists, or leaders of religious communities. This workshop explores how we can educate and prompt these professionals and leaders to intervene early in the separation process, how we can use existing resources (such as therapists) before litigation ensues, and how we better educate parents and those who work with families in crisis about the adverse consequences that result from ongoing conflict and litigation.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to identify possible early interventions which may occur before separation or prior to the onset of litigation which may reduce or diminish conflict in the family system.
- Participants will be able to discuss ways in which technology can be used in early intervention programs to improve treatment and resources for the family.
- Participants will be able to describe ways in which technology can be used with unserved populations in order to circumvent conflict and improve treatment and resources for the family.