Using a Team-Based Approach: Applying early intervention to resolve family

disputes through the interdisciplinary model

Presented by Lisa Vance

The Law Office of Lisa A. Vance, P.C.

407 8th StreetSan Antonio, Texas 78215

Phone: (210) 582-5887

Fa: (210) 582-5878

www.lisavancelaw.com

Why?

Though only about 10% of divorce cases are considered high-conflict, the issues leading to divorce escalate quickly and have begun to take effect on the kids even before the petition is filed.

Effects of divorce on kids take many forms –behavioral, social, emotional, etc.

Research and experience show an interdisciplinary model of intervention works best when incorporated as early as possible to defray the effects of divorce on kids.

The Interdisciplinary Model

Legal

◦ Setting parameters

◦ Appointing professionals

Mental Health

◦ Individual/family therapy

◦ Reunification therapy

◦ Treatment for issues/problems arising during the divorce process

Education

◦ Conflict resolution

◦ Informing parents of the risks to the children

◦ Improving parenting skills

The Issues

Alienation◦ Forced by one parent against the other

◦ Naturally occurring when parental conflict comes into play

Blame◦ Placing fault on themselves for the break up

◦ Actually blamed by a parent for the break up

Grief◦ The loss of the family unit

◦ The loss of life as they know it

Focusing on the kids

The sources of conflict always

affect the kids

In high-conflict divorce cases,

research has found that even

custody/access arrangements

that provide more exchanges for

visitation lead to more

behavioral, emotional, and social

problems in the children

High conflict cases require

solutions that minimize the

effects of the conflict on the kids

Research shows that resolutions

involving intervention with the

children are more durable

Kids

Courts

MHPs

Advocates

Parties

Getting Kids Acclimated to

Divorce Key actors in the litigation are the adults Kids need a voice◦ Outlet for feelings/emotions

◦ Guidance to develop coping skills

Getting Kids Talking About Their

Feelings Peer groups allow for empathy and

prosocial interaction Third party adult allows for sharing in a

safe environment

Bereavement Model

Newer approach

Kids grieve the loss of their intact family unit

Kids grieve the loss of the life they knew

◦ Two houses

◦ New schedule

◦ Changed family

dynamic

Helping Kids Through the Grief

Process Kids need age-appropriate explanations

about what is happening

Kids need to know what to expect

Kids need personalized outlets that allow them to express their feelings

Resources

Kidsfirstparentssecond.org http://grief.com/the-five-stages-of-grief/ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/family-

divorce/children-and-divorce.htm