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
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