THE FOLLOWING WILL BE COVERED IN THE COURSE

• The conceptualization of divorce as the loss of the current family structure.

• How to communicate the loss of the current family structure to children.

• The continuing parental roles are expected from the parents despite losing the current family structure.

• The processes commonly experienced by adults and children who are working through the loss of the existing family structure.

• The potential positive impacts on children of continuing the parental relationships with both parents available for the children.

• The various types of support that children will need from both parents collectively and individually.

• The shared responsibilities that are required for effective parenting after a divorce.

• The various approaches to the developmental stages during childhood.

• How the children experience divorce at the various stages of development.

• How divorce is likely to impact childhood development and the steps that can be taken to minimize the harm.

• The steps parents can take to minimize the negative impacts of the divorce on the children depend on the specific stages of development.

• When parents should seek additional help for children during and after divorce.

• The best ways to discuss all divorce-related issues with children are based on their current developmental stages.

• The potential negative impacts on children of parents expressing anger toward the other parent.

• The potential for children to blame themselves for the divorce and any conflicts leading up to the divorce. 

• The major benefit to the children of keeping them out of the parental conflict.

• The best ways to establish effective relationships with the other parent are to minimize the children's exposure to parental conflict and contribute to the children's continued development.

• The potential power and control dynamics of domestic violence.

• The major warning signs of domestic violence and how it should be reported. 

• A discussion of the Florida toll-free domestic violence hotline telephone number.

• How parents can recognize signs of child abuse and neglect and respond appropriately?

• The existing Florida statutory mandate to report child abuse or neglect. 

• The penalties imposed by Florida for false reports of child abuse or neglect.

• The fines for failure to report child abuse. 

• Information about Florida family law and its importance in post-divorce cases. 

• The statutory definitions regarding all court issues involve divorced or separated parents with minor children.

• The recognized benefits to children of maintaining a highly stable, consistent relationship with each parent.

• The best pathways to developing an effective parenting plan.

• The best ways to effectively communicate with the other parent regarding time spent with the children.

• The relevant definitions of the terms related to your court case.

• References to divorce and separation are useful for parents and in teaching children to cope.

• Additional links to resources in the community.