Hearts and Homes provides a 2½ hour educational workshop twice each month for parents who are experiencing divorce or separation. Research in the field is very clear that children do much better when their parents participate in educational programs which are designed to ease families through the transition of divorce. The workshop sessions focus on the child’s experience of the separation. Parents learn about the effects of divorce on their children, how to help their children through the changes and challenges presented by the divorce, and how to enable their adjustment to the reorganized family. The overall goals are to reduce conflict, increase communication, and support children’s needs. The Hearts and Homes curriculum stresses the importance of parents accepting personal responsibility for assuring that children’s interests come first.
During the workshop, parents learn about:
- factors affecting children’s adjustment
- the developmental needs of children
- effective communication with the child and the child’s other parent
- co-parenting and protecting children from conflict.
The workshops are facilitated by trained and experienced mental health practitioners and teachers who have expertise working with families. The program director is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Workshops are held twice a month at the Hearts and Homes center. Participants who complete the workshop are provided with an attendance report which is accepted by the courts.
Handouts, booklists and website lists are provided to encourage parents to cover topics in greater depth using self-help materials. Parents who are interested can continue their learning by participating with their children in further workshops offered by the Hearts and Homes Kids’ Turn program.
Parents are referred by courts, attorneys, counselors, and human service providers. We also encourage self referrals by those who believe they could benefit from the workshops. Divorcing parents may both attend the same workshop. Program fees are based on a sliding scale and must be made before the session.
Registration forms can be obtained by calling 406-585-8544, Monday thru Friday, from 9am to 4pm. Or download the PDF form on the sidebar at right.