Supporting Children After Separation

For children, adjusting to parental conflict and separation, learning to alternate between households, and possibly moving to new schools or neighbourhoods can be a challenge.  Approximately 50 000 children each year in Australia have this experience and many will exhibit behavioural and emotional reactions such as:

· Difficulties with sleeping and eating

· Withdrawal, social isolation

· Regression (returning to behaviour they had previously outgrown)

· Difficulties in focussing at school

· Crying, whining and physical complaints

· Risk taking behaviour

· Aggressive and non-cooperative behaviour

Distress and pain following separation, self-blame, fears of abandonment, wishes for reconciliation, grief at the loss of familiar connections and the new stresses facing a single parent family are very real for these children.  However most are able to make their adjustment without severe or long term behavioural or emotional problems.

The objectives of this program provide:

· A range of interventions to support children as they experience issues related to the breakdown of their parent’s relationship, and

· Opportunities for children to safely express their thoughts and feelings about the circumstances in which they find themselves Some of the activities of the program may include:· Assessment  of parent concerns and child needs· Individual counselling utilising a range of therapeutic interventions· Child consultation as a prelude to other interventions (eg: family counselling)· Group and peer support activities; skills development· Culturally appropriate support· Information and referral for the child or parent Court ReportsIt is a requirement of the Australian Government (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Attorney-General’s Department) that this program is not able to be used to provide court reports.         .      

 OTHER SUPPORTS

The Emergency Relief Service also aims where possible to link people to other appropriate services and supports. 

LOCATION

The program is based at Lifeline’s Counselling Centre at 5 Mill Street Toowoomba although some activities may occur outside this site. 

COST The program is provided without cost to children and parents.  Parents are invited to consider making a donation to Lifeline where donations of $2.00 or more will be tax deductable. 

OTHER PROGRAMS OFFERED    Lifeline Darling Downs:        ●  Family Therapy (4632 0496).Counselling to assist individuals and families with issues that negatively affect their lives.                                                      ●   Men & Relationships Program (4638 9208)Counselling and support for males (including           Indigenous) from the age of 10 years.        ●  Family Law Pathways Project     Toowoomba Children’s Contact Centre             (4638 0035)    Centacare:        ●   Family Relationship Centre (4699 5444)Counselling and support for parents before           separation, family dispute resolution and            support for parents after separation. ENQUIRIESFor further information please contact either:Tristan Mentor    Ph:  (07) 4632 0496