Children and Parents After Separation Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2010
Contact: Rick Craig       
604.660.3191; Rick.Craig(a)JusticeEducation.ca

New Course Helps Families Through Divorce/Separation

Vancouver, BC – Children and Parents After Separation (CPAS) is a new, free course to help all family members manage the divorce/separation process.

CPAS will provide practical information to show parents how to make informed decisions about their separation. Children will learn how to cope with the changes that are occurring in their family. This whole-family approach provides a unique opportunity for the parents and children to discuss the same issues.

“Families experience an intense emotional impact during and after a parental separation,” said Richard Argue, a counsellor who will be facilitating the program. “By working with the entire family, CPAS hopes to help parents connect with their children so they can provide effective parenting throughout this incredibly difficult time.”

CPAS includes three programs, one for children aged 5-8, one for youth aged 9-13, and one for parents. The children and youth programs take place in their own rooms and the parents program is held in two rooms so that both parents can attend at the same time. Each program consists of four, two-hour sessions.

The children and youth will discuss ways to adjust to changes, how to talk about and express their feelings, and how to handle common conflict-laden situations that children experience when their parents separate.

Topics parents cover will include common feelings children have at separation, talking to children about separation, and settling legal issues such as child support, custody and access.

“When separating parents are able to cooperate and parent effectively, their children are just as emotionally healthy and resilient as those from families whose parents stay together,” said Rick Craig, Executive Director of the Justice Education Society, which developed the program.

A limited number of seats are still available for the first intake, which will be in New Westminster on February 6, 13, 20 and 27. Additional dates have been scheduled throughout 2010 in both New Westminster and Vancouver. Parents should register their families as soon as possible by phoning    604-775-0856.

About the Justice Education Society
Established in 1989 as the Law Courts Education Society, the Justice Education Society is dedicated to improving access to the justice system through hands-on, targeted, two-way education between the public and those working in the system.

The Justice Education Society has created over 100 programs and resources and introduced over one million British Columbians to the province’s justice system.

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For more information please contact:
Rick Craig at 604.660.3191 or Rick.Craig(at)JusticeEducation.ca