School-based Groups for Children of Divorce

Abstract

Over a million children under the age of 18 are involved annually in the breakup of their families through divorce. The majority receive no support to help them cope with the crisis. This paper proposes the establishment of situation/transition groups within the schools, led by school mental health personnel: school psychologists, social workers, and guidance counselors. The groups provide immediate crisis intervention and ongoing support to children of divorcing parents, as a means of preventing the development of psychopathology.