Children First

Helping Parents Reduce the Negative Impact of Divorce on their Children

The Children First program provides separating and divorcing parents with the opportunity to learn about and discuss the effect that divorce and the changing family situation has on children. With the assistance of a videotape presentation and discussion, parents are introduced to methods of minimizing the negative consequence of divorce on their children.  Particular focus is on making participants aware of the potential sources of parental conflict that often become a part of the divorce process.

The Children First program was developed in 1985 in the United States through the St. Clair County Mental Health Board with direction from the Family Division Judges of Illinois’ Twentieth Judicial Circuit. It was developed to address the alarming increase in post-decree court appearances in custody divorce cases. The task force arrived at a significant conclusion - children were the silent victims of drawn-out custody battles. An effort began to develop an educational curriculum that would help prepare parents for typical problems families encounter during the divorce and post-divorce process. The Phoenix Centre purchased the program in 1994 and shortly after became the Canadian distributors of the Children First program.

How Does the Children First Program Work?
The Children First program stresses the needs of the children to their parents in a two session class (each session is two hours). The video program contains vignettes portraying situations dealing with the most frequent areas of conflict and re-litigation: visitation, child support and custody arrangements. Topics that are covered include badmouthing the other parent, using children to get information on the other parent, fighting in front of children, and competing for loyalty. Coping styles, managing the stress of divorce, communicating with children, conflict resolution and listening skills are also addressed. Finally, the parents are introduced to a section on moving forward after divorce. This area addresses preparing for quality visits, introducing new partners, blended families and parenting plans.

Both parents are recommended to attend the program but each parent attends a separate class. The Children First curriculum is not meant as counseling, but is intended to serve as “education”.

Children First is Evidence-Based
In 2010, the Children First program worked with Dr. Jeremy Jewell of the Southern Illinois University Psychology Department and Image Technologies Corporation (St. Louis, MO). They worked to review, evaluate, compile, update, film and produce the best parenting education for parents dealing with divorce and separation in North America. The end result is the launch in February 2011 of a new Children First curriculum that is state of the art and based on best practices.

Bringing Children First to Your Work/Community
As the Canadian Distributor of Children First, The Phoenix Centre will provide you with the materials to run this program in your workplace or community. The Curriculum Binder Kit includes the 2 DVDs (Session I and II), a program manual, hand-outs and evaluation originals. For more information on Children First, training options and the cost to purchase the program please contact The Phoenix Centre at 1-800-465-1870 or mail@phoenixctr.com.